Page 30 of The Christmas Gift

Even as her breath hitched, she hesitated. Cor guessed, the hint of self-preservation she’d always relied on in the past held her in place.

“I told you before, our relationship only needs one rule.” He took her chin between his thumb and first finger. “Do you know what that is?”

She shook her head.

“Never leave our bed,” he whispered, easing her closer. “The bed you picked out. The bed you—only you will ever sleep in.”

Chapter Nine

Ivy

She had slept poorly. Cor had held her throughout the night, his tall muscular build the perfect spoon for her curves. Yet, it hadn’t kept her mind from racing…casting doubts.

Maybe he hadn’t slept with Krista, but he hadn’t called or messaged to say he would be late either. Ivy cringed. Come to think of it,shehadn’t reached out either.

Relationships were hard work. It was why she’d stuck to being single.

What brought on this new wave of skepticism though, was waking to an empty bed. She no longer doubted his commitment to the baby. Based on the changes he’d made to his life, Cor was all in. But could she guarantee she wouldn’t self-sabotage their relationship?

Taking three eggs from the refrigerator, she cracked them into a bowl then pressed ‘accept’ on her phone to finally start the update process.

She’d awoke with a craving for French toast but couldn’t remember the last time she attempted making them. When she’d reached for her phone to look up the recipe, the software update alert became an annoying demand. Her apps all had an image that resembled a loading pie chart, including her favorite recipe app. Ivy hoped she remembered enough of the ingredients to wing it.

Food—specifically savory-sweet dishes helped her calm enough to think straight. She needed all her thinking power before wielding a sledgehammer to decisions that impacted the baby and Cor’s life.

What she needed was a list. With her phone updating, she grabbed her tablet from her purse. Writing her thoughts always helped with perspective.

One—Cor admitted to fraternizing with the she-devil…er, Krista.

Was sitting beside Krista during dinner considered fraternizing?She remembered how friendly they seemed at the first meeting, although Cor hadn’t initiated any flirtatious banter or encouraged it after that day.

Two—lack of communication.

She did bear some responsibility in the communication department. Had she told him she missed him when she’d returned from the café, perhaps he would have come home earlier. It wasn’t as if he didn’t invite her to dinner.

Three—he’d disappeared this morning without a word.

Ivy’s fingers hovered over the screen. She couldn’t help but wonder if her relationship insecurity made Cor’s actions seem more suspicious. Ivy shoved the tablet aside. Cataloging her doubts wouldn’t solve anything. She needed to speak with Cor.

Placing a flat pan on the stove, she added cinnamon, milk, and essence to the beaten eggs before bathing slices of bread through the mixture. The French toast smelled delicious hitting the hot pan.

Somewhere along the way, he had wormed his way into her heart. If she finished the list, she’d be putting him and her feelings in a confined, controlled space. Ivy didn’t want that at all. These weeks, he’d shown her they could have passion alongside commitment. She didn’t have to let the past overshadow what was possible for the future.

Now that there was more than herself to think about, Ivy didn’t want to selfishly think only of her needs—that would be no different than her own parents.

Taking the finished toast out of the pan, she added three more slices when the door opened.

“That smells really good.”

Cor walked into the kitchen with a drink tray and a bag. At the sight of the items, Ivy’s heart skipped a beat. She’d allowed her imagination to run with wild accusations. Knowing that was contrary to her structured personality didn’t ease her guilt.

“French toast,” she said, turning off the stove and fixing a second plate as he placed his load on the counter.

“What’s this?” He picked up her tablet.

“Don’t read that!” She tried to grab it, but he moved out of her reach, putting the dining table between them.

“Fraternizing with the devil?” Cor chuckled. “I don’t think I can un-imagine Krista with horns.”

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