d her, surprised by the

g her gaze for a moment before meetin

," she began softly. "But... I don't think marriag

nked, taken ab

wonderful man, and I'll always think of him as a good friend. But that's all. I'm not rea

remained kind. "Oh, dear, we didn't mean to pressure you

"and I truly appreciate that. But

them both a small, respectful smile. "If you'll excuse

nked in surpri

ed, disappointment flickering across her face, yet Isabella didn't

behind her, she leaned back a

avy, but her con

herself, "I did

r a few moments before Mrs. Her

ect her to react that way. She's

pologize. She's grown up. I suppose it's na

ffend you," Mrs. Hernando said quickly

" she said kindly. "Perhaps she just needs some time to think. They haven't seen each other in years-

ening, the house fell

room, her fingers absently twisting the hem

I said," she murmured. "When did

Sunday

t. Her thoughts wandered aimlessly, her gaze distant. Sweat clung to her skin, and her th

ar voice snapped h

abe

man standing in front of her. Samantha-her

red me!" Isabella exclaimed,

ean to. You were walking like you were miles

away the strands of hair s

as just overthinki

tle out of it," Samantha aske

e way, what are you doin

go out today, remember?" Samantha narrowed h

got. I'm so sorry," Isabella

h a grin. "But what on earth mad

pless. "You know, my mom tried to mat

out ages ago? Your childhood sweethea

" Isabella protested, laughing as her c

g. "But honestly, if your mom's that worried, why n

abella expected. She sighed, her smile fading. "I don't even

ed he turned out ugly,

oyed, half amused. "Samantha, ca

fore softening her tone. "But seriously, I think you should at least consider it. He's

d, nudging her shoulder. "Come on, let's go ho

fully, letting Isabella grab her

ways did. Isabella didn't have many close friends-Samantha was more lik

quickly that bright morni

e, Isabella twisted the doork

om!" she cal

ans

et. Then she heard it-a faint, wheezing c

her voice trembling as sh

grew louder w

ind, her face etched with c

her face pale as paper. She clutched her chest,

la cried, rus

ly holding her shoulders. "Mom, a