Page 77 of Destined for Him
“But my question is,” Ivy continues. “Is why it didn’t come from my best friendordad. Hmm?”
I stare at the ground, kicking at it with my shoe.
“Because.”
I close my eyes as she laughs.
“Because?That’syour answer?”
“That’s all I’ve got.” I make a face and sigh heavily. “I’m sorry, kiddo.”
“Why are yousorry?This is the best news ever!”
I halt, unsure if I’d heard her correctly.
“Huh?”
“Dad,” Ivy says, her voice taking on a softer tone. “I couldn’t have picked anyone better for you than Shelby, and you’re perfect for her too.”
“You’re not mad?” I whisper, walking to the edge of the building site. I watch my colleagues work, laughing and joking.
A tightness hums in my chest, but it eases with every word Ivy says.
“Mad? No, Dad, I’m not mad. But I don’t think Shelby realizes she will be agrandmanow.”
I chuckle, and mist fills my eyes.
“Not long before he or she arrives, huh?” I want to change the subject, and I don’t like discussing this with Ivy. “How are you, darling?”
Me and Shelby… it’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I want to keep it private.
“She,” Ivy says airily.
“What?” My brows knit into a frown as she laughs. “Wait…”
“Lauren Mason.”
My heart flutters as she says the name, and a lump fills my throat.
“You’ve had a baby girl?!”
I can’t stop my emotions from spilling down my cheeks.
“Ivy, I’m leaving work; I’m coming right now.”
I don’t even bother telling my boss where I’m going. I’ve got grandfather duties starting ten minutes ago.
“Dad, it’s okay; everything went fine. She’s perfect.” Ivy’s voice falls to a whisper. “I called her Lauren after Mom.”
I suspected as much, but the confirmation makes my shoulders deflate, and I hold the bridge of my nose to regain some kind of control over my body.
But I can’t.
I’m crying, and I don’t give a fuck who sees me.
“I love that, Ivy,” I tell her, yanking open the door of my truck.
I want Shelby to come, and I’m about to ask if that’s okay when Ivy sighs.
