Page 39 of Trust Fall
“I think they’re going to do it,” Evan said. “I actually think they’re going to do it.” His tone had morphed into shock, knowing full well Sophie wasn’t great at eating any form of veggies. By the looks of it, Toni was thinking similarly about Willow.
When they were all about to take their last bite, Ivy dipped her little finger under the waist of Cleo’s hoody, and the touch on Cleo’s skin sent shockwaves through her spine, causing her to jump slightly and turn to face Ivy without taking the last bite.
“Yeeeeey! We did it! Ice cream! Ice cream! Ice cream!” the girls chanted.
“Sorry, I just couldn’t see them lose,” Ivy blushed slightly as she laughed, seeing the pout on Cleo’s mouth.
Cleo forgave her completely when Ivy leaned forward and pressed her lips against her own in apology. “No ice cream for you,” Cleo said, and Ivy laughed.
“Ok, a deal’s a deal. Let’s go get the bowls ready for everyone except Ivy.” Cleo threw a wink and a smirk over her shoulder as she followed the girls to the kitchen.
An hour later, Evan and Sophie were taking Toni and Willow home. Toni had tried to refuse Evan’s offer, but he was Cleo’s twin after all and wouldn’t hear anything of it. Cleo saw the dreamy look in Toni’s eyes, and she was sure Ivy saw it too with the raised eyebrow she was sending Toni’s way as they all left, leaving Cleo and Ivy alone.
“I can’t believe you’re real,” Ivy said from behind Cleo. She shut the door now that Evan’s car had left her driveway.
“What do you mean?” Cleo asked, confused.
“You barely know Toni, yet you helped her out without even being asked. You got the kids towantto eat veggies! I can’t believe someone as incredible as you exists, and that for whatever reason, you choose to be withme.” Ivy shook her head slowly in disbelief, and for Cleo, that level of doubt just wouldn’t do. She took both of Ivy’s hands in hers to ensure she had her full attention. She needed to make sure Ivyheardwhat she was about to say.
“I offered to help Toni because I know raising kids is hard at the best of times, and impossible without any form of help, that’s why I had Sophie today already.” She paused and took a breath. “Evan’s wife, Taylor, passed away during childbirth, so our whole family help Evan whenever he needs it, even sometimes when he doesn’t.” She smiled and continued. “I got the kids to eat their veggies, because whatever Sophie said earlier, she knew she was always getting ice cream today, but this way it meant they weren’t thinking about what they were eating, just that they wanted to beat me to get the ice cream.” She lifted Ivy’s hands toher lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back of each one before adding, “Ivy, I choose to be withyou, because for the first time in a very long time, I finally feel like myself again whenever I’m around you.” She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Ivy’s lips. “But believe me, I don’t want you for a second to doubt how incredibleyouare, because honestly?I’mthe one who feels lucky.”
They leaned into each other, Ivy burrowed her face into Cleo’s neck, heat from embarrassed cheeks sending Cleo’s temperature higher. Ivy wrapped her arms around Cleo’s waist, and Cleo wrapped her arms around Ivy’s shoulders, her taller frame protectively holding Ivy close.
“I’m really glad you’re my girlfriend, Cleo,” she felt Ivy softly say against her neck.
“I’m really glad I’m your girlfriend too, Ivy,” Cleo said, and placed a kiss against her temple.
Chapter 34
Ivy
It had been over two weeks since Ivy had been at Cleo’s house for the impromptu pizza party, and they had managed to meet for drinks a few more times. Last weekend they had gone to lunch at a new bistro that had opened over the summer, to rave reviews, for being a relaxed location to eat and hang out. It didn’t disappoint.
They had gotten closer over the past month than Ivy had ever dreamed possible. Their late-night text messages had changed to video calls, where they would spend hours talking with each other.
Cleo had been busy with a demanding client and had needed to work at home some nights, which gave Ivy the perfect opportunity to work on her franchise plans, and the training schedules for the winter menu and accompanying foam art.
She made her way into Lucas and Gabby’s house, kicked off her Chucks and hung up her jacket, before making her way through to the kitchen. Gabby was sitting on one of the stools at the island while Lucas was walking toward his wife with a smirk and his eyebrows raised.
“Don’t even start, none of us need the mental scarring of me seeing what’s planned in your head come to life,” Ivy warned Lucas, making both he and Gabby jump.
“Fun sponge,” Gabby murmured as she narrowed her eyes at Ivy, though the smirk she was desperately fighting on her lips said otherwise.
“You can’t blame me for not wanting to see mom and dad getting mushy,nobodywants to see that,” Ivy laughed as Lucas grabbed the dishcloth off the counter and whipped it against her thigh. “Ow!”
“You deserve worse for blocking me,andfor called us mom and dad!” he grumbled. “Speaking of,” Lucas glanced at Gabby, “we have some news.” The smile on their faces said it all.
“No!” Ivy gasped.
“Yeah,” Lucas chuckled.
“No!” Ivy gasped again, covering her mouth with her hand.
“Yeah!” Gabby laughed as tears ran down her face.
“You guys, that’s amazing news! I’m so happy for you!” Ivy flung her arms around both their shoulders and pulled them in for a hug.
“If you have a girl, Ivy is a really great name, just putting it out there,” she said, as tears now also streaked her grinning cheeks. “When did you find out? How far along are you? When are you due?” She looked between them expectantly.
