Page 30

ISLA

Two days down and I’m missing Case even more than I thought I would. It’s not just about not seeing him, it’s knowing he’s not in town too.

I haven’t been sleeping well since he left, along with a niggling headache and a heavy feeling in my bones. I even got one of the doctors at the hospital to check me over yesterday just in case I was getting sick. Apparently not. It seems I’m just missing Case.

We’ve been texting back and forth the whole time he has been gone, as well as keeping up with our nightly phone calls. That’s the only time I’ve felt normal. It’s like his voice is a balm that settles me.

Basically, I’m a hot mess who is pining for her boyfriend even though I know he’s coming home soon. Does that mean I’m hopelessly, completely, deliriously in love with him? Apparently so.

He hasn’t asked me about my reading and I haven’t brought it up again either because then I’d have to admit that I finished it the same night he gave it to me and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since.

The writing was poetic, heartwarming, and soul searching too.

The love Aster Hollingsworth writes about is true, deep, and honest .

There’s no doubt in the characters’ minds that they’ve met their soulmate and once they get there, their belief that the mountain spirit is responsible for bringing them into each other’s lives is steadfast.

It has made me ponder whether I could believe in a matchmaking higher being living within the mountain. And if that’s true, did she bring Case into my life? My mind is opening up to the idea that our journeys could have crossed for a reason. That’s a start, right?

One thing I do know is that the why and the how don’t matter to me, not when I’m happy Case is in my life and I want him to stay there.

“You’re my One, beautiful. I know it. And soon, you will too.”

“Because I know you’re it for me, beautiful. There’s no one else, never has been and never will be.”

“As long as I’m perfect for you, that’s all I care about.”

All I know is that ever since we met–and then found each other again–Case has been honest about how he feels. When he gave me the book, he made it crystal clear–reassuringly and unmistakably so–that he was all in. Just as much as I am with him. We may not have said the words, but I know .

All I need now is for him to come back home so I can tell him.

To tide me over until then, Birdie has come down the mountain to have dinner with us and has a package to give me.

“Hey,” I say, ushering her inside. “You’re timin’ is impeccable. I’ve just gotten out of the shower and Mom’s just pulled dinner out of the oven.”

She hugs me hello before turning toward the kitchen where Mom is standing at the counter.

“And here’s my other daughter. You never visit me anymore,” she teases. “You’re too loved up on that mountain ranch of yours.”

Birdie walks over and hugs her. “Aww, Jessica. I promise I’ll make sure I leave my loved-up bubble more often just to come see you.”

Mom meets my eyes over my best friend’s shoulder and winks at me. “I’d love that, Birdie.”

“Now, what’s for dinner? Cause I’m starvin’ and the house smells amazin’. You know I love your cookin’, Mom number two.”

“Well, if you grab the wine from the fridge and some iced water for me, we can move to the table and get started,” Mom replies.

The whole time they’re talking, I can’t tear my eyes away from the white mailer Birdie has placed on the dinner table. I make a beeline right for it, stopping when she clears her throat and clicks her tongue.

My head snaps to hers and I don’t miss the knowing twinkle in her eyes. “You’re eager, aren’t you?”

“Do you blame me? Why was a package for me sent to you ?” I say, picking it up and turning it over. “Wait. It’s from Woodward Valley?” I frown at her. “Did you order me somethin’ when you were there?”

A sly smile curves her lips. “Nope. It is for you, and I can’t even take credit for it.”

My brows dip deeper as I push Mom’s chair in, making sure she’s settled and comfortable before. “Was it Case?”

She shakes her head. “Don’t think so. Why don’t you open it?”

I stare at the package before placing it down on the table beside me. “It can wait until after dinner,” I say with all the self-restraint I can muster. “Mom has made us these delicious stuffed pork chops and gravy. The least we can do is enjoy each other’s company and the meal first. Yeah?”

I glance over at Mom who seems to approve of my choice.

Birdie and Mom chat excitedly about the wedding plans and the flower arrangements as we eat. I watch them while I sip on my wine, loving how invested they both are in every single detail of the day.

My mind wanders to what I imagine my wedding might look like. Not surprisingly, everything Birdie and Will have talked about so far–the food, the low-key ceremony up on the ranch, the custom-made white lace sundress Birdie plans to wear on her special day–is exactly what I would like.

Is this what happens when you fall in love? Do you start picturing the happy ever after part of your life? Because since meeting Case, I can’t imagine planning a future with anyone else.

My eyes drift over to the mysterious package as if it holds the answers to whatever question I still haven’t answered.

