Page 92 of Tender Temptation

I walk into the house and the scent of fresh paint hits me. Taking two steps at a time, I bound up to the nursery, eager to see what Ivy’s working on. I’m blown away. I knew she planned on painting a full-wall jungle mural, but this is something else.

She’s sketched it out in pencil—a majestic lion lounging under a tree, a family of elephants near a sparkling river,playful monkeys swinging from vine to vine, and vibrant parrots perched amidst lush foliage. She’s filling in some of the details with color, bringing the scene to life with each brushstroke.

Ivy wears a snug white tank top and loose pajama shorts that cling to her curves, belly prominently straining against the fabric. To say I’m fascinated with her growing bump is an understatement. I can’t believe we created a wee little being whom we already love so much.

“Hey, baby.” I step into the room and gesture to the wall. “This is incredible.”

She glances over her shoulder and smiles. “Thanks, babe. How was your meeting?”

“He was defensive, then he seemed to listen to reason..” I step toward her and notice I can see her nipples, which have enlarged and darkened, through the thin fabric.

My dick twitches. Ivy’s pregnancy hasn’t diminished our sex drive. If anything, it’s increased.

Ivy’s hand pauses mid-brushstroke. “Really? Forgive me for being skeptical, but self-reflection doesn’t sound like him.”

“I think he knows he needs to change for the sake of Forrest.” She looks skeptical, hurt still lingers from his harsh words. “I didn’t press him, but I told him he was having a grandson.”

She presses her lips into a thin line. “Well, I’ll believe it when I see it.” As if on cue, our baby kicks, causing her to gasp slightly. “Did you see him move?” Her eyes light up.

I move behind her, wrapping my arms gently around her belly, feeling our child move beneath my hands. “Hey there, little one.” My hands slide up and down her bump.

“He always gets excited at the sound of your voice.” Ivy leans back into me and closes her eyes.

“I can’t wait to meet him.” I lower my head and kiss the top of her shoulder.

Ivy turns in my arms and our lips meet in a tender kiss. I feel love radiating from her, enveloping us both. Our kiss deepens, becoming more urgent, and my hands roam over her body, feeling every curve, every inch.

Carefully, I lift Ivy’s tank top, revealing the smooth, rounded expanse of her belly. I lean down and press soft kisses to her skin, feeling the baby move beneath my lips. “Forrest,” I whisper between kisses, “I love you.”

“I think he already knows you’re his hero. You two are going to have such a special bond.” Ivy smiles down at me, her fingers threading through my hair as I continue to shower her belly with affection.

It’s hard to explain how I feel—all I know is there’s a deep, sweet connection to both Ivy and our child, which will never be broken.

“I need you, baby.” I push Ivy’s tank top above the swell of her breasts and cup one in each hand, pinching her nipples.

Ivy pushes down her pajama bottoms and steps out of them. “Let me ride you.”

“Yeah.” I make short work of my own clothes, sit on the rocker, which she’s dragged to the middle of the room, and guide her to straddle my lap. “Climb on.”

Ivy giggles and sinks down on top of me. She takes my hands and places them on her belly, guiding them over the firm, round curve. I can feel the baby’s gentle movements under my palms as we make love. I trace the beautiful stretch marks that have started to form.

“You’re incredible.” My eyes never leave hers. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Ivy smiles then closes her eyes and sighs with pleasure when I slide my fingers down to her clit. “And, oh how I love your magic fingers.”

My God, she’s beautiful. Funny. Smart. I’m the luckiest man in the world.

It’s hard to believe Ivy was once my tender temptation. Against all odds, our relationship has grown into something solid and true.

Despite the obstacles we faced, we’re living life on our own terms now.

I wouldn’t change a thing.

Epilogue

Ivy - Eight Months Later

God, how I lovethese nights.

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