Page 88 of Tender Temptation

“Judgmental?” Ivy raises her voice. “I’m the one who was being judged.EverythingI did.”

“Until you have children of your own, you can’t understand what it’s like to learn your eighteen-year-old daughter—your only living child—put herself in a potentially dangerous situation. We didn’t know the circumstances or who the guy was. Hecouldhave been a predator. How could we have protected you? You broke our trust.” She shakes her finger at Ivy, then her demeanor changes. “I knew he was angry with you—it didn’t warrant how he handled it, though. When I came home, you couldn’t even get out of bed, a shell of my beautiful, vibrant girl. I thought sending you to Italy would give you and your father a fresh start, but I see now it wasn’t enough.”

Shocked, I glance at Ivy. She never told me about the aftermath and what she endured. It makes sense given how she reacted to his vitriol the other day.

“I was crushed.” Ivy’s voice breaks. “And it sucks to learn nothing’s changed. At this point, I’m not interested in revisiting the past. We’re here to talk about the future.”

“I can’t lose you.” Her mom buries her head in her hands.

Ivy gets up and sits on the other side of her mom and hugs her tightly. “You and I will be fine, but unless things change with Dad, I can’t risk allowing him in my life. I don’t want to live in fear. If he gets help, I’m willing to try and rebuild our relationship. If not, then I need to cut him out of my life.”

Observing Ivy and her mom gives me some perspective. All families all go through their ups and downs. How you navigate the obstacles is what’s most important.

“Until yesterday, I respected Stan immensely. If he’s willing to put in the effort and make some serious changes, this can turn itself around.” I stand up and move toward the door. “Ivy, I’ll grab the suitcases.”

When I return, Ivy and her mom are talking softly. She’s smiling, at least. I move closer and relief washes over me. Her mom extends her hand.

“Cillian, I look forward to getting to know you,” she says warmly. “I’m sorry this isn’t the best of circumstances. I always thought meeting Ivy’s first serious boyfriend would be different.”

Ivy and I glance at each other and she looks back at her mother. “Mom, to be clear, Cillian is my first and last boyfriend. There won’t be anyone else.”

“Oh. I see.” Her eyes widen.

Ivy joins me and takes my hand, giving me a small, hopeful smile. “Let’s pack my things.”

I can’t help but admire how strong she is.

Ivy’s room is elegantly furnished with antique white furniture, a plush canopy bed, and walls adorned with classic artwork. In other words, sterile. There’s nothing to indicate anyone under forty had anything to do with the decor. We work quickly, filling suitcases with her clothes and personal items.

I know we’re both relieved the sneaking around, stolen moments, and fear of getting caught is behind us now. Ivy and I are finally free to be a couple. Openly. Honestly.

On our way out, as I load the suitcases into the trunk, Allison stops Ivy. “I want you to know I’ll support you and Cillian. I want you to be happy.”

“Thanks, Mom. It means everything to me.” Ivy hugs her and the embrace lasts a long time.

Eventually, Ivy gets in the passenger seat and we drive off.

Whether we’re ready or not, we’ve chosen each other.

I can’t wait to begin our new chapter.

thirty-nine

Ivy

4 Months Later

Families are weird.

Weird and wonderful.

As usual, the drive to Rory and Maureen’s house is filled with excited anticipation. Sunday dinners are part of our regular weekend routine these days. Sometimes it’s the four of us and other days, like tonight, the whole gang is here. Every now and then my mom joins us if my dad’s out of town.

Considering my own family is still broken, I look forward to connecting with Cillian’s family each week. All of themhave welcomed me with open arms and the warmth filling this home reminds me of my family before Forrest died.

Cillian and I always seem to be the last to arrive and today is no exception. There’s no parking on the street and Cillian is forced to block Connor’s SUV in the driveway. I’m happy they’re in town, it’s always fun to hang out with Ronni, she’s become like a big sister to me even though she always jokes I could be her daughter.

I guess, technically, it’s true—the ribs about my age are lighthearted now. Everyone can see how much Cillian and I love each other, and his brothers tease us more to get under his skin than mine. Anyways, these evenings are chaotic, loud, and filled with laughter—I look forward to them every week.

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