The Wedding Wish

made him feel important at the time, like he was older and wiser. Although in truth, Isabel often had the upper hand. She was quick on the uptake and enjoyed catching him off guard with a fast turn of phrase or daring challenge. Like the time she dared him to share a piece of gum by passing it back and forth between them using only their tongues.
    “We’re going back?” she asked in surprise. They’d just cleared the entrance to her parents’ neighborhood, which was situated high on a hill above the city.
    “In a way,” he said with a mysterious smile. “But probably not to where you think.”
    A few minutes later, Robert turned up a steep gravel road, then pulled off to the side.
    “You’re taking me parking?” she asked. Though in truth she didn’t look opposed.
    He shot her a sly wink before exiting the car. “You’re so suspicious.” Robert opened her door, extending his hand. “Come on.”
    She scrutinized his face for a moment before accepting. “Where exactly are you taking me?”
    “Someplace special,” he assured her. “So special, in fact, I’ve never shown it to anybody else.”
    Robert held on to her hand and led her up a high path that wound its way past laurels and big briar bushes. “Watch your step,” he cautioned. “It’s rocky.”
    Her sneaker slipped sideways, and she stumbled. He spun quickly to catch her, holding her in his arms. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
    She looked up at him, and it was all he could do to resist bringing his mouth to hers. “Thank you.”
    “For what?”
    “For this. For whatever it is you’re doing. I have no clue where we’re going, but this is fun. I feel like I’m just a kid who’s snuck out of her room.”
    “Oh yeah? Well, I’m about to show you where I went when I snuck out of mine.”

    Before Isabel knew it, Robert had led her through the shadows and up upon a flat-topped rock overlooking the city. An array of lights twinkled below as warm summer breezes blew. Isabel caught her breath at the sight. “It’s beautiful.”
    “Yeah.” Robert drew his arm around her and held her close. “I used to spend a lot of time up here as a kid. Thinking.”
    “Oh? What did you think about?” She turned toward him.
    “You, mostly.”
    “Me?”
    “All right, maybe I didn’t have the guts to tell you then, but I’m man enough to own it now…” His eyes sparkled in the faint glow of lights from the distant city. “I had the most unbearable crush on this pretty, blonde-haired girl.”
    Isabel felt her face warm. “That’s funny,” she said, looking up at him. “The feeling was mutual.”
    “Yeah?”
    “Yeah.” She turned toward the view, avoiding his gaze. “I cried for weeks after you left. Did you know that? Weeks and weeks. Really. I think you were the first man to totally break my heart.”
    He reached up and gently stroked her cheek. “If it had been up to me, I never would have gone.”
    “I know,” she said quietly.
    They both stood staring at the view as warm summer winds rippled around them.
    “You want to stay for a while?” he asked. “Just sit here with me?”
    “I’d like that.”
    And so they stayed, and they talked. And then they talked some more over old times and all the fun they used to have until they finally ran out of words, and the sun broke over the horizon.

Chapter Three

    Isabel smiled brightly as they exited the movie theater. “I just love a good romantic comedy, don’t you?” She looked so pretty tonight in worn blue jeans and a light blue top that complemented her eyes. Robert didn’t think he’d ever been out with anyone better looking or nicer to be with. Being in Isabel’s company just felt right.
    “I like ’em if you do,” Robert told her.
    She nudged him lightly as they strolled down the sidewalk amid the clutter of shops and outdoor cafés. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “That means I’m remembering our deal.”
    “That we watch an action film next?”
    “Exactly.”
    “You drive a hard bargain, mister.” There was a happy lilt to her voice, like she was enjoying herself. Robert was having a great time too. How he wished there could be more between them and that all those loose ends from his past were neatly tied up.
    “Want to grab some pizza?” he queried.
    “Only if I get to order extra pepperoni.”
    “Anything your heart desires.”
    Her eyes sparkled in the soft glow from the streetlights. “You should watch what you’re offering.”
    “What