by Paula Kay
Isabella took one last look around the room before she headed downstairs and out to the garden where everyone was sitting, deep in conversation that included lots of laughter.
“Is this where you two got married, Gigi?” said Isabella.
Gigi and Douglas looked at one another.
“It is, yes,” said Gigi, a broad smile on her face.
“It’s also where I first met my lovely bride.” Douglas reached over to touch Gigi’s face.
Isabella had heard the whole story about how Douglas had been best friends with Gigi’s employer, Arianna’s adoptive father—about how they’d known one another for years and how Arianna had been so sure that they belonged together. It was really wonderful to hear the stories and to see them back where it had all begun.
She stood up to walk to the edge of the garden, feeling Thomas’s arm come around her shoulders as he came to stand beside her.
“How are you doing, Iz? Does it feel good for you to be here? Or does it feel weird at all?”
Isabella looked over at him and smiled. “Good—only good. It feels pretty incredible, really—like so many of my questions have been answered now, I’m not sure that I have many left.”
Thomas grinned at her. “That’s a good thing, right?”
Isabella nodded and then turned back toward Gigi and Douglas. “We can go whenever you’re ready.” She walked over to give them both a big hug. “Thank you again so much for making this happen.”
“You’re welcome, honey,” said Douglas. “I’m happy that it all worked out the way it did.”
“And we’re especially happy that we got to see our Isabella,” said Gigi, giving Isabella a big squeeze.
“I know. And I get to see you again next month. I can hardly wait for Christmas in Tuscany this year.”
Chapter 25
Gigi and Douglas had stayed back near the parking lot when they made the stop at the Golden Gate Bridge so that Isabella and Thomas could walk it. At their lunch spot in Sausalito, Isabella had mentioned to them that it was something she’d like to do and now she and Thomas were taking the walk across it.
Isabella shivered and Thomas put his arm around her.
“It is cold, isn’t it?” Thomas said.
“Yes, I wish I’d brought my stocking cap with me. I had no idea.”
“Give me your hand.” Thomas took her hand in his, blowing on first one and then the other, before he kept hers nestled in his own with a squeeze.
“Maybe going to the center will be good enough.” Isabella laughed. “I also don’t want to keep Gigi and Douglas waiting too long.”
“They’re really great, by the way. And they sure do love you.” Thomas grinned at her.
“Yeah, I really love them too. It’s kind of strange how I could feel so connected to people that I’ve really not spent that much time with.”
“It’s your mother. That’s where the connection comes from. Heck, after hearing all the stories and seeing her home, I feel kinda connected to Arianna myself.”
Isabella laughed. “Do you?”
“Well, I feel like you’ve changed a lot since everything happened—since you’ve met everyone and found out so much about your mother.” He must have noticed the question on Isabella’s face. “For the better, I mean—always for the better, Iz.” He laughed. “You just seem more content. There’s a certain peace about you and for that I’m really grateful. I can’t help but wonder if it was Arianna’s intention to give you that gift—if that makes sense?”
Isabella was quiet for several seconds as they came to a stop at the center of the bridge. She reached into her purse to pull out the small wrapped urn of Arianna’s ashes. She’d always been alone before in the various places that she’d let them go, but having Thomas here with her now felt somehow right. She wanted to share it with him.
Thomas looked at the object but he didn’t say anything. He put his arm around her shoulders and leaned over to kiss her head as she pulled one of the small bags of ashes from the urn.
She looked over at him. “I’ve been doing this in every place. Well, it has been every place that Arianna had on her map—the places that she’d dreamed of going. It’s made me feel even more connected to her somehow—like we’ve been on this journey together.”
Thomas reached over to wipe away the few tears that had made their way down her cheeks. “I think that’s beautiful.”
He swallowed hard, and Isabella was touched at the emotion that she felt from him.
“Her ashes have already been let go here—by everyone else—because they knew how much she loved the bridge and this city, but somehow it feels fitting that I should do it here too, doesn’t it?”
Thomas nodded his head and moved his arm from Isabella’s shoulders to her waist, pulling her close to him. “It feels perfect.”
They stood there quietly for a few minutes after Isabella had discreetly emptied the small bag over the water below. The sun shone brightly now and the skyline of the city in the distance was breathtaking to Isabella. It was as beautiful, if not more so, than any of the places she’d traveled to so far.
Thomas was watching her; she could feel it before she even turned toward him. But she wasn’t ready to speak just yet. The silence was comfortable to her—standing there, where her mother had stood so many years ago—it felt oddly perfect to Isabella and for a moment she was reluctant to leave. She took a deep breath in and closed her eyes, wanting to seal the memory of the place and the moment forever.
Finally, she opened her eyes and glanced over at Thomas. “We should be getting back to Gigi and Douglas.”
“Okay, are you ready?”
She nodded and they started walking back where they’d come from.
It had been a good day, one that Isabella would always remember. It felt like things had come full circle—her being in the place where Arianna had taken her last breath. She reached out to take Thomas’s hand. “Gigi and Douglas are leaving tomorrow.”
