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She walked to the attendant and showed her boarding pass, then turned to smile at Isabella one more time. What are we going to do now?

22

Isabella nervously waited to board her flight to St. Thomas. She knew Kelsey was on the plane waiting for her, but so were her daughters with a couple of friends in tow.

They had texted and talked on the phone nearly every day since returning from the Valentine’s trip. Kelsey was patient and never asked Isabella if she was ready to talk. A couple of times things felt a little awkward as they planned the next month’s trip, but Kelsey found a way to ease them right back to their easygoing friendship. She told Isabella that what had happened between them was too important to talk about on the phone. It needed to be a face-to-face conversation so nothing could be misunderstood.

Isabella agreed with her and they hoped to find time to be alone that evening after they got the girls settled. Her greatest fear was losing Kelsey. If all they could be was friends then that would have to be enough for Isabella. In a few short months Kelsey had become the most important person in her life aside from her boys.

She sighed and shook her head as she laughed at herself. Isabella had envisioned getting back to her everyday life and the thought of that kiss would fade. Part of her thought she and Kelsey had just gotten caught up in the occasion. After all, they were at a romantic resort and celebrating a month of love.

Forget that kiss? She couldn’t stop thinking about their kisses. If it wouldn’t get them kicked off the plane, Isabella would grab Kelsey and kiss her as soon as she laid eyes on her!

There was no doubt in Isabella’s mind or heart that she wanted Kelsey Kenny, but there was so much more to it than that. How did Kelsey feel? Isabella had never been with a woman. What did this mean for their big marketing strategy and the resort? The questions kept coming.

Isabella sighed. All she wanted was to see Kelsey. Somehow she knew just being with her would make everything manageable.

“Finally!” she murmured as she showed her boarding pass and walked down the tunnel to the plane. She smiled at the flight attendant and started down the aisle.

When she made it to her row she stopped. The aisle seat was vacant and Kelsey sat in the middle seat, leaving the window seat for her. Isabella could see an anxious look on Kelsey’s face, but before she could say anything, Kelsey looked up with anticipation.

The most beautiful smile grew on her face as Kelsey stood up. Isabella grabbed her and hugged her like her life depended on it.

“Uh, I hope you’re Isabella,” a woman said from the row across from them. “Or my mom has a secret girlfriend she hasn’t told us about.”

Isabella laughed but didn’t immediately let Kelsey go. She winked then turned to the woman. “It wouldn’t be a secret if you knew.”

The woman raised her eyebrows while her seatmates began to laugh.

“Duh, Dana. I know you recognize me from our phone calls and pictures,” Isabella said. “Where’s Emma?”

“Right here!” she exclaimed, coming up the aisle from the restroom.

Kelsey shook her head and chuckled. “These are my girls.”

Isabella chuckled. “I’m so happy to finally meet you in person.” Isabella gave each of them a quick hug.

“The flight attendant is giving us looks,” Kelsey said in a quiet voice. “I saved the window seat for you.”

Isabella smiled at Kelsey and felt her heart speed up. From the moment they’d met, Kelsey Kenny had been doing nice things for her.

“Wait!” Dana exclaimed. “Isabella, this is Lily and this is Grace,” she said, pointing to the two girls sitting next to her.

“Hi.” Isabella shook each of their hands and smiled. “We’re going to have so much fun.”

Kelsey took Isabella’s bag and placed it in the overhead bin. “Is this the only one?”

“Yep,” Isabella said, plopping down in her seat. “I learned from the best.”

Kelsey chuckled and sat down next to her.

“Surprise, surprise. We only brought one bag each, too,” Emma said, sitting down next to her mother.

“Don’t be fooled, girls. Your momma is full of surprises,” Isabella said, looking into Kelsey’s eyes.

“Ha!” Dana said sarcastically. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“Rule number one,” Isabella said, leaning over so she could see all four girls. “I’m the only one who gets to tease your mom. We’re partners and we stick together.”