“What do you think, Lala?” Mom asks, grabbing my attention. I turn back towards them to find all eyes on me.

“Sorry, what?”

Mom arches a brow at Birdie and they exchange a look, one that says ‘see what I’m sayin'.'

“You look tired, sweetheart. Everythin’ OK?” Mom asks.

“I’m fine. I’ve just been feelin’ a bit under the weather lately.”

“Lately? Do you mean since Case went to Anchorage?” Birdie asks curiously. “I’ve never been away from Will–well not far enough to feel it, you know.”

“What do you mean ‘feel it’?”

She waves her hand in the air, the universal sign for ‘don’t worry about it.’ Which just leaves me wondering what she meant. Feel what ?

Before I can press her any further, Mom reaches out and covers my hand. “I’m worried that you’re doin’ too much, and it’s all because of me.”

“What do you mean?” This conversation is giving me whiplash.

“You’re lettin’ life pass you by. I was worried about it before you met Case, and now that you have, I can clearly see you’re strugglin’.”

“Mom, I’m OK. I promise,” I say, giving her what I hope is a reassuring smile.

“You’re puttin’ your life on hold and workin’ yourself to the bone to look after me.

Believe me, I appreciate it more than you could ever know.

I love havin’ you back home. But you’ve got Case to think about now.

I don’t what you lettin’ life pass you by or bein’ too tired to enjoy it just because you’re busy worryin’ and lookin’ after me. ”

“Mom…” I lean over and hug her. “You will never be too much trouble for me. You gave up so much while I was growin’ up. It’s my turn to give it all back to you. Yeah?” My voice wavers and she nods against my shoulder.

“Guys, you’re makin’ me cry. I love your love, but if y’all are huggin’ and cryin’, then you have to let me in on this hug too.

Otherwise, I’m just sittin’ here blubberin’ all by myself,” Birdie says, making me laugh and Mom snicker.

I stand and with one arm still around Mom, I hold the other one out for Birdie to join in.

Once we’ve all got it out of our systems, we pull apart and take our seats again.

“I don’t want you worryin’ about me, Mom. Seriously.”

She shakes her head. “It’s not just that.

All the medication and the PT, they’re workin’ well now.

We know I’ll never be cured, but everythin’ you’ve done to help me has already improved my quality of life,” she says with a sniffle.

“None of it would’ve been possible without you.

I was lost before and now that we’ve got a team of specialists and helpers in place, I’m not so scared about what the future holds.

I’m havin’ more better days than bad ones now too. ”

“I’d do it all again in a heartbeat, Mom. You know that.”

“I do,” she says. “That’s why the next thing we have to talk about is Case.”

I jerk back. “Case and I are fine, Mom. Honestly. We’re good, I promise.”

“Yeah, but for how long?” she fires back.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re so focused on me, always thinkin’ about what I need and workin’ two jobs to pay for everythin’. Don’t think it’s escaped my notice that you haven’t once slept over at the ranch.”

“Mom!” I gasp, my cheeks heating.

She scoffs, waving away my embarrassment. “You’re thirty years old and in a relationship with a very handsome Cooper man. You should be out there havin’ fun–and sleepovers–without havin’ to worry about bein’ home to look after your Mom.”

“You’ve got a chronic illness, Mom. Case understands that.”

“I know he does. That man is a godsend. He’s so thoughtful and helpful.” She turns to Birdie. “Did you know he came over early the other day and took me out into the back garden? Then he set me up with a chair and a glass of iced tea before weedin’ my flower beds?”

“He told us. You should’ve heard Will and the rest of them tease him about it,” my best friend tells her.

“I bet,” I giggle. “Seriously, Mom. I’m OK. Case understands I have a responsibility to you as your caregiver.”

“Seriously, Jessica. Case loves that Isla wants to be here to help you. He’s not mad that there haven’t been any ‘sleepovers’.” Her twitching lips give away just how amusing she thinks this is.

“I just don’t want you findin’ yourself in a holdin’ pattern because you’re too busy workin’ or lookin’ after me “

“Mom…” I whisper.

“Somethin’ I’ve learned since my diagnosis is that sometimes you’ve got to let someone else take care of you. And news flash, Lala, you’ve got a handsome, wonderful man who thinks you light up the stars and hung the moon, and who wants to do exactly that.”

I roll my eyes. “Like you let me take care of you?”

“Yep. Exactly. That’s probably where you get it from.” She smirks. “The man is totally gone for you.”

“He truly is,” Birdie adds.