Page 32 of Pieces into Place
The four of them spent another half hour looking at the baby, who had hiccups by the end of the ultrasound. Blake kept laughing with each one, feeling the baby move each time. Watching her with Alexis reminded Isla so much of herself and Vera. She looked at her wife across the room and mouthed anI love youas Vera did the same back.
After everything was put back in place and cleaned up in the exam room, they headed outside to go home. Blake mentioned that her car was still at the cafe and Alexis offered to take her to pick it up.
“Actually,” Blake looked at Isla, “do you care to take me?”
“Of course not, honey.”
They walked across the parking lot to Isla’s Jeep quietly. Getting inside, neither said a word as Isla drove down the street to the cafe. She parked the Jeep by Blake’s car and turned to face Blake. Isla wasn’t surprised to find her already looking at her.
“I learned something new about myself today.”
“Oh?” Isla arched an eyebrow at her. “What’s that?”
“That I’m more like you than I ever realized.”
Isla’s heart leaped to her throat. Just hearing Blake acknowledge that made her aching heart slowly mend. She reached out her hand, letting Blake take it so it would still be on her terms.
“I wanted to have lunch with Vera today because I’ve been,” Blake looked down at her stomach, “really struggling to connect with the baby. Honestly, it wasn’t until today that it really sank in that there’s anactualbaby in there. I guess the expanding waistline wasn’t enough for my brain,” she sadly laughed.
“Did Vera tell you about my pregnancy with Everleigh?”
Blake nodded. “Are you mad at her for telling me?”
“Not at all. I’m glad she told you, especially since it seemed to help you.”
“It did. Knowing that it’s not just a problem I’m facing really helped.”
“You’re never alone, Blake. Always remember that.” Isla gently reached up and touched Blake’s cheek. It was subtle, but she felt Blake nuzzle into her touch ever so slightly. “Thank you for letting me see the baby today. That meant a lot.”
“It meant a lot to have you there. And Vera.”
“You made her day, probably her week, I have no doubt. And I’m so happy you’re having a girl. Not that a boywouldn’t be as exciting but. Well. You know.” Isla smiled sadly at Blake. “It just brings back a lot of memories for me, that’s all.”
Blake nodded, seemingly unsure of what to say. Not that Isla could blame her. She’d undoubtedly had a breakthrough with Vera and then seen her baby and found out it was a girl. It was beyond valid for Blake to feel emotionally overwhelmed, which was why Isla didn’t push her when she said she needed to get home. Isla watched her get out of the Jeep and into her car before she drove away.
Arriving at home, Isla was instantly greeted by the best Vera hug as soon as she entered the door. Vera held her tight as they swayed slightly back and forth in each other’s arms. They’d been together so long that Isla knew what Vera was thinking without having to ask. Isla rubbed her back gently as Vera clasped her hands on Isla’s lower back.
“She opened up to us.”
“She did.” Isla pressed her forehead into Vera’s. “I can’t believe it. We’ve been waiting for this to happen for five years.”
“Thirtyyears,” Vera corrected.
“Thank you for taking care of her today. She looks so much happier than she did at Thanksgiving.”
“Did she tell you?”
Isla nodded. “Alexis told me before we went into the office, but I didn’t mention to Blake that I knew. But she told me. I wasn’t sure if she would, but she did.”
“I had a feeling when she asked you to take her to her car that she wanted to tell you.”
“Did you tell her to tell me?”
“No,” Vera adamantly shook her head. “I told her what helped you connect with Evie and went from there. I was really surprised when she agreed to the ultrasound. I wasn’t expecting that.”
“She needed it, just like I did.”
“She did. And just like you, I saw her whole body language change when she really couldseethe baby.”
