Page 22 of Not In The Christmas Plan
“Nope. Don’t go trying to flip the script on me. What was it you used to call me when there was something you weren’t sure about and I was?”
Ivy sniffs and her lips twitch. “Know-It-Eve.”
“That’s right. Don’t start acting brand new just because you had some babies. Iknowmy nieces will get stronger. Iknowthey’ll be okay.”
After a few moments of deliberation, I see the moment Ivy decides to trust in my word. She tilts her chin up and smiles at me, this one reaching her eyes.
“You’re right. My babies are strong. They’ll be okay.”
“I know that’s right!”
We smile over the screen, hope shared between us.
“So,” she says after a few moments. “How is it going with you and Grant? Braxton and I have a bet as to how long it will take you to drive him out the house.”
“What? You’re betting on me? Why would you do that. That’s bad twin juju.” I dodge her question, not ready to tell her there is a lot going on—almost kisses, lingering touches, evolving feelings...
“Are you two at least getting along?”
“Yes?” Especially if getting along means wanting to strangle him one minute then kiss his pie coated lips the next. “And the nursery’s almost finished.”
Ivy lets out a yawn that sets one off in me too. “I can’t wait to see it. Thanks again for doing this for us. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“That’s what big sisters are for.”
She nods, looking good and tired, but knowing her like I do, once we hang up, she won’t easily give up and fall into the sleep her body desperately needs. She’ll be back to worrying over Nia and Amani, when the best way she can take care of them is by taking care of herself. And while I might not be there in person to ensure she’s doing just that, there is another way I can help.
I walk to my old bookcase I started clearing earlier and pick up a worn paperback. “Remember this?” I hold the book up to the phone.
Ivy squints at the screen. “Is thatNutcracker and Mouse King?”
“Yup. Remember how we used to make up our own adventures for them, imagining Marie with tiny afro puffsand the nutcracker with a gold chain?” We both laugh. “Are you still down to fight a freaking rodent to live happily ever after with someone who’s greatest talent is cracking nuts?”
“Whoa, not too much on my man now,” Ivy jokes while rubbing her eyes. “Look, Braxton’s cool and all, but the nutcracker? Well, that’s mine, and I’mma stick beside him.”
I climb onto the bed and prop my phone on the pillow before opening the book.
“For the entire twenty-fourth of December, the children of Medical Officer Stahlbaum were not permitted to step inside the intermediary room…” I begin.
Ivy’s quiet as a mouse as I read and just as I suspected, when I make it to the section titled “The Protégé”and glance at my phone, she’s sleeping.
Chapter ten
It’s the next morning, and time to get my plan back on track and continue the Baby Prep.
I wasn’t simply giving Ivy lip service last night. Iknowmy nieces will get strong and they’ll all be home for Christmas, so the house needs to be ready.
I march down the stairs ready to babyproof. I’m armed with a box full of outlet covers, bookshelf anchors, cabinet locks, and corner guards, as well as a glare I’m not afraid to use if Grant tries getting too close.
No more side quests; no more flirting.
When I land in the living room, he’s not there. Pausing in the hallway, I don’t hear any humming or movement coming from his room or see him in the kitchen as I continue on.
The heavy box makes my shoulders sag—not the disappointment of thinking he’s clearly left without telling me.Really. It’s relief. In fact, I hope he’ll be gone all day and really give me some space. I can throw my pajamas back on and blast some Christmas jams while I’m working.
I set the box down just as the back door opens.
I scream as cold air blasts my back. Then, I turn and see Grant, looking all rugged with a scruffy jaw and long-sleeved henley that hugs the lines of his shoulders. My stomach drops, heat blossoms and turns into butterflies.
