A Map for Bella Books 1-4

by Paula Kay

  “I do know that, sweetheart.”

  Isabella seemed to be studying her intently. “Gigi?”

  “Yes?”

  “Can I ask you something—something kind of personal maybe?”

  “Sure, you can ask me anything. Well, you might make an old woman blush, but I’ll try.”

  Isabella laughed. “No, nothing like that—and you are not old.”

  “Go on then.”

  “Did you ever feel like you were compromising when you married Douglas? Not in marrying him, of course.” She laughed.

  “Of course.” Gigi laughed too.

  “I mean, I’m not sure that I know the whole story but I think when you were first married, you weren’t so happy. Is that right?”

  Gigi smiled. “That seems like such a long time ago. And yes, you’re right. Some probably called me a bit of stinker back then—I probably was a lot for poor Douglas to handle. What am I saying? I nearly drove him mad that first year or so after we married.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really.” Gigi laughed. “We were coming from two different worlds, you could say. I was used to working—to taking care of people for pretty much my whole adult life. Douglas was getting ready to retire and he wanted to slow down, but with me. And really, he wanted to take care of me. Well, I think you know about how we came to visit Guatemala back then—and find the orphanage?”

  “Yes, I love the story.” Isabella was smiling at her.

  “So really, my dear Bella, you can most definitely attribute that story’s playing out the way it did to the undying affection and desire of that husband of mine for a wife who had been in a bit of turmoil back then.”

  “Well, except that it ended up just as good for Douglas, isn’t that right? I mean, I think that he’d probably jumped the gun on that whole retirement idea to begin with.”

  Gigi laughed. “Yes, I think you might be right about that. You know what I know I’m right about?”

  “What’s that?”

  “I think your Thomas would move mountains to make you happy like that. I see the same love, the same affection in his eyes when he looks at you. We all see that.”

  Isabella looked down for a moment, something crossing her face quickly, but there just the same.

  “What is it? You’re not having doubts are you, Bella? About Thomas?”

  “Oh, no. Not in the least.” She smiled. “I will never have doubts about Thomas. It’s just, now I feel like I’ve been a bit of a stinker myself, I guess. Well, I think things are fine now. We just talked about it, actually. But really, Gi, I was quite adamant about not wanting to settle down back there—back in New York. I feel like I’m done with the city life. I love it when I can breathe fresh air and run in the country.”

  “And you’ll have that in Connecticut, right?”

  Isabella smiled. “Yes, I will. So I suppose it’s an easy compromise. I mean I do need to support him even if I don’t necessarily agree with what he thinks is going to make him happy.”

  “Like I did with Douglas and his early retirement plans, you mean?” Gigi laughed and then winked at Isabella. “Well, between you and me, my dear, it’s quite possible that we do know best when it comes to their happiness. I just think that we need to be willing to sit back a bit and let them steer the boat. You know what I mean?”

  Isabella nodded. “Yes, I think I do.”

  “You just let Thomas take care of you for a bit. I’m pretty sure that he has your best interests at heart.”

  “I know he does. I shouldn’t question that ever. He’s always been so good to me. And really, the only thing that should matter is that we’re going to be building our future together, regardless of where it is that we call home.”

  “That’s right. And it’s to be enjoyed. Every moment.”

  Isabella reached over to pull Gigi in close for a big hug. “Gigi, I really don’t know what I’d do without you in my life.” She pulled back slightly to look her in the eye. “I mean that. And I love you.”

  “I love you too, sweet girl. And you sure do mean everything to me—to all of us. Don’t you ever forget that.”

  “I won’t.”

  Gigi stood. “Now I’m going to go see about helping Lia in the kitchen. Would you care to join me?”

  “Yes, I’ll be right there after I freshen up a bit.”

  Chapter 15

  Jemma sat up in her beach chair to take a big bite of the panini that had just been delivered to their table. “Oh, Bella, I am so not exaggerating right now. This one is the best I’ve had yet.”

