Page 71 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

Remy snorted. “She already made me promise to bring her some home.”

“I found these stragglers in the driveway.” Ricky nodded towards the couple coming closer. Isabella’s parents had come after all. Her mother’s face was pinched, her arm locked around her father’s.

“Hello, everyone. Thanks for inviting us,” her papi said.

James and Renita greeted them as a heat stronger than the bonfire met her back.

Nash’s arm brushed hers as he leaned in. “Do they know you’re moving in tomorrow?”

She shook her head. “No. I was going to tell them tonight. That way, there are plenty of witnesses for when my mother murders me.” She forced a laugh.

Nash stiffened. Obviously, her joke had missed the mark.

She patted his forearm, turning to face him. “You don’t have to come with me.”

His eyelids drooped as his attention dropped down her body to her round belly, his jaw hardening to granite before he returned his attention back to hers. “I told you, I’m in this.”

Nash followed her lead as she greeted her parents. “Mama, Papi, thanks for coming.”

Papi reached out, giving her a hug. “Of course, mija.”

Her mother glanced at Nash, her expression souring even further.

“Catherine,” her father prodded.

“We wouldn’t have to be here if you’d learned your lesson the first time,” she snapped.

Each of her mother’s words were like a blow to the chest.

Nash slipped his pinky finger around hers. She sucked in a quick breath. Was he trying to comfort her?

Nash took a small step forward. “Mr. and Mrs. Noveas, I’m glad you could come. Help yourself to the snacks and drinks. I hope our families can get to know each other a little better—”

Her mother sniffed and walked away, ignoring Nash.

Mortification slammed into Isabella. “I’m sorry, Nash. You don’t deserve that. I’ll talk to her.”

Her father spoke up. “No, I will.” He released a heavy sigh.

“I’m sorry for causing you any more stress, Papi.”

He shook his head and lifted his hand. “No, it’s high time I spoke to her about her attitude. She loves you, sweetheart. She just wants you safe.”

“I’m safe with Nash.” She looped her hand in Nash’s, squeezing. “And we’ve decided to move in together for a while. That way, he can help when the baby comes.”

Her father studied them both. “You’re together now?”

Nash flinched and pulled his hand out of hers. She tried not to take it personally, but she was only human.

“No, Papi. We’re trying to find a way to co-parent that works for the both of us. It might be easier if we’re in the same house for the beginning,” she explained.

“Well, I don’t understand it, but I trust you, mija.” Her father turned to Nash. “You’ll take care of my daughter and grandbabies? Make sure they’re safe and have everything they need?”

“Papi—” She tried to argue. This wasn’t the 1950s, after all. She didn’t actually need a man.

“No, it’s alright. I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Nash leveled his attention on her father. “I swear I’ll do everything in my power to keep them safe.”

Papi stared back at him, the men seemingly having a silent conversation with their eyes. Finally, her father gave a curt nod. “I’ll hold you to that, young man.”

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