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Ivy wasn’t in a rush, though. She was so relieved Manny wasn’t alone. God bless Frank. He was more than a cousin. He was a friend. More like a big brother, not only to her, but that bond extended to Manny. Her only real gripe with Frank was his insistence that he spoil their children rotten.

That and the way he dogged her out about her inability to cook. It wasn’t her fault she was the only Burton who hadn’t gotten the cooking gene. Everyone knew that was her Momma’s fault. She was an amazing woman, whom she missed every single day. Her Momma would know what to do. Oh, she could use her mother’s wisdom right now.

The last seven days had been the longest of Ivy’s life. Seven days without falling asleep beside Manny was too many. However, it had been a learning experience. The biggest lesson learned was that they were meant to be together. Despite their separation, they remained bonded. They texted throughout the day far more than they did when they lived together. Every night, they spoke and texted for hours. Despite sleeping miles apart, they were unable to lose the pull that bound them together.

That was a positive that Ivy was taking from the experience. A negative was the havoc it was reeking on their children. It was unclear whether Oliver was going or coming when it came to his father. He attempted to apologise to Manny. When he’d told her his response to their son, she had thought it harsh.

“One. Oliver, I think I have at least taught you not to say things you don’t mean. Hold on to that apology until you mean it. Two, and more importantly, whenever you can truly apologise, make sure the apology is as public and louder than your disrespect.”

At first, Ivy hadn’t understood Manny’s response, especially when Oliver had gone to where his father was staying to apologise.

“Maybe you don’t get it, but trust me, Oliver understands.”

She trusted his parenting, and so she’d let the matter drop. Especially when he reