Page 119 of The SEAL's Duchess
He pulled back from the hug, his cheeks flushed. “Let me look at you.” His eyes crinkled with a smile. “You look good, Ives.”
“I’m good, George. Better than good.”
And she was—because she’d finally chosen her own path.
“Are you happy?” The same question he’d asked her a hundred times growing up. When their father had pushed hard. When duty had felt like drowning.
She met his eyes. “Yes. I am.”
He took her hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “That’s all I want.”
“Are you?—”
“Me?” He smiled faintly. “I’m muddling through. Mrs. Dove keeps me right. I’m so glad you’re happy, Ives. That means more to me than anything. I’m just sorry I didn’t see sooner how you were struggling. I?—”
She pressed a finger to his lips. “Shush. Enough.”
He nodded.
“Your brother,” Jack staggered past, hauling George’s suitcase, “talks endlessly about property values.”
“Merely making conversation,” George said.
“For two hours.”
Ryder took the case from Jack with his good hand. “Good to see you, Jack.”
“You too, Meyer. Shoulder healing up?”
“Getting there. How are the ribs?”
“Healed. Mostly. Still can’t sneeze without wanting to die, but that’s an improvement.” Jack’s expression sobered. “Doctor cleared me for light work. No climbing rigs but that’s okay with me. I’m in no hurry to climb back on a rig right now. Desk work’s fine.”
She pulled a duffel from the cab. “This one’s mine. Brought the wave power specs. Figured we could go over them while I’m here.” She looked past Ryder to Ivy. “Unless you’re too busy being domestic.”
Ivy rolled her eyes. “Come inside before you freeze to death.”
Inside, George paused and surveyed the living room with the assessing expression Ivy knew too well. The worn couch. The toys scattered on the floor and the overflowing bookshelves. Her laptop open on the kitchen table.
He’s cataloging. Comparing this to Lambourne House with its forty rooms and staff quarters. Wondering if I’ve lost my mind.
His gaze snagged back on her, warm. “This is nice.”
Ivy rolled her shoulders, gave him a slow smile. She’d worried about nothing.
Jack dropped her duffel by the couch. “Coffee? Please tell me you have coffee. Your brother doesn’t believe in caffeine before noon.”
“I believe in it,” George said. “I simply don’t require it.”
“That’s because you’re not human.” Jack winked at Ivy. “I’ll make it. You catch up with His Grace here.”
She disappeared into the kitchen.
“Unca Goge?”
Ellie materialized at George’s side, Diesel panting beside her. She tugged on his hand with both of hers. “Tassel?”
George looked down, startled.
