Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 588

"I just want to take a walk, feel the snow one last time," Izabella said, her voice barely above a whisper. She feared that if she waited any longer, she might never get the chance again.

"It's such a rare sight, this beautiful snowfall," she mused, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Casey looked down into Izabella's eyes, which shone brighter than the streetlamps overhead, brimming with anticipation. She tugged at the sleeve of his jacket, waiting for his answer to her unspoken question.

Finally, Casey relented with a gentle nod. "Alright, we'll take a short walk and then head back."

"Mom, Dad, are you going out for a walk?" Their children, fresh from holiday shopping, had overheard them.

"Yes, your mom wants to step out for a bit," Casey replied.

"Let's all go together then," Emily announced, slipping back into her coat as she and her brother waited by the door.

Casey helped Izabella into her thick down jacket, wrapping her in a scarf so snugly that not even the chill could pierce through.

The layers made her feel bulky, and the scarf around her neck wasn't exactly comfortable, but Izabella didn't complain. She allowed Casey to fuss over her, adding wool socks and gloves to the ensemble. He was used to taking care of her, always had been.

"Let's go," they said in unison, arms linked as they stepped outside, the children trailing behind with an umbrella at the ready.

Once outside, Izabella's frailty became apparent. She hadn't walked far before her breath became short and sharp. The frigid air bit at her lungs, sending a dull ache through her chest. Despite her many layers, the cold seeped into her bones until her knees ached too much to walk.

She paused, standing motionless as snowflakes began to settle on her eyelashes.

Casey stopped beside her, understanding all too well. The old injury in her knee must be flaring up again.

"You can't go on, can you?" Casey's voice was light, belying the pain in his heart. He crouched in front of her, offering his back. "Hop on, I'll carry you."

"I'm not ready to head back just yet."

"Then we won't. Wherever you want to go, I'll carry you."

"Are you sure you can manage?" Izabella asked, her concern evident. Casey was no spring chicken himself.

"I can manage. I've carried you through life so far, haven't I?" Casey said with a chuckle. "Besides, you’re light as a feather."

With a soft touch on his shoulder, Izabella leaned into him, and as he rose, she wrapped her arms around his neck, her cheek resting against the sturdy comfort of his shoulder.

"Casey, how long do you think this snow will last?"

"It might keep up until New Year's Eve."

"I wonder if the New Year's celebration will be worth seeing."

"We'll see it together when the time comes," he assured her, though her heart sank with the knowledge that she may not be there to witness it.

Casey's ears reddened as he reminisced about their first meeting at the airport all those years ago, his shy gaze avoiding hers as he boasted with feigned arrogance.

"The holiday's coming up soon," Izabella said, trying to look up at the sky, but the umbrella blocked her view. She turned to Aaron, who held the umbrella aloft.

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