“I’m not sure. But I do know that I want this, Bas. I want to have this baby with him. Our baby. I want to see what we can build from there.”
She said she wasn’t sure. It shouldn’t have stung, but it did. We’d only been together—really together—for a couple of weeks. But it hurt. Because I was sure. I’d been sure for longer than I wanted to admit.
“If he hurts you—” Bas started at the same moment I chose to walk in.
He stopped mid-sentence, and his jaw tightened.
“Sebastian.”
“Avila.” He stood. “Just checking on Izzy.”
I crossed to her and kissed her cheek. “Thomas said he’s anxious to hear our proposal. As soon as we’re ready. I told him as much as we agreed to about the 1934 Society. He can’t wait to hear more.”
Her face lit up. “That’s amazing.”
“We make a good team.” I held her eyes, willing her to see what I couldn’t say yet.I love you. I’m not going anywhere.
Bas glanced between us. “I should go. Let me know if you need anything, Izzy.”
After he left, I picked her up, carried her to the sofa, and held her on my lap.
“I’m not going to hurt you, Isabel.”
She was quiet for a moment. “How much did you hear?”
“All of it.”
I kissed her before she could apologize or explain or retreat. Kissed her until she melted against me, until whatever doubt Bas had planted faded away.
That evening, we sat on the cottage porch swing, watching the sun set. I’d been thinking all day about what she’d said about not being sure. It should have scared me off. Instead, it just made me more determined.
“I want what my parents had,” I said quietly. “A family. A crazy, chaotic, full-of-love family.”
Her eyes bored into mine.
“I know I have to earn your trust,” I continued. “But I want you to know what I’m working toward. This isn’t casual for me. It never was.”
I let her silence sit and didn’t push.
“I’m scared,” she finally admitted.
I turned her to face me, lifted our joined hands to my mouth, and kissed her knuckles. Then turned it over and kissed her palm.
“Then, let me keep showing you.”
I lifted her onto my lap, and she came willingly, settling against my chest as the last of the sunlight faded. We sat in the darkness until the stars came out.
Until her phone buzzed on the armrest where she’d left it.
She glanced at the screen and went rigid.
I didn’t need to see the message to have an idea what it said. Tryst had warned me two days ago that he believed Baron was ready to make contact.
She held it up for me to read. Your father would like to arrange a meeting. He’s willing to come to you. Please respond at your earliest convenience.
“What should I do?” she asked.
I gathered her closer. “Whatever you want. Whatever you decide. I’m with you.”
