One Tiny Lie – Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,42

time when Todd and Beverly learned the truth. She wanted them to continue seeing her through the eyes of love. She wanted to live here in Sonoma with Hudson. In many ways, Luna felt like her life was just beginning now that she was here. It was interesting how everything that had repelled Ava, Luna loved.

Todd got up from his chair, came around the desk, and enfolded Luna in a tight hug. “I love you, honey,” he uttered.

“I love you too,” she said gruffly, a tear slipping down her cheek.

After leaving Todd’s study, Luna went to the kitchen to get a drink of water. Rosalyn was standing at the sink. Luna heard a sniffle and realized Rosalyn was crying. She went up and touched her arm. “Hey, are you okay?”

Rosalyn jumped as she let out a shaky laugh, her hand going over her chest. “You scared me.” She raised her apron to her eyes and used it to wipe away the tears.

“What’s wrong?” Luna asked.

“It’s my nieta.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t understand …”

“My granddaughter, Isabela.”

“Oh.” Everything Hudson had told Luna the night before rushed back. “What’s going on?”

Rosalyn’s lips pressed into tight lines. “I don’t want to burden you with this.”

“Nonsense. That’s what friends are for.” She looked Rosalyn in the eye. “Tell me.”

Rosalyn stood indecisive for a few seconds before she motioned with her head at the table. “Maybe we should sit down.” Luna followed Rosalyn where they sat down across from one another.

Rosalyn pushed her hair out of her face before clasping her hands together. “Isabela’s madre, my daughter, ran off when Isabela was a baby.”

“I’m so sorry.”

Rosalyn’s expression was grim. “It has been tough on Isabela. Her boyfriend is not a good man.” Her eyes narrowed. “I keep telling Isa to stay away from him, but she won’t listen. Isa has a beautiful singing voice. In the fall, when school starts, they will hold a talent show at her high school. Isa was planning to sing, but Felipe has been teasing her about it, telling her she’s no good.” Tears pooled in Rosalyn’s eyes. “It’s not just the talent show that I’m upset about. I want Isa to know that she’s worth something.”

“I understand.” Luna felt for Rosalyn and even Isabela, whom she’d never met. An idea took shape. “What if I help Isa practice for the talent show?”

Rosalyn’s eyes rounded. “Oh, no. I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“You didn’t. I volunteered.”

“Can you sing?”

Luna laughed. “Not nearly as good as Ava,” she said quietly, “but I can sing. My adopted mother taught music.” She grinned. “I picked up a few things from her.” It was more than a few things, but she didn’t want to brag. “Maybe if I work with Isa, she’ll develop the confidence she needs to sing.” She shrugged. “It would be a step in the right direction. Hopefully, she can eventually break away from Felipe.”

Rosalyn’s eyes shimmered with gratitude as her hands went to her mouth. “That would be fantastic! Thank you.”

“I’m glad to help.” First, Todd and now Rosalyn. Luna was on a roll. It felt good to be able to help others because it caused her to forget about her own troubles for a while.

“Where do you want to teach Isa?” Rosalyn asked.

“I could go to your house.”

“Bueno! When do you want to start?” Rosalyn asked eagerly.

Luna’s mind ran through the upcoming events. Tomorrow evening was the harvest party. The actual harvest started on Tuesday evening and would go through Wednesday. Luna didn’t have to do anything for it, but she wanted to make sure she was available in case Todd or Beverly needed her. “How about next Thursday afternoon?” Todd’s birthday party would take place two days after, on a Saturday evening. That’s when Hudson and Luna were supposed to announce their engagement. Time was ticking away. Luna would need to tell Hudson the truth before the birthday party. She couldn’t let him get engaged to her without knowing who she really was. She wished she had another few weeks to simply spend time with Hudson before dropping the bomb.

Rosalyn frowned. “Lo siento. Isabela has her math tutoring on Thursday.”

“Okay, how about Monday.”

“Monday would be perfect,” Rosalyn said enthusiastically. She reached for Luna’s hands, holding them tightly in hers. “Thank you,” she breathed with an appreciative smile.

“You’re welcome. I look forward to meeting Isabela.”

Rosalyn took in a deep breath. “She will love you. You are an amazing person. Todd, Beverly, and Hudson are lucky to have you here.”

Tears rose in