Page 16 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

“Do you want me to go with you? Or we can go right now to the pharmacy and get a test.”

“I . . . I want to put it off. I just . . . I’m not ready quite yet. You’re probably right and it’s just stress with the move and managing a grieving autistic preteen. I’m making a big deal out of nothing. I’ll be fine.” Bella sniffed and nodded, her voice steady.

“Well, I’m here. Say the word and I’ll come over with ice cream, chocolate, and wine—even if I have to drink it all myself,” Tessa teased before giving her another hug. “Whatever happens, you’re not alone. I’ll be the best long-distance auntie. And you’ll have your parents nearby this time . . . You could always stay here, too.”

Bella laughed and then quickly sobered. “I haven’t done the test yet. There’s still a chance I’m sick or something.”

“You say that like it’s a good thing.” Tessa gave her one last squeeze before pulling away. “I’m here for you.”

“Thank you. I just . . . I don’t think I’m going to be very good company tonight. Maybe I should head home.”

“Nonsense. We’ll send this guy to the store for lots of ice cream, and order some Chinese. You pick—comedy or crying movie?”

Bella’s gaze flicked to Roy.

He offered her a smile. “What kind of ice cream?”

“Mint chocolate chip. And double-chocolate cookie dough if they have it,” Bella answered. Go big or go home, right? If she was going to wallow, best to do it properly.

“Done. Call your order in and I’ll pick it up too.” Roy grabbed the keys from the bowl on the counter before he made his way over to kiss Tessa on her cheek.

“Thank you.” Tessa met his gaze.

“Anytin’ for you, a stór.”

Isabella choked back tears at the affection those two shared in such a short amount of time. If I can’t have that, I don’t want anything at all. I won’t settle again.

Roy nodded towards Bella before he left the apartment.

“And to think you almost didn’t give him a shot.” Bella chuckled, relaxing onto the couch.

Tessa smiled, joining her. “I guess I have you to thank for helping me see the light.”

“You just needed a little push.” Isabella ran her fingers over the tassels on one of Tessa’s colorful pillows.

Tessa was quiet for a few moments before she asked, “You okay?”

Isabella sighed. “You mean because I’m most likely pregnant by a man I only know the first name of? The fact that in less than a week I’m traveling halfway across the country to move back in with my parents, newly widowed at thirty years of age?”

“Stupid question.”

Bella snuggled against her. Sometimes a girl just needed to snuggle. “I don’t want to think about it tonight. Let’s watch some stupid comedy so I can laugh and forget everything for a little while longer.”

Tessa picked up the remote and looped her arm around her friend. “Whatever you need.”

The movie played while Isabella tried not to think about her absent period. Surely it was just stress. I can’t be pregnant. Wouldn’t it be too soon to tell? Could she really do this? Begin all over with a baby while raising a teenager? This was supposed to be her fresh start. Mixed emotions swirled inside. Fear. Excitement. Trepidation.

So much for moving on. Looked like she might be back to the beginning.

7

ISABELLA

Isabella sat still as a statue, her eyes glued to the doctor’s lips. No sound reached her ears—not since “you’re pregnant” had fallen from her mouth. Isabella’s chest tightened as her breaths came more rapidly. A riot of emotions swirled in her belly. Terror. Excitement. Disbelief. Hope.

A soft, cold hand touched hers, sound returning as she met the doctor’s sympathetic gaze.

“How are you feeling?”

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