  Isabella laughed beside her, sitting up to take a bite of her own sandwich. “Jem, you say that every single day. And yes, I do agree that they are quite good. And possibly there can be nothing that will ever compare to eating paninis on a beach off the coast of Italy. I will hand that to you for sure.”

  “Well, the baby seems to love them. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!”

  Isabella laughed. “Well, you certainly don’t need any excuse as far as I’m considered. You really are absolutely glowing.”

  “Thanks, Bella. And what about you? After only our first week here, you’re looking tanned and possibly the most relaxed that I’ve seen you—maybe ever.”

  Isabella and Jemma had spoken freely with one another almost from the beginning of their relationship and that bond of sisterhood had only grown stronger over the years. When Jemma had first learned about Isabella’s and Thomas’s plans for after they were going to be married, Isabella had told her that it was something she’d really been struggling with. Now Jemma watched her friend’s face carefully as she spoke.”

  Isabella grinned. “Yeah, I suppose I am feeling pretty relaxed.” She gestured to the water before reaching again for her sandwich. “But who could possibly be stressed here, right?”

  “Not us. I could learn to really enjoy this lifestyle.” Jemma laughed.

  The truth was that they both could afford to live a life of luxury wherever they pleased, but it really wasn’t their style—not for either of them. The inheritance that Arianna had left them had done exactly what Arianna had intended, as far as Jemma was concerned. Arianna had wanted the freedom of choice for them, and in that respect, they’d all more than benefited financially. But the greatest gift for Jemma had been Isabella.

  “What are you grinning about over there? Still thinking about your food?”

  Jemma reached out her hand to touch her friend’s arm. ‘I’m just thinking about Arianna and how grateful I am to have you in my life. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, Bella.”

  “Likewise—well, best girlfriend anyway. I think the men in our lives would beg to differ if we start throwing around best friend awards.” Isabella laughed.

  “Well, Thomas would have a case, to be sure.” Jemma laughed. “So back to what I was wanting to talk to you about…”

  “Yes?” Isabella pulled her sunglasses down so that she could make a silly face and wiggle her eyebrows. “What secrets do you need me to divulge?”

  Jemma loved it when Isabella’s mood was light and playful, and she’d been in the best mood the entire week. The girls had done a lot over the past few days. They’d been shopping for custom-made shoes, hiked a small portion of the Path of the Gods, and yesterday’s excursion had them on small boats to check out the Blue Grotto, something that Jemma did not tire of even after a full afternoon amidst the crystal blue water.

  “Well, I was just wondering how you’re feeling about everything—about the house and Thomas. You know, everything that had you completely stressed out a few weeks ago. And not that I’m trying to stress you out by thinking about it—that’s the last thing I’d want.”

  “You know, I just feel fine about it. I’m more excited about marrying Thomas than anything else, and there’s nothing wrong with the house in Connecticut. It’s beautiful and spacious and I know that we’re going to be happy there.”

  “Well, it certainly sounds like you’ve had a change of hea
rt about it.”

  “I think it’s mainly been about Thomas—about worrying that him working for his dad isn’t really what’s going to make him happy. I just want him to love what he’s doing as much as I love the writing, you know?”

  “I do know.”

  Over the years, as Isabella had gotten more books written and published, she’d developed quite a following, and it was evident that she’d found her calling in life; her fans really connected to her work. Jemma loved how excited Isabella always was whenever she was beginning a new writing project.

  “So anyway, I just need to trust him. Thomas will figure that out, and it’s not as if his dad wouldn’t understand if it’s not a fit for him. Thomas’s parents are completely supportive. In fact, his mom and I had a conversation recently about this very same topic. She’s the one that told me that they’d never had any real expectations about their kids going into the business.”

  “Well, that certainly makes it easier to go with the flow then, doesn’t it? If Thomas discovers that he wants to do something else, it won’t be a hard transition or cause any issues with his father.”

