Page 127 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

His brothers and sister looked at each other before they moved as one, surrounding Nash and pulling him into a group hug.

“They can push each other’s buttons like nobody else, but then there are these moments that make all the stress they put me through worth it,” Renita said as she stepped to Isabella’s side.

“You have a wonderful family.”

“And it’s about to get a little bigger.” She winked and rubbed Isabella’s belly. “Thank you. You’ve given me my son back and a grandchild.”

Isabella’s stomach fluttered. She wasn’t sure if it was the baby or the nerves.

Renita turned towards her children who were now joking and teasing each other in the center of the kitchen.

“Alright, I’m heading out. Love you all.” Renita turned and made her way to the door, Roman carrying a sleepy Ariel behind her soon after.

“That’s my cue too.” Ricky grabbed his coat and wrapped a scarf around his neck. “I’m going to hit the gym before I head home.”

“Drive safe.” Isabella waved.

“Well, now that they caught the guy that hit your car and left you in a ditch, the roads should be safer,” Ricky remarked on his way out the door.

It seems the man hadn’t learned his lesson and had done the same thing a few weeks later in another town after one too many drinks. This time, there were witnesses and he couldn’t escape. It was the same description as the car that had hit Isabella’s and the paint was a match. He was now serving time in jail for the hit and runs.

“Where’s Eli?” Nova asked, glancing around the corner where Eli was busy flicking through TV channels until he landed on reruns of a fishing show he was obsessed with. Nova cut a glance at Isabella, a smile on her lips. “I think I’ll spend some time with my nephew before I leave.”

Nash wrapped his arms around Isabella’s waist, pulling her back to his front and inhaling at her neck. “Have I ever told you, you smell like rose hips? You know, the sweet pink flower that grows in bushes around the edges of the coast?”

“It’s my body wash.”

“Well, whatever it is, I like it.” As if to further prove his point, he nuzzled her neck.

“Come with me.” She took his hand, leading him upstairs.

“Sweetness, are you trying to take advantage of me while my sister is in the house?” His low chuckle made her pussy clench. They hadn’t crossed that line since she came back home. She couldn’t risk her heart without knowing for sure it would be taken care of this time. Nash had been so patient. But her vibrator was sure getting a workout.

“Maybe.” She led him towards his bedroom. “I know today was hard for you. And I didn’t want to take away from that. But I hoped I could also turn it around and make it a good memory for you too.” She opened the door and walked in.

Nash followed her to the bed where a biodegradable lantern lay with a marker. He stopped and turned to her.

She tucked a few strands of loose hair behind her ear nervously. “It seemed to help Eli when you did this for us, so I thought . . .”

Nash stepped into her space, cupped her face with his warm, calloused hands. “This was so thoughtful, but you see . . . I’ve already said my goodbyes. Ana will always be with me, much like I assume Robert will stay with you. They are people we’ve loved and lost.” His voice broke, and he cleared his throat. “I’m glad we could lay her to rest today. That she isn’t missing anymore. But—” His lips pressed together in a grim line, his eyes glassy with unshed tears.

The emotion radiating off him made her chest ache. She wished she could do something to ease his sorrow. “But?”

He opened his mouth and closed it, pulling away. Her heart sunk. He still couldn’t let her in when things got hard. Tears welled in her own eyes. He couldn’t—

Nash knelt in front of her, his face pressed against her very pregnant belly as his hands wrapped around her waist. She placed her hand on his head.

“But she’s gone. And I’m here with the most amazing woman I’ve had the privilege of knowing and loving, and have love me. Maybe it makes me a heartless asshole, but today wasn’t an end for me. It’s the beginning of a new phase of my life. One that I’m actively choosing.”

He tipped his head back to look at her, tear tracks glistening down his cheeks. “I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you. Never thought I’d experience this or have the family that I’d wanted for so long. But I stopped feeling sorry for myself and realized that if I wanted a woman like you, I’d have to be the man you needed.”

“Is that why you finally agreed to go to therapy?” she asked.

“Yeah. Enough was enough. I wasn’t getting anywhere on my own. And I didn’t want to keep hurtin’ you.”

She was just grateful he’d finally reached out for help.

Nash got to his feet, his hands dropping to his sides. “Do you . . . I mean . . .” He blew out a breath, his body trembling like he was nervous. “Do you think you can forgive me? Even if you’re not ready today—I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

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