Page 93 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

Tessa: Tell Eli to call his favorite auntie. I sent you guys a package with some goodies in it. Should be there by tomorrow.

Isabella: I will, and thanks.

Tessa: Of course! Love you lots.

Isabella: Love you too.

She slid the phone back in her pocket and sighed. Eli would be happy to get a gift in the mail. Maybe that would cheer him up. Her belly twisted into knots. Eli’s pain piled on top of her own. He’d opted to go to school today despite her offer to skip and spend time together. It’s just because he likes routine. He probably needed that comfort.

The sliding door opened behind her before heavy footsteps walked up to her. Nash stuck his hands in his pockets, eyeing her from the side. “You want a distraction?”

She turned to him. “What did you have in mind?”

“Grab your coat and put your shoes on.” Nash disappeared into the house again.

Curiosity had her following after him. After closing the door, she set her tea on the counter. “Where are we going?”

His palm rested on her lower back, ushering her towards the doorway. He reached down and grabbed her pink shoes, holding them out for her. It was a sweet gesture. Putting on shoes that required laces was next to impossible with her six-month pregnant belly.

The back of his hand clasped her calf as he eased her foot in the shoe. “It’s a surprise.”

“I-I like surprises.” She smiled.

He finished tying her second shoe and stood, giving her a nod. “Good.” He grabbed the keys from the hanger by the door and walked out, leaving her to put on her coat and catch up.

“Am I dressed right?” she asked, buckling in.

His gaze roamed over her, his eyes heating. “You’re perfect.”

The drive into town didn’t take long. Nash opened her door and helped her out onto Main Street. He held her hand as they crossed the road, leading her to The Oyster Bookstore.

“We’re getting books?” she asked excitedly.

“This is the first stop.” He didn’t let her hand go as they passed Pippa, the owner, with a wave.

“What kind of books do you like to read?” he asked.

“Uh, well, I’m a pretty big fan of romance and women’s fiction. Also, mysteries.”

“Let’s start over here, then.” He motioned to the far end of the store where half-naked men adorned most covers in the aisle.

She blushed. “You don’t have to stay here. You can go to the boring literary section.”

“How do you know what I read?”

“Because that’s almost entirely what’s on your bookshelf in the office, and from what I saw, your bedroom shelves too.”

He nodded. “They’re far from boring.”

“Kind of like those documentaries you like to watch.”

“Hey, you liked the one we watched last week about the bank heist.”

She laughed. “Not falling asleep does not equate with like. I was just enjoying your foot massage too much to move.”

He scoffed and shook his head. “I’ll find one you love one of these days.”

“Impossible.”

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