  “That’s right—and then there’s only the house issue, but it’s not like we can’t sell the house later if we need to.”

  “Oh, so what you’re really saying is that you want the two of you to strap on your backpacks and travel a bit more.” Jemma was teasing Isabella, but she also knew that the wanderlust wasn’t gone for her friend.

  Isabella laughed. “No, not exactly, although I do hope that we can fit in some more travel. I don’t know how to explain it—how I feel about settling down there. I am okay with it. Truly. But it’s just hard for me to feel like I’m going to love it there. I am done being a brat about it, though—because that has not been useful to anyone.”

  Jemma laughed. “You’re not being a brat. I totally understand what you mean. It’s probably like me with the move to Guatemala. I’m really just there because it’s Rafael’s home—and he loves what he’s doing there or at least he feels an obligation of sorts, which I can totally understand. And it’s not that I don’t like it. It just doesn’t really feel like home to me either.”

  “Well, now you are going to start your little family. I think that has a lot to do with it, don’t you? I mean when it’s just us, we’re a bit more footloose and fancy-free, so to speak.”

  “I may have one more little secret for you.”

  “Jem, what? You’re having twins! Go on—I don’t know if my heart can take it.” Isabella laughed and poked at her friend’s arm playfully.

  “No, wow—just no to the twins. That would be terrifying. Mom and Chase really want us to come live with them—in the apartment above the garage. She’s already started remodeling it and it’s actually quite big. They think I’m waiting to talk to Raf, but actually he’s already agreed to it.”

  “Really? That’s awesome, Jem! Oh man, I’m jealous now. You all are going to be here and Connecticut feels so far away, doesn’t it?”

  “It’s not so far. And you’ll come visit. You’ll come when the baby’s born—like any good auntie would do.”

  Isabella laughed. “Yes, of course.” Isabella placed her hand gently on Jemma’s stomach. “This little nugget is going to get spoiled rotten by us all.”

  Jemma grinned. She was counting on it—all the love from her crazy extended family pouring out upon her new child. She could hardly wait.

  Chapter 16

  Isabella sat outside in the garden as she sipped her coffee. It had become the favorite part of her mornings here. The patio outside the villa was great, but then she’d discovered the garden, which had the most comfortable lounge chairs and flowers that smelled divine. She’d start her mornings with a first cup of coffee outside there—usually by herself, as she seemed to be the first one up these days—followed by a quick run down to the beach.

  Once at the beach, she’d head to her favorite cafe, notebook in hand so that she could outline chapters for her current book. And most mornings, at least one of the other women would meet her there for a cup of coffee.

  During the afternoon, Blu worked on the dresses, sometimes needing her for a fitting or to look at something or other. It was all coming along nicely, and she was counting down the days until she would become Mrs. Thomas Jordan.

  She smiled thinking about her name change. Thomas had been so cute when they’d discussed it, telling her it was completely her decision if she took his name or not—that he understood why she might choose not to make the change. But she wanted to take his name and didn’t have the least bit of hesitation about it. In the end, they’d decided that she would become Isabella Dawson Jordan and their future kids would simply have the last name Jordan.

  Their future kids. Isabella smiled. Yes, there certainly was a lot to look forward to.

  The ringing of her phone on the small table beside her interrupted her thoughts. Thomas. They’d been playing phone tag over the past few days and she knew that he was close to being done with the packing. She clicked the button and waited for Thomas’s face to appear.

  “Well, aren’t you a sight this morning. I’m so sorry about all the missed calls, babe. Jemma and I have been out quite a bit the past few days. The beach here is so gorgeous. I need to send you some pics after we hang up.”

  “Great, I’m so glad that you’re enjoying yourself. I must admit to being slightly jealous. It’s been raining here. I’m dying for some sunshine to remind me that it’s summer.”

