The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 37

Still, meeting in advance wasn’t such a bad idea. At least she’d get a sense of what this person was like, which would make things easier down the line.

The next morning, after Isabella arrived in Wye, she went straight to the hospital to check in for her new job.

Only after she’d finished at the hospital did she text Rebecca: “I’m outside your house.”

Rebecca, seeing the message, dropped what she was doing and rushed to the front door, excitement bubbling up inside her.

When she caught sight of Isabella’s familiar figure, Rebecca nearly burst into tears.

Isabella wore a white summer dress, her long hair flowing, her smile radiant as ever.

Rebecca waved both arms and called out, “Bella!”

Isabella’s head shot up at the sound, and when she spotted Rebecca, her face lit up. She waved back and hurried over. “Finally! I’ve missed you so much!”

They hugged tightly, as if trying to squeeze all the months of longing into that single embrace.

When they finally let go, Isabella gave Rebecca a playful once-over. “Rebecca, you look more beautiful every time I see you—must be something in the Wye water!”

Rebecca laughed. “Says the one who’s positively glowing. Life must be treating you well these days, huh?”

Isabella’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Can’t complain. My only regret is you not being there. So tell me, how’s life in Wye?”

“It’s been good,” Rebecca replied, as they chatted their way inside.

Rebecca had set up a cozy guest room for Isabella, planning to show her around. But Isabella was far more interested in seeing the four little ones.

“Where are my munchkins? Godmother’s here!”

Upstairs, the four kids had been playing together. The moment they heard the commotion, they dashed over.

“Mommy! Godmother! You’re here!” they shouted in chorus.

She knew the kids were energetic, but this much energy was still a surprise.

Sensing her exhaustion, the kids scampered off to find something else to do.

Rebecca walked over and handed Isabella a glass of water. “You really spoil them, you know.”

Isabella took a big gulp, wiped her mouth, and grinned. “I don’t mind. I love playing with them. That’s how you build real bonds.”

Those four little ones were like her own. Maybe, in a way, playing horsey made up for the absence of a dad in their lives.

“Oh, by the way, Rebecca,” Isabella said with a mischievous glint, “since I traveled all this way, are you going to show me something fun around here?”

“Like what?” Rebecca asked.

Isabella’s smile turned sly. “Obviously, something a little more grown-up.”