“And us the day after already. It’s gone fast, huh?”
“Too fast. So I was thinking maybe I’d see if we could move our dinner plans with Lucas and Kate to a morning brunch—Kate told me they were totally flexible. And that would give you and me the rest of the day to do some sightseeing or shopping—whatever we feel like.”
“You can spend the day with them if you want to, Iz. I don’t mind.”
Isabella shook her head. “No, I’ll see them once more, but then I want to spend the time with you here. You deserve it, remember? Before you get back to the wrath.” Isabella laughed, but then noticed the stern look Thomas was giving her. “Oops. I’m sorry. Disregard that last statement.”
Thomas laughed. “I’m only joking. And you’re kinda right. But I’ve talked to Natasha a few times since I’ve been here and I think everything’s going to be okay.”
“Well, good. I don’t have to feel so guilty then.” Isabella grinned.
Thomas looked over at her and smiled as they walked back into the parking lot where Gigi and Douglas were waiting for them. “You don’t have to feel guilty at all.”
Chapter 26
Isabella leaned against Thomas as they waited for the cable car to come to a stop near Union Square. Earlier that morning, they’d met Lucas, Kate and Annie for breakfast at a restaurant near Fisherman’s Wharf, and they’d all spent some time walking around playing tourist for a few hours. It had been a bit difficult when the time had come to say goodbye, especially to Annie—who started crying and wouldn’t stop until Isabella promised her that they’d do video calls with one another every week.
Thomas hopped off the cable car, reaching out his hand for Isabella to take as she hopped off behind him.
“So, where to, my lady?”
“Didn’t you say that you had some Christmas shopping to do? We could go over to where the shops are on Union Square, and also you might want my help if by Christmas shopping you mean shopping for Natasha?” Isabella laughed.
“Yes and yes. I ac
tually have no idea what to get her, but…”
“But what?”
“Oh, nothing.”
Isabella stopped walking. “Thomas, what? Don’t keep things from me—not after the great time we’ve been having together.”
“Okay. I was just thinking that I’m not sure that anything other than a ring would really make her happy.”
“Well, that is tricky then, isn’t it?”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, I’m not so sure that I’m ready to help you shop for an engagement ring.”
For Natasha.
“Hey, I’m not so sure that I’m ready to be shopping for an engagement ring, so how about if we don’t do that.” Thomas laughed.
“But I can help you find her something else. If you want me to?”
“Yes. Let’s do that.”
They walked into one of the fancier shops and started looking at jewelry.
“Does she wear a lot of jewelry?”
“She does, yes. She has a lot, actually.”
“Ooh, I like these.” Isabella gazed into the case at several different sets of diamond earrings.
“Do you? Which ones do you like?” Thomas studied her with a thoughtful expression on his face. “Do you even ever wear jewelry, Iz?”
Isabella shrugged. “No, but if I did wear jewelry, I’d want to wear diamonds.” She laughed. “But I’m not really the diamond-wearing kinda girl, am I?”
Thomas leaned back against the jewelry case. “Seriously, Iz. What are you talking about? You do realize that you could afford to wear diamonds now?” He winked at her.
Thomas knew the kind of money she’d inherited from Arianna; she had more than enough to buy any type of jewelry she wanted.
“Oh, I don’t know. I was kind of joking, but I guess now that we’re talking about it, I feel like a certain kind of woman deserves to wear diamonds more than another kind of woman.”
“So, you’re saying that you’re not the kind of woman that deserves it?”
“I guess. I’m probably more of a costume jewelry kinda girl.”
Thomas was shaking his head. “Well, I for one think you’re very wrong about that. Any of those diamond earrings would look beautiful on you.”
“Well, thank you, but we’re not shopping for me right now; so what do you think about Natasha?”
“Hmm. I think Natasha is more of a pearl kinda woman.”
“Okay.” Isabella walked on to look into the next jewelry case.
“But now I’m thinking maybe getting her pearls or any kind of jewelry is a bad idea.”
“Why?”
Thomas almost grimaced.
“Oh, right—because any kind of jewelry isn’t going to be the engagement ring that’s what Natasha really wants.”
“Exactly.” Thomas looked like he was scanning the store. “So any other ideas?”
“Perfume?”
“Nah, she’s pretty particular about the kind she wears.”
“How ’bout a nice scarf? A leather handbag?”
“She’s got too many purses as it but you just gave me an idea. I’ll get her a nice leather planner.”
“To plan the wedding.” Isabella grinned.
“You’re pretty funny.” Thomas tapped her lightly on the end of the nose. “Don’t think I don’t know how to get you back for your teasing.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
Thomas picked out the planner and then they headed to the escalator.
“So, where are we going?”
“I’m taking you for something you love.”
“Does it involve food?”
“Maybe.”
“Does it involve chocolate?”
Thomas grinned. “You know me so well.”
“If you’re taking me for chocolate, I’d say that you know me so well.” Isabella laughed.
“I heard that there’s a cafe at the top of the department store that serves the most amazing hot chocolate and has views of the square.”
