They’d made love for hours after that, with Isabel wanting to show him how little influence her family’s worries had on her. Even if they didn’t, she believed in him—in them—categorically.

Saturday, Romero told her he had to work most of the day. He’d cut down significantly on the weekends but she knew in his line of work, weekends had to be busy for him. She was a little disappointed she’d looked forward to spending the entire day with him since part of Sunday she’d be busy with Art’s brunch, but she didn’t complain. How could she?

On her way to meet Valerie at the mall for lunch she got a call from Jacob. She sighed, remembering the intervention and wondered if he had more to say.

“Hi, Jacob.”

“Hey, Bell. You busy?”

“I’m driving but I have my earpiece on. What’s up?”

“Listen I just wanted you to know, that yesterday I didn’t feel real comfortable about the whole intervention thing. Your sister sort of caught me off guard when she asked me to be part of it.” He was quiet for a moment. “I don’t want you to think for even a second that I don’t think you smart enough to come to your own conclusions, especially one as big as this one. Your family made a lot of good points yesterday but bottom line is the guy has a short fuse, and from what it sounds like, mostly when it comes to anyone coming between the two of you. Who could blame him right? So he blew up and he has, as your sister put it, a filthy mouth.” He chuckled a little, making Isabel smile. “Being in the Navy, I’m around a lot of guys like that. And I know it doesn’t mean they’re bad. I know you, Bell. If you feel it in your heart—you truly believe he would never hurt you. Then go with your gut. Forget what everybody else says. I wanted to say this last night but I had a feeling I’d be mauled by your family. So I just wanted you to know I wish you only the best, and I know you don’t need anyone helping you make these kinds of decision for you. Least of all me.”

Isabel’s felt her heart swell. Despite things not having worked out between her and Jacob, she remembered now why she’d been with him for such a long time. He was a good guy through and through with a heart to match. “Thank you, Jacob. That means a lot to me. I had a feeling my sister’s persuasiveness had more to do with you being there yesterday than you thinking you needed to convince me Romero was bad. Thanks for this. It’s nice to know someone has faith in my ability to make a judgment call.”

“I know you do. That’s why I wanted to make sure you didn’t think I didn’t.”

She wished him the very best as well before hanging up and felt even better about standing her ground against her family’s wishes.

*

Isabel reached across the table at lunch and squeezed Valerie’s hand. “I’m glad you’re better; the last couple of days have been so crazy for me I’d forgotten to call you.”

Valerie called Isabel Friday morning letting her know she was feeling better but wasn’t up to talking. With the stupid intervention waiting for her when she got home, she hadn’t had a chance to talk to her. But last night Valerie called her and invited her to lunch today. “I was feeling better last night. That’s why I called you, but I almost cancelled because I woke up feeling like total crap this morning again.”

Still eyeing her menu for anything that sounded good, Isabel didn’t look up. “What do you think it is?” The Crab Shack wasn’t one of Isabel’s favorites but Valerie really liked it.

“Hmm, I dunno.” It was odd to hear Valerie sound playful about being sick. “For the past few days I’ve been throwing up my guts every morning.”

Isabel lowered her menu to see Valerie smiling. “Oh my God. Are you…”

Valerie laughed. “I’m not sure yet but it’s a definite possibility. I’ve been off the pill for almost a month now. Only problem is my period’s been all screwy because of it.” She put her menu down and grinned. “The best part about it is Alex is totally clueless. He really thinks I have some kind of stomach virus. I wanna keep it that way so I can surprise him.”

Isabel couldn’t help but smile giddily then stopped. “You’re not upset about it are you? I know you said you wanted to wait a little longer.”

“I did but now that I might be, I’m actually getting excited about it. I just don’t wanna say anything to Alex until I know for sure. He’s been pushing for this for a while now. I’d hate for him to get his hopes up and then have it be a false alarm.”

“I won’t say anything to Romero until it’s a sure thing and Alex knows.” Isabel reached across the table and a squeezed Isabel’s hand. “I’m excited for you. I really am.”

Isabel filled Valerie in on everything that happened the last couple of days and everything she’d cleared up with Romero, including his relationship with Cici and her son, Moe. Valerie nearly swooned when she saw the ring he’d bought her and said she didn’t care what anyone said. It was definitely an engagement ring.

They’d almost made it through their entire meal when Valerie had to leave the table suddenly, feeling sick. Isabel was about to get up and check on her when she saw a very pale looking Valerie walking back to the table. Isabel felt so bad for her.

“Maybe it is a virus. This is the first time it’s hit me in the afternoon.”

Isabel smiled, tilting her head. “It’s only called morning sickness but it can hit at any time of the day. I’m even more convinced now that you are pregnant. I’m only sorry you didn’t get to keep your lunch down. You were in there for a while. You probably threw it all up.”