Page 130 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

But life was full of unexpected things. Both good and bad. And as much as Isabella wanted to perceive him as the god of the sea, he was human.

She let out a deep breath. She wouldn’t let the worry of what could happen taint this joyous moment. She’d continue doing what she’d promised and step into tomorrow.

EPILOGUE - ISABELLA

“Watch your step,” Nash warned, holding her hand and guiding her onto his boat.

Rays of warm sunshine danced over the mostly calm ocean waters. The scent of salt and sea melded with a hint of cedar from the captain himself. She buried her face in his chest and wrapped her arms around him. It was nice to be able to do that without a basketball between them anymore.

“Do you think Alba will have enough to eat? Maybe I should pump one more time—”

He hooked his arm around her and held her tightly against him. “She’s got plenty of milk. We won’t be gone long at all. My mother’s raised four kids; I think she can handle a five-month-old for a couple hours. Besides . . .” He kissed her neck, making her shiver. “Daddy needs some alone time with Mommy.”

She giggled. “And we had to come out to the boat for that? In my parents’ marina?”

“Of course not. Just sit your pretty ass in that seat right there and enjoy the ride.” He pulled away and pointed to the spot next to the captain’s chair.

“Hmm. What if I want to drive this time?”

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Sweetness, you can drive my boat anytime you like.”

“Are we talking your actual boat or is this a euphemism? Because I have to tell you, the first time you told me you had rods to go fishin’, I wasn’t sure.”

Mirth sparkled in his eyes. “Guess you’ll have to wait and see. Now go get settled.”

She obeyed, taking in the view as he untied the boat and started the engine.

It was smooth waters as they chugged out of the bay. She kept her attention ahead on the white caps of the waves towards the horizon. The sea birds flew overhead, and the lighthouse was in the distance. Waves lapped at the boat as a warm, salty breeze blew over them. She turned, taking in the man beside her. His black riot of curls were tousled from the wind. His beard had grown out a little longer. It was a little messy from the weather and her own fingers. His dark umber skin shone in the sun with tints of gold. She’d seen this man in many lights: co-parent, boyfriend, father, son, brother, and lover. But her favorite was like this, when he was in his element. Her Poseidon.

The engine slowed before it cut. Nash turned towards her and smiled. His white teeth were a contrast to his full brown lips. “What are you thinking about?”

She bit her lip. “How you would look shirtless with a trident.”

His eyes rounded and his brows drew together. “What?”

“The first time I saw you, I thought you looked like Poseidon, god of the sea.”

He tipped his head to the side. “Well, I guess we know what I’ll be for next Halloween.” He winked.

A burst of laughter escaped her as she looked around. “Where are we?”

“You don’t remember?”

“Should I?” she asked.

“This is where I took you fishing that night.”

“Well, that explains it. I didn’t really get to see much of the top deck while we were here,” she teased.

“That’s right. I guess you better go below to see if it jogs any memories.” He motioned to the door.

She gave him a cursory glance as she did just that, opening the door and sucking in a breath. She was met with the flickering of dozens of flameless candles bathing the room in a warm glow.

“Nash. What . . . how . . .?”

“Go on in.” He spoke in her ear.

She stepped down into the space. The table on her left was littered with battery-powered tea lights. The bed where they’d conceived Alba was farthest to her right.

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