Page 112 of Trust My Bodyguard

I say hi to them and introduce the women to Ivy. It’s appropriate to meet them now since we’d be spending more time together. She needs to know the people who are important to me.

The women immediately put her at ease with jokes about their sons and an invitation to visit with them anytime.

“Thank you all very much,” Ivy says. “I probably won’t be in Pine Peaks long enough to make it happen.”

“But we’re working on that.” I thread our fingers together.

Mom looks from our entangled hands to my face and gives me a silentoh my god!I’m sure it’ll take an hour-long call to explain to her how it happened.

“Already telling people about us?” Ivy turns to me as Mom leads her friends away.

“She already knew.”

Ivy frowns. “How?”

“I’ll tell you later.” I pull her toward the rest of the gang.

Nancy welcomes Ivy with a hug. “I heard how brave you were out there facing that vile man.”

Ivy winces. “I’m only happy he’s behind bars now and my sister is safe.” She glances in Iris’s direction, and I follow her gaze to find Iris laughing with Callum and brushing something off his shoulder. That resolved quickly.

“And you, too. Now Brody can rest easy.”

“What?”

“Oh, you didn’t hear? He’s been a pain in everybody’s butt since your life has been in danger.”

I pinch my forehead. Nancy had zero qualms about saying stuff like that.

“Oh...” Ivy beams. “Tell me more. What has he been up to?”

I’m grateful for Cliff, who shows up just then and pats my back, giving Ivy a sideways hug. “I’m glad you’re both alright. Good job trapping him.”

“All credit goes to Ivy’s bravery. We wouldn’t have gone that route if it was left to me.”

“So, admit it. I’m smarter and wiser than you.” She smirks.

“Just more headstrong and stubborn.” I pull her into my side. “But I’ll always be here to clean up your messes.” I kiss her forehead.

A knowing smile lights up Cliff’s eyes, and Nancy’s shrewd gaze flicks between us, drawing conclusions. I cup Ivy’s face and kiss her lips so there would be no confusion.

“Ugh, get a room, you two.” Nick comes up to us. “Right beside mine so I can make a hole in the wall.”

Everyone around groans.

“Too much?”

“Yes,” Sera says firmly.

“I’ll dial it back a notch.” He grins. “Welcome to your party. We’ve been waiting for you both so we can have a meal.”

Nancy pats her robust middle. “Ah, I can’t wait. I’ll finally have something I didn’t cook for the first time in ages.” She waddles to the long table organized for our group. “What are you all waiting for?”

Soon, we’re all taking our seats. Before I know it, Ivy is stolen from my side and placed between Sera and Iris across the table. I’m left with Zane’s stoic silence and Cliff for company. I’m not mad about either. I just wish I could have my girl next to me.

She catches my eye and gives me a small wave. Then she goes back to speaking with my mom.

This is going to be a long, torturous dinner.

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