  “Well, I’m still hopeful that you will finish up early so that you can join us—at least for a few days.”

  “Me too.”

  Isabella didn’t miss the expression on Thomas’s face or his fingers going through his hair.

  “Thomas? What’s up? Is something wrong?”

  “Iz, I have something to tell you.”

  “What? You’re scaring me a little bit.” Isabella sat forward in her chair. “Is everyone okay? Your parents?”

  “Oh, yes. Not that kind of news. Sorry. It’s about the house.”

  Isabella felt her heart lurch at the tone of his voice. Something bad was coming—something that was going to shake up the little no-stress zone she’d been in. She sighed. “Okay. What is it?”

  “It’s not going to happen. The owners pulled out.”

  “What? Can they do that?” Isabella felt her whole body tense.

  “Yes, unfortunately. I’m not sure what happened and it really doesn’t matter, I suppose. I’m sorry, Iz. We can find another house.”

  Isabella swallowed. “That one was so perfect—and it took a while to find it.”

  “I know, honey. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault.” Isabella bit her bottom lip, thinking about how much she should say. “Maybe it’s a sign, Thomas—that we’re not supposed to be there—in New York or Connecticut after all.”

  Thomas laughed lightly. “Iz, where do you wanna be, honey?”

  Isabella brushed away a tear. She didn’t really have an answer to that question. “I dunno. Here is pretty nice right now.” She laughed, despite her tears.

  “Honey, you want to move to Positano? I don’t think that would go over very well with my dad’s company. It’s not exactly a job I can do virtually—not long-term, anyway.”

  “I know. Just wishful thinking. And no, I don’t want to move to Positano, but I do want you to come here—so I can show you how beautiful it is.”

  “Iz, don’t cry. We’ll figure everything out. Okay?”

  “But what are we going to do now? After the wedding—well, after our honeymoon, I guess.”

  “Well, I think we’re going to have to stay in the city for a while, babe—until we find another house. Thank goodness we kept your place, huh?”

  Isabella’s tears increased. She didn’t want to live in New York. That was the last thing she wanted. She tried to wipe her tears away, knowing how much Thomas hated to see her cry. And it wasn’t his fault. She shook her head. “Thomas, I really don
’t want to live in New York.”

  “I know, babe. It won’t be for long. I promise.”

  Isabella took a deep breath, wanting to get off the phone now so she could be alone with her thoughts—alone with the misery of the new situation. “Okay.”

  “Iz?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Can you please trust me?”

  “You know I do.”

  “I love you and I want you to be happy, honey. It’s all going to work out. I promise.”

  Isabella smiled. He deserved to know that she really did trust him—that no matter where they lived, she could be happy as long as they were together. She just needed to convince herself of that, and she was sure that she would. She just needed a little time to process the new information.

  “I love you too. Thomas?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Does this mean that you can come here earlier now?”

  “Yes, it does. A small consolation, I guess…” He was teasing her.

  “Good. I just really want you here with me. I miss you.”

  “I miss you too, Iz. Now I’m going to get moving around here. I’ll get my ticket today—for next week—and I’ll send you the details after. Are you going to be okay?”

  Isabella nodded and then said goodbye.

  But she was not okay. She was not okay at all.

  Chapter 17

  Gigi and Blu made their way down the hill from the villa. Most mornings it was Lia who walked with Gigi, but she’d snuck away for a night with Antonio. Gigi enjoyed the exercise, especially when it ended with a nice coffee meet-up with Isabella. Even thinking about this time ending made her heart ache just a little. Saying goodbye to the kids always had that effect on her. But they still had so much yet to look forward to with the wedding date just around the corner.

  Positano had been good for them all. It was times like these with her closest friends that Gigi treasured the most, even if she was missing Douglas quite a lot. The men, along with Kylie and Gabriella, were going to be joining them in a few days. They’d decided to end their “girl time” with a good old-fashioned wedding shower at the villa for Isabella.