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“Carmen thinks of everything,” Kelsey said, finding two glasses on the counter next to the refrigerator.

Isabella chuckled as Kelsey poured the wine. “Let’s sit on the beach. I think we can just catch the sunset if we hurry.”

They watched the sun set over the water and neither said anything, simply enjoying the show.

Their food arrived and they ate dinner on Kelsey’s back deck. They took turns talking about the day they’d spent together and the things they enjoyed most.

“What do you want to do in the morning?” Kelsey asked.

“Mmm, I don’t know. I’ll talk to the boys after they open their presents. After that how about breakfast?” Isabella suggested.

Kelsey nodded and stared at Isabella for a moment. “Are you okay? Tomorrow could be kind of rough.”

Isabella smiled. “It could be just as hard for you.”

“I’ll call Dana sometime tomorrow, but talking to Emma tonight eased my dread somewhat. That, and you,” Kelsey said with a soft smile.

“Me?”

“Yep. We’ve been having such a good time that I haven’t thought about spending Christmas without the girls. It’s not that I don’t miss them. I do, but I’m not moping around about it. What good would that do?”

Isabella stared at Kelsey. “Hmm, you’re right. It’s up to us to have our own merry Christmas. I’ll miss watching the boys open their gifts, but it’s just one Christmas.” Isabella shrugged. “Thanks, Kels. We’re both going to have a great time tomorrow.”

“We are.” Kelsey finished her wine and let out a contented sigh. “I don’t know how we both ended up here together and how this year-long adventure will turn out, but I’m glad we’re here.”

“Merry Christmas, Kels.” Isabella took Kelsey’s hand.

“Merry Christmas, Bella.” Kelsey squeezed her hand and smiled.

Kelsey watched Isabella walk the short distance to her bungalow and go inside. She sat back down and thought about how nice it had been to hold another woman in her arms. When the girls were away at school she had dated a few times, but she hadn’t been dancing. Bella had surprised her when she asked her to dance, yet once Bella’s arms were around her neck, it was just the two of them and the music.

Kelsey sighed. What a strange Christmas. She’d made a new friend—make that several new friends—and now she couldn’t get Bella out of her head. All those thoughts and feelings had to be caused by the events of the past few days.

She’d enjoy the rest of her stay on the islands and the time she’d spend with Isabella. Once she was at home in Denver, her life would go back to the way it always was. These once a month adventures would be something to look forward to and she’d view them as the escapes they were meant to be. After all, that’s exactly what they wanted to portray: an escape from everyday life.

Kelsey went inside and got ready for bed. Now that she’d been able to put things into perspective, she looked forward to going back to Peaches tomorrow. She didn’t have to worry about what was happening in her heart. It was all part of the adventure. They would have fun then go back to their lives. Everything would be just fine.

A little voice inside her made Kelsey wonder if she was fooling herself, but she didn’t have to try and silence it. She simply fell asleep instead.

The next morning Isabella heard a light knock at her back door. She tossed her phone onto the bed and slowly turned around to see Kelsey through the glass. Isabella tried to smile and knew it wasn’t her best effort. She opened the back door and instead of letting Kelsey walk inside, Isabella put her arms around Kelsey’s neck.

She felt Kelsey’s hands splayed across her back and she pulled her close.

“Merry Christmas,” Kelsey said softly.

Isabella didn’t let go right away. She took a breath and was grateful that Kelsey let the hug continue. Finally, Isabella stepped back and this time her smile was genuine. “Merry Christmas.” She walked back into her bungalow as Kelsey followed behind her.

“Sorry about that,” Isabella said. “You caught me just as I hung up with the boys.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” Kelsey said. “I’m glad I was here to give you a hug.”

Isabella chuckled. “I kind of blindsided you.”

“I’ll always be ready from here on out.” Kelsey smiled. “I can give you a minute if you want.”

“Nope. What I need is to be with my merry friend.”

“Um, I’m not sure merry is a word used to describe me,” Kelsey said with a wince. “That would be you.”