Page 81 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

The corners of his mouth turned up, showing off his white teeth in a smile that stole her breath.

“I’m a big boy. I need my nutrients.”

She laughed and shook her head. “I guess so.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll share.”

“Well, that bread does sound good,” she agreed.

“Atlas is a magician in the kitchen. You haven’t been here yet?”

“No. But if the remodel is any indication of what he can do as a chef, I’m sure I’ll be more than satisfied.” She sipped her cider, the warming spices teasing her tongue with the right ratio of tart to sweet.

His heated gaze dropped to her lips as she licked them. The stiffness in his shoulders from the car ride was gone. She much preferred this relaxed version of Nash.

“So, what were you thinking for names?” Isabella smoothed her napkin over her lap.

“For the baby?”

“Yeah. Do you have anything in mind?” she asked.

He blew out a breath. “I never . . .” His expression darkened.

She placed her hand on his, prepared this time for the thrum of energy at their connection. “It’s okay. We have time.”

His thumb lifted, pressing into her soft skin, rubbing back and forth. “Thank you for being patient with me. I know I’m not the easiest . . . that I’m definitely not who you wanted to have a baby with.”

“I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to have another child. I’d always wanted more. You’ve given me a gift too, even if it is unconventional. I’m grateful for this little girl.”

“Me too.” His voice shook.

“I think we can make this work for her. As long as we’re open and honest with each other about our needs and where we stand. We can find a way to co-parent her in a way where she doesn’t feel like she’s missing out on a more traditional situation.”

“You think so?”

“Absolutely. I’ve seen how much love your family has. They’ve taken me in and treated me better than my own mother in some ways.”

“I’m sorry if I’ve caused a rift between you two.” His thumb kept stroking.

She waved her free hand and shook her head. “You didn’t. My mom and I haven’t ever really been on the same page in life. We’re very different. But she has this idea of how my life should look, and I ruined that freshman year in college. I went along with what she wanted then, and, well, I’m doing things my way this time and she just can’t accept that.” She sipped her cider. “Don’t get me wrong. I know she loves me and her actions are coming from a place of that affection. She worries about me. But it doesn’t make what she does or says right.”

He swallowed, his prominent Adam’s apple bobbing. “You stood up for me with her. I never got to thank you. But you know you don’t have to.”

“Why do you say that?”

His jaw tensed. Pulling his hand away, he grabbed the cider and took a few long gulps. The trio of women at a table nearby clinked their glasses together before laughing. Their joy was a complete contrast to the icy tension emanating from the man across from her.

“Nash, don’t run away.”

He set the cup down, his focus skimming over the other diners around them. “I’m sitting right here.”

She shook her head. “But emotionally, you just took off like a sprint runner at the Olympics.”

Somewhere in the restaurant, plates clinked together. A woman nearby laughed, loud and merry, but Nash was completely silent.

His chest rose and fell. “What do you want from me?”

“I’ve known you for months now, but this is the first time we’ve really gotten the chance to talk, besides the picnic on the mountain. We need to learn more about each other for this to work. I know you didn’t want to have to see me again and definitely not have a baby with me, but this is where we are.”

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