Page 86 of Pieces into Place
“They gave Amelia my middle name.” Vera’s voice cracked as she pulled Blake back into a hug. “Thank you. This means so much to me, Blake.”
“We had the name picked out as soon as we found out it was a girl. But after everything you did for us yesterday,” Blake’s voice cracked, “it was all the more fitting Amelia carries your name. Thanks for everything, Mama.”
“You’re welcome, honey.”
Vera kept one arm around Blake as she held the other out to Alexis. She held them tight and motioned for Isla to join in on the hug. It wasn’t long before everyone in the room was huddled together. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as Isla soaked up the precious moment.
It had never crossed Isla’s mind that Blake and Alexis would change their last name to Mackenzie. The gesture meant so much more to Isla than just a name change. Changing her name meant Blake was finally letting herself be a part of the family that has loved her for so long. Being a Mackenzie meant Blake had another connection to her parents and siblings that she didn’t have before. Isla was beyond grateful that she and Alexis had decided to do that and to surprise Isla and Vera with it.
And judging by the fact everyone else was crying too, they had done a damn good job of keeping it a secret.
Isla felt Harper pushing her way to the middle of the circle as she looked up at Alexis. “Is it time for cake now?”
Harper’s comedic timing made them all laugh as they dispersed from the circle. They all wiped tears away as Melanie took the cake out of the box to reveal why she’d been so protective of it. In bright pink letters on the light pink cake was writtenwelcome the newest Mackenzie.Isla hugged Blake again as she rubbed her back.
“Thank you.”
“Thankyoufor never giving up on me. For welcoming me back into your life without hesitation. For loving my kids and Alexis. For everything, Mom.”
“Always, Blake.” Isla kissed her cheek. “I love you so much and I’m so honored that we get to share the same last name again.”
“Me, too,” Blake smiled, wiping a few tears from Isla’s face. “That means the world to me.”
“Ditto, baby.”
“Isla, Blake, let me grab a picture of you two.”
When Molly Jaymes had entered the room, Isla didn’t know. She was a local photographer and a friend of the family. Isla assumed Blake and Alexis had arranged for Molly to be there to document the moment and Isla was beyond thankful for that. They posed for a picture as a knock came from the door.
Avery poked her head into the room and immediately looked overwhelmed by everything that was going on. Isla knew she was most likely making her rounds before leaving for the day and wasn’t expecting a full-blown party. She locked eyes with Isla’s as she froze by the door.
“I’ll come back later.”
“Wait, no.” Isla grabbed the door to keep it from closing. “Come on in and celebrate with us. You’re basically family now.”
Something in Avery’s eyes looked sad, and, for the first time since meeting her seven years ago, Isla felt guilty for never getting to know Vera’s coworkers. Isla knew everyone that Vera worked with except Avery. Why, she didn’t know. Avery just never seemed as willing to have a friendship with Vera outside of work from the way Isla saw it. Maybe she tried to keep her work life and personal life separate. She could respect that.
Avery accepted a piece of cake to go after checking on Blake and Amelia and promising to see them the next day. As she left the room, Isla contemplated following her for amoment to make sure she was okay. Something about the look in her eyes told Isla she was struggling.
But her mind was pulled back to her family in the room as they all posed for pictures for Molly like it was a magazine photoshoot. Her kids ate up the attention as Isla and Vera laughed, watching them all have a fun time together. Even Blake seemed more relaxed than she ever had before as she and Alexis took goofy pictures with Harper.
By the time visiting hours were nearing their end, Isla kissed Mason, Ellie, Brayden, Everleigh and Harper goodbye. Molly left soon after capturing a few calmer pictures of Alexis, Blake, and Amelia. She was planning on coming back the next day for a newborn photoshoot with Amelia, and Isla already couldn’t wait to see those pictures.
“I’m surprised you kept this a secret.” Isla playfully bumped her hip into Melanie’s as she packed up the cake.
“That patient-nurse confidentiality agreement is ironclad.”
“How long have you known?”
“Weeks, Isla,” Melanie laughed. “I’ve been dying to tell you, but I’m glad you both were surprised by it.”
“Surprised, shocked, elated. I’m feeling it all right now.”
“You deserve it.” Winking, Melanie picked up the cake and kissed Isla on the cheek. “Is it okay if I put the rest of this in the break room?”
“Absolutely. Thanks, Mel.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