“Nice. I’m down with that.”
“Oh, I figured you would be.” Thomas laughed.
Isabella sipped her hot chocolate, while watching the people below. There was a huge Christmas tree set up in the square and decorations were everywhere—as were people—bustling about with shopping bags and determined looks on their faces.
“Hey, look.” Isabella pointed out the window. “There’s an ice skating rink.”
“It looks a little crazy out there.” said Thomas.
“I like it.” Isabella grinned.
She’d never really gotten into the post-Thanksgiving Day shopping back home, so it was fun to do it in the city and especially with Thomas. She looked at him now across the table. He looked happy. He looked like she was feeling—content.
“So what are you thinking? What would you like to do the rest of the day?” Thomas asked.
Isabella grinned and gestured below.
“You wanna go ice skating?” Thomas smiled back at her.
It was something they used to do together as kids back home. Isabella had actually been pretty good at one time, and she’d make Thomas practice endlessly with her so that she could finally skate backwards with him and do the slowest of twirls.
She looked at him now as she finished the last of her hot chocolate.
“I do. I do want to go ice skating. And you know what? I was thinking, maybe instead of going out for dinner tonight, let’s order in and watch movies?”
Thomas stood up, offering her his hand. “That all sounds like the perfect way to end our San Francisco adventure together.”
Isabella smiled in response, but inside, her stomach fell. She didn’t want their time together to end. She didn’t want to go back to the reality of Natasha and wondering if and when she’d get to hang out with Thomas again after this.
She looked at him walking next to her, so handsome and sure of himself as he led her across the street and through the crowds of people to stand in line to buy their tickets. Just enjoy today, Isabella.
He looked back at her and then leaned over to kiss her on the cheek.
Isabella laughed. “What was that for?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I’m just really happy to be here with you. And you look so cute with your stocking cap and rosy cheeks.”
Isabella was glad that the chill in the air seemed to be hiding her blush. It seemed she was blushing around Thomas a lot lately.
Chapter 27
Isabella was laughing as she opened the door to greet Thomas. She had Christmas music playing and a fire going in the fireplace. She’d already ordered their dinner from room service and she’d pulled up one of their favorite comedies on the pay-per-view channel.
Thomas crossed the room and settled himself on one end of the large sofa. “You sure are in a festive spirit.” He laughed. “I don’t know that I’ve ever known you to be quite this jolly around the holidays.”
“Well, today was really wonderful, wasn’t it? I loved all the holiday decorations—and even all the people out and about, as crazy as it was in those crowds today.”
“Yeah. You got that right.” He pulled one of his sneakers off. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“No, go ahead. Make yourself comfortable.”
“Well, I figure since you’re looking pretty comfortable yourself.”
Isabella looked down at her pajama bottoms and sweatshirt and laughed. They’d practically grown up having sleepovers at one another’s houses—once her parents had loosened up about being so strict with her. She knew that Thomas was used to seeing her like this and she loved that she didn’t have to be any certain way with him.
She plopped down on the sofa next to him. “Well, you know me. I’m always up for a casual movie night.”
Thomas looked over at her. “I missed this—us hanging out. Today was really good. I’m glad I came, Iz.”
Isabella felt her face growing warm and was thankful for the knock at the door.
“The food!”
> Thomas got up from the sofa. “You sit. I’ll get it.”
“Wow. I think this is the best burger I’ve ever eaten.” Isabella sat back against the sofa, her hand on her stomach. “I’m stuffed.”
“You don’t mean that.” Thomas had a funny look of shock on his face. “Better than the diner? Better than our diner?”
“Well, no. Not better than the diner, I guess.” Isabella eyed him carefully, unsure if she should ask what was on her mind.
“What? What is it?”
“Do you and Natasha eat burgers together?”
Thomas looked at her with an odd expression on his face. “What made you ask that?”
She could sense his body tense a bit at the question and she instantly regretted it. “Oh, I was just wondering. Never mind. It doesn’t matter.”
“I think maybe we shouldn’t talk about Natasha.”
Isabella shook her head. “You’re right. Sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up. We’ve had such a good day and—”
“—No. Natasha doesn’t eat red meat. And she hates diners, actually.” Thomas looked at her and then laughed.
“What? What’s so funny?”
“I found this diner a couple blocks away from where we live. She doesn’t know that I’ve been going there—she’s trying to get me to quit eating meat too.” Thomas wrinkled his nose.
“So you’ve been sneaking away to the diner?” Isabella laughed.
He looked like a little kid sharing a big dark secret as he nodded his head in reply—just like how they used to share secrets.
“So, how full are you really, Iz?” Thomas was eyeing the last covered plate on the table in front of them. “I know what you’ve got there.”
“You think you know me so well, do you?”
“Oh, yes. I know that when I take off that cover, I’m going to find one chocolate brownie with nuts—and whipped cream, as I’m sure they have it here—and one piece of cheesecake with strawberry sauce.” He reached down to unveil what he’d guessed correctly as Isabella laughed.