Chapter 14 - ISABELLA'S SECOND CHANCE
Six months after the crash, Isabella returned to the cliff.
Emma went with her.
They stood behind the repaired guardrail.
The ocean was calm.
“I hate it,” Emma said.
“Me too.”
“Why did we come?”
“Because I didn't want the worst night of my life to own this place forever.”
Emma considered that.
Then she removed the lighthouse pendant.
Isabella looked at her.
Emma held it out.
“You gave me this.”
“It was always yours.”
“I know.”
Emma smiled.
“I'm keeping it.”
Isabella laughed.
Emma put the necklace back on.
Then she asked, “Can I call you Mom?”
Isabella stopped breathing.
Emma panicked.
“Forget it.”
“No.”
“I shouldn't have—”
“Emma.”
Isabella was crying.
“That would be the greatest honor of my life.”
Emma looked away.
“Okay.”
Isabella hugged her.
Emma hugged back.
May you like
Behind them, Vincent and Tony pretended not to watch.
Neither man fooled anyone.
