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“That’s the thing. I don’t think I should. At least not yet.”
“Is it because you’re mad at me? Because I didn’t have enough faith in us?”
“No, Doc Baby. I am not mad at you. At all. I know how hard this was on you. I’m grateful to have a woman who took my word over everything she believed in. Don’t you think I understand how much love and faith it took for you to go find the answers?”
“Given all of that, you still don’t want to come home?”
“Not yet, Doc. Please understand.”
Manny had been more than understanding with her. Now it was her turn. She had a feeling his reluctance to return home had something to do with the new state of his life. The uncertainty of knowing who he was. This whole thing was a fucking mess. Her family wasn’t out of the woods yet.
Whoever was behind all of this had no idea who they had messed with. Emmanuel and Ivy would stand together and come through this stronger. It was just the way it was.
“Why aren’t you sleeping, Doc?”
Ivy squeaked. She hadn’t realised Manny was awake.
“Everything alright?” he asked.
“I’m good.”
Manny pulled her closer. “Are you? Then you should be asleep. I feel like I didn’t do a good job of making sure you got rest.” Despite being sleepy, his eyes sparkled with mischief.
“No. You did an amazing job. It’s just my brain is a busy place.”
“Come, lay on my chest and get some rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow.”
Within minutes, the steady drumming of his heartbeats lulled her into a deep sleep. By the time she woke up again, she was alone in bed. She could hear Manny in the distance, humming some song she couldn’t make out. From the smell of things, he had breakfast going. After a quick trip to the washroom, in which she relieved herself, washed her face and brushed her teeth, she made her way to the living room. Manny was plating their breakfast and placed it on the nook.
“Good morning.” Manny sounded chipper today.
“Coffee?” he asked.
Although she had no idea why. Of course, she wanted coffee. Which is why, even though she hadn’t answered yet. He was already pouring her a cup.
A few bites into their meal of fluffy scrambled eggs, ham, and toast, Manny asked, “Doc, do you have all the paperwork on you that my Mom gave you?”
“Yes.” Well, she had copies.
“Perfect. Darsh should be by here in an hour.”
Ever punctual Darsh was ringing the bell well before an hour had passed.
Emmanuel and Ivy were eager for the next steps, so they were both ready for his arrival. Besides the paperwork she had gathered from Grace, Ivy also had bits and pieces of information she gathered from Larson’s attorney.
Emmanuel greeted Darsh and walked him into the condo. It had been a couple of years since Ivy had seen him. He sometimes spent time with Manny, but she wasn’t normally around.
Her mind had been preoccupied with what was going on. She forgot what an imposing man Darsh was. He was just shy of seven feet, and he was built like a tank. All those years ago, when Ivy had met Darsh in school, her first impression was God was showing off when making him. Besides all that height and girth was the most handsome, chiselled face with deep-set dimples. Don’t get her started on the hair! Whew. Inkjet yards of silky perfection. The amount of weaves this man could supply.
“Doc.” Manny pulled her from her thoughts by placing his hand on his shoulder.
“Sorry, my mind wandered.”
He gave her a knowing smile. “Yeah, I gathered.”
“Hey, Ivy,” Darsh greeted Ivy as he pulled her into a quick embrace.
It didn’t take them long to get settled at the dining room table.
