Page 109 of Eight Days of Christmas
Tears worked their way into the corners of her eyes. “I want to be with Leo.”
There. She finally said it out loud.
Finn stood, throwing his hands up. “Here we go again.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You could’ve been with Leo. Years ago. Ya see Izzy, this is why men think women are so confusing. Because they are. Because they can’t make up their damn minds.”
“You don’t understand. There are things you don’t know.”
Nina and Norah rushed into the room.
“Oh my goodness, Izzy. Are you alright? When I didn’t see you at the reception, I got worried. Nina said you fainted.” Norah threw her arms around Isabella’s neck.
“I’m fine.”
“Yep, she’s fine alright. She’s our little Oscar winner, this one,” Finn said, incredulous.
“What’s he talking about?” Norah asked.
“She faked it.”
“What? Why?”
Isabella squeezed her eyes tight and pushed her fingertips into her temples. “Will you all just chill out? Harrison will be back any minute.”
As if on cue, Harrison rushed in waving a hand triumphantly in the air. “I’ve got them. Two Tylenol—as requested.”
Everyone turned to look at him. He slowed his steps, his vision darting around to each of them.
“What’s going on?” He placed the pills in Isabella’s palm.
“Thanks,” she whispered.
Norah hovered over Isabella and Harrison acknowledged her. “You must be Norah. I’m Harrison. It’s so good to finally meet you.”
Norah’s jaw dropped, and she took his hand, shaking it limply. “Yeah, you too. I’ve heard…so much about you.” She glanced back and forth between him and Isabella, mouth still hanging open.
Mom rushed toward her. “Here’s the water.” She handed the glass to Isabella. “You alright? Finn checked you out?”
“I’m fine, Mom, thanks.” She set the glass on the floor, the pills on the seat next to her. “You all hurry and get to the reception. We’ll be right there.” She gave her mom a glance that she prayed said everything she couldn’t in that moment. She needed to be alone with Harrison.
Realization dawned on Mom’s face, and she kissed Isabella on the cheek. “Sure thing, sweetie.”
Dad squeezed Isabella’s shoulder but gave her a pointed look. She had finally been honest with herself and her family. Now it was time to be honest with Harrison. And hopefully, Leo—if it wasn’t too late.
“If you’re sure…everyone is probably wondering where the bride has run off to,” Mom said.
“Exactly,” Norah said, giving Isabella a tiny wink before she took Mom’s hand and led her and Dad toward the reception. Finn and Nina followed behind. Isabella watched them go, staring at the empty space before turning to face Harrison, taking in a deep breath.
“Thanks again for the Tylenol,” she said
“I’m just glad you’re alright. Do you think you’ll be ready to fly today?”
She tucked her chin to her chest. “Harrison, I’m not leaving. Not yet.” Her gaze lifted. “This is my sister’s wedding.”
“I’m sure she won’t mind.”
