My biggest fear is that Illyin finds her and doesn’t even approach me—that he just takes her away. I don’t think I can handle losing her at this point. I can’t let go of her. I can’t deal with the idea of her being removed from my life and then her brother never letting her out of his sight, so I never get to see her again.
I hold her a little tighter and she looks up at me, her brows scrunched. “Are you okay?” she whispers quietly.
“I am, Pixie, I’m actually having a good time,” I tell her to reassure her.
She smiles and snuggles closer beneath the curve of my arm, and I hold her with worry still tracing my heart.
Chapter 20 - Izabel
Last night’s family dinner was so amazing. I haven’t felt this happy in such a long time. It is a relief to see Anton fitting in and laughing with the people I love in this world. The twins have even started to be playful with him. Well, Kira more than Kelsey, but Kelsey always takes longer to warm up to people.
We stayed over last night because it was late when dinner ended. Besides, I wasn’t ready to leave yet.
I miss everyone.
This morning, I got up early to spend time with Kayla and Alara without everyone else around.
Kayla hands me a mug of coffee.
“He seemed to do okay last night,” she remarks about Anton.
“He’s fucking hot!” Alara blurts out with a cheeky grin on her face.
Kayla rolls her eyes, sitting next to me at the breakfast table. “You’d probably have jumped into the back of his van and gotten yourself kidnapped on purpose,” she teases Alara.
I giggle, shaking my head at them.
“He did do well last night. So did Josiah. They both kept it civil and polite,” I say.
“I would even go so far as to say that they had a few laughs together,” Kayla says thoughtfully.
“I noticed that too,” I laugh. “I wasn’t sure if I was just being too hopeful.”
“No, I also saw it.” Alara agrees.
We sit talking about the twins, and again about how no one can believe I’m actually pregnant. They were teasing me a lot about it last night in the kitchen when we were away from the guys. Izabel, the freedom chaser, is suddenly married and pregnant. It is unexpected. For me, more than anyone else on the planet. But I am so happy about it now that Anton is part of my family. My extended family.
“Well, I get to be the best aunt in the world to another cute little ball of mischief. What do you want? A boy or a girl?”
“I don’t think you're supposed to ask that,” Kayla interrupts Alara.
“Oh, I don’t mind. I would choose a boy if I could choose. But I’d be happy either way.”
Alara smirks and wobbles her head at Kayla, who rolls her eyes at her sister-in-law.
“I wish you didn’t have to leave today already,” Kayla says.
“I know. But I’ll come for a proper, longer visit soon. Right now, my head is full of thoughts about Illyin. I want to put a plan together to maybe reach out to him. I just need to figure out how to word things. What to say,” I sigh. “He tends to have a bit of a temper at the best of times, and I know he’s furious and worried.”
“He has a right to be worried. The sooner you talk to him, the better,” Kayla says. “Anton was saying he thinks it’s better if he stays out of that situation and leaves it for you to handle.”
“I agree. There's no reason you guys should be dragged into it. It’s for me to deal with. I don’t want to tell Anton yet, either, that I plan to talk to my brother. He’ll probably worryand want to change the plan, but I know my brother better than anyone.”
“You need to do whatever you think is right. You’ve got a little baby to think of now. These men go headstrong with their egos. You need to approach it from a family perspective,” Alara says.
“Exactly,” Kayla agrees.
“I’ll make a proper plan when I get home. I’ll try and contact him within the week. The sooner the better.”
