Page 37 of Pieces into Place
“I love it when you talk dirty to me.” Vera kissed her lips. “I love you.”
“I love you.”
As Vera sat at the table, Isla poured her a cup of coffee. She massaged her shoulders as Vera told her about her night. Isla was constantly in awe of how amazing her wife was. Vera had helped so many women over the years, not only bringing babies into the world, but had been there when they lost babies or were told they couldn’t have them. Isla could never do what her wife did, which was why Isla always made it a point to be a listening ear and a soft place to land for Vera whenever she came home from work.
“You’re amazing.” Isla kissed Vera’s hand as she watched her sip her coffee. “Your patients are so lucky to have you.”
“I’m glad I can still do what I love, even when it makes me want to curl up into a ball and cry.”
Isla tenderly caressed Vera’s cheek in her hand as Vera nuzzled into the touch. “How about you go shower and I’ll make some breakfast and bring it to you in bed, okay?”
“I’d love that. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Pulling Vera to her feet, Isla hugged her once more before playfully patting her behind as she headed up the stairs. Isla was so in love with her wife that she couldn’t stop the goofy smile from spreading on her face as she pulled the carton of eggs from the fridge. She went to turn the oven on just as she heard a knock at the front door.
That’s odd, she thought to herself as she padded through the quiet house to the door. It was almost eight, which was early for a friendly drop in and her kids never knocked. AsIsla opened the front door, she was surprised to see Alexis in her pajamas with a jacket and boots on.
“Lex? Is everything okay?”
“Yeah,” Alexis nodded quickly. “Sorry, I should have called instead of just showing up like this.”
“It’s okay, honey. Come inside where it’s warm.”
Stepping to the side, Isla let Alexis inside. She looked nervous, as if she wasn’t totally comfortable with her reason for the early morning visit. Isla was about to ask her what was wrong when Alexis must have sensed the question coming.
“Nothing is wrong, I promise.”
“I believe you. Do you want to sit down?”
“No. I need to tell you something, but I’m not sure Blake would want you to know yet. But it also happened to me and it concerns all of us, so I’m going to tell you.” Alexis inhaled sharply. “Last night, we lost Reese for a few minutes at the tree farm.”
Isla put her hand to her chest as Alexis continued.
“The kids were playing hide and seek in the trees and Reese wandered too far off. I felt like an idiot not watching her. It was so scary and nerve-wracking and it freaked me out.”
“Aww, honey, I know that had to be so scary. I’m glad Reese is okay.”
“Yeah, she was totally fine. Scared, yes, but fine.” Alexis lowered her gaze from Isla’s. “But Blake was really torn up about it and it took her hours to calm down enough to go to sleep last night.”
Tilting her head to the side, Isla tried to figure out what Alexis wasn’t saying. Why had Blake been so upset? Yes, losing a child even for a second is beyond scary, but…
It was then it clicked with Isla. She covered her mouth with her hand as she locked eyes with Alexis.
“I think she’s realized what you went through with losing her.”
Isla let out a sob as Alexis’s words confirmed what she thought. She had spent years wanting to tell Blake her side of the story. Although she’d been able to share some of that with Blake, she knew there was a huge disconnect in what Blake remembered or was told happened and what Isla knew happened. Her knees felt wobbly beneath the weight of the news that Blake may have finally realized how much Ben taking her from Isla had hurt Isla. Unable to stand any longer, Isla slowly walked over to the couch and sat. Alexis followed behind her, sitting beside her.
“I didn’t know if I should tell you or not.”
“No, I’m so glad you did. Thank you.”
“I don’t want to give false hope, but I think that the breakthrough that we all have been waiting for is coming soon. I know neither of us wants to push her, but I don’t think we have to worry about that right now. She kept talking last night about it and, well, I just wanted to let you know so you’re not blindsided in case it happens soon.” Alexis smiled. “Which I think it will.”
“Me, too, honey.” Isla pulled Alexis into a side hug, kissing her head. “Me, too. I’m so sorry it took losing Reese for a few minutes to get her here, but knowing Reese is okay makes my happiness feel slightly less guilty.”
Alexis laughed. “Tell me about it. I’ve been dying to tell you since last night.”
