Page 4 of Finding Wonderland

“Oh, okay, thank you. I’ll do that.”

“Good,” Maggie’s smile widened. “Oh, and here you go.”

Extending the basket out to Isla, she carefully took it and was immediately surprised at the weight of it. Maggie made it seem as if there was only a loaf of bread in there but Isla could tell it was jam packed of presumably homemade food. Her stomach growled at the thought of eating a meal that wasn’t out of a paper bag.

“There’s lasagna in there along with some fresh garlic bread, Caesar salads, and chocolate chip cookies. I also threw in some of my apple cider.”

“Oh, my goodness. Thank you.” Isla could almost taste the goodness that was waiting on her inside the basket. “My daughter and I will enjoy it, I’m sure.”

“Daughter?”

“Yes, Mason.” Holding up a finger, Isla sat the basket down and called out for Mason. She came running, slowing only when she saw Maggie. Mason shyly stayed half hidden behind Isla’s leg as she placed a hand on her back. “Mason, this is Miss Maggie. She brought us some lasagna to eat, isn’t that nice?”

Mason nodded, and Maggie bent down to her level.

“Hi, Mason. It’s so nice to meet you. How old are you?”

“Four,” she answered by holding up four fingers as well.

“Wow, you’re such a big girl. You know, I have grandkids about your age. Maybe someday you and your mommy can come over and meet them, okay?”

Mason nodded again. She was ordinarily shy around strangers, but Isla was surprised when she took a step out from behind her toward Maggie.

“Thank you for the lasagna.”

“You’re welcome, sweet Mason.”

Giggling, Mason scampered back off into the bedroom.

“She’s a sweetheart.”

“Thank you.”

“I watch my grandkids a lot after school and on breaks. If you ever need someone to watch Mason while you’re at work or anything, please let me know. I’d be happy to help. And if I happen to be unavailable, I know a whole slew of people who would be happy to help you any way they can.”

“Wow, thank you.” Isla could feel her emotions starting to bubble over. She wasn’t one to show her feelings to just anyone, especially people she’d just met. But Maggie had made her feel more at home than any place Isla had ever lived before. “That means so much to me.”

“Being new to a town can be scary and overwhelming. But I think you’ll find that Moonflower Cove isn’t your regular town.” Maggie’s eyes twinkled as she spoke. “There’s something special about this place.”

“I’m starting to realize that.”

“Well, I shouldn’t keep you any longer.” Maggie took a step back on the stoop toward the stairs. “You stop by the pub tomorrow and tell them Maggie sent you. And remember, if you need me, call me. I left my number on a piece of paper in the basket,” she added with a wink. “I’ll see you soon, Isla.”

“See you soon, Maggie. Thank you again.”

“You’re welcome.”

Waving goodbye to Maggie, Isla carried the basket into the kitchen and sat it on the rickety card table that was currently serving as their dining room table. Everything smelled and looked delicious. Isla couldn’t help herself from tearing off a piece of the warm bread and popping it into her mouth.

This move was good, she assured herself for the hundredth time as she took two plates out of the box still on the counter. Getting out of upstate New York was necessary and finding Moonflower Cove was a blessing. Isla knew that to be the truest statement in the world.

Chapter 2

Vera

Never in her wildest imagination did Vera Forsyth imagine she’d be doing her fellowship in obstetrics and gynecology at her hometown hospital. She knew there was no place better to learn from the best than at Taylor Memorial Hospital. Students applied from all over the world to work under Bonnie Taylor, one of the top OBGYNs in the nation. Hell, half of the staff at Taylor Memorial were among the most sought after in their fields. The competition to get into a residency or fellowship program at the hospital was among the hardest in the nation, which was why Vera was surprised when she got matched with the OBGYN fellowship.

Not that she didn’t think she was good enough for the job. On the contrary, Vera knew she was one of the best in her class and didn’t care who knew it. She graduated early from both her undergrad and medical school with high hopes. Hopes of not only becoming a damn good OBGYN, but also wanting to be thoroughly educated in the booming world of fertility treatments, such as IVF. Vera loved learning and helping people, which made her perfect for her chosen profession.