Frank stood in the doorway with Tommy beside him. Both of them looked as if they were unsure of their welcome. William hovered behind them, his usually serious expression softened by a smile.
“Surprise,” Frank said softly, his blue eyes never leaving hers.
Isabel’s heart seemed to stop, then restart at double pace. They weren’t supposed to be here for at least another two weeks. The trial was supposed to start tomorrow. But they were here, as real as the books in her hands.
“Isabel!” Tommy broke the spell, darting across the store to throw his arms around her waist. “We came back early! Look at the reading fort—it’s awesome!”
Isabel hugged him tightly, her eyes still locked with Frank’s over Tommy’s head. “I can’t believe you’re here,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Frank crossed the room slowly, giving her time to adjust to their sudden appearance. “Dave’s cooperation led to several more arrests,” he explained, stopping just an arm’s length away. “The FBI took down most of Meridian Global’s leadership yesterday. The prosecuting attorney decided my testimony could be given by deposition instead of in person.”
“What Frank isn’t saying,” William added from near the door, “is that his evidence was so compelling that Sterling’s legal team is already discussing plea deals. The case may not even go to trial.”
Isabel gently disentangled herself from Tommy’s enthusiastic embrace. “The books you wanted are just over there,” she told him, pointing toward the adventure section. “I saved all the best ones, just like I promised.”
As Tommy scampered off, Isabel stood face-to-face with Frank. She was close enough to see the tiny lines around his eyes, the slight shadow of stubble on his jaw, and the cautious hope in his expression.
“You’re really here,” she said, still hardly believing it.
“I’m really here,” he confirmed, his voice low and intimate. “We got the all-clear yesterday afternoon. I wanted to surprise you.”
“Consider me thoroughly surprised,” Isabel replied, a smile finally breaking through her shock.
Frank glanced over his shoulder at William, who nodded and stepped outside. Tommy was examining the adventure books, exclaiming over each new discovery.
“I was going to wait,” Frank said to Isabel. “I had it all planned out—what I’d say when I saw you after the trial.” He ran a hand through his hair, a familiar gesture that made Isabel’s heart ache. “But then William said we could come home early, and my carefully rehearsed speech went right out of my head.”
Isabel smiled, reaching out to touch his arm. “I don’t like rehearsed speeches, anyway.”
Frank caught her hand in his, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her palm. “Tommy has a very simple view of things,” he said, his voice soft but steady. “He sees the world in black and white, but relationships are more complicated than that.”
Isabel’s breath caught in her throat.
“He gets that directness from his mother,” Frank said, a sad smile briefly crossing his face before his expression turned earnest again. “What I’m trying to say is that I didn’t plan on finding anyone special when I came to Sapphire Bay. I was looking for a safe place away from Sterling Industries. But when you arrived, you changed our lives forever.”
Isabel felt warmth spreading through her chest as Frank continued, his voice gentle but sincere.
“I know we haven’t known each other long. My life is more complicated than either of us bargained for. And I realize you’re not ready for a forever kind of commitment—honestly, I’m not sure I am either. But I want you to know you’ve become an important part of our lives. I’d like us to get to know each other without the shadow of all this hanging over us.”
Isabel smiled. She appreciated Frank’s honesty and his willingness to grow their relationship at a pace that suited her. “I’d like that too,” she said, relief and happiness mingling in her voice. “I’ve missed you both so much.”
Frank’s face brightened with a warmth that made him look years younger. Gently, he reached for her hand, givingit a reassuring squeeze. “Tell me about your new home,” he murmured, his eyes never leaving hers.
Isabel couldn’t stop smiling. “It has a wonderful sunroom with built-in bookshelves and a veranda that’s just begging for a swing.”
“Tommy’s already asked if we can see it,” Frank told her, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “He’s especially excited about the sunroom.”
“I’d love to show you the house,” Isabel replied warmly. “What about tonight, or is that too early?”
Frank’s eyes held hers with gentle affection. He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. “Tonight would be perfect.”
When he stepped back, Tommy was watching them from between the bookshelves, a curious expression on his face.
“Are we going to visit Isabel’s new house?” he asked, approaching them with a stack of books already clutched to his chest.
“We’re going tonight,” Frank told him.
Isabel smiled at Tommy. “I can’t wait to show you the reading corner in the sunroom. I think you’ll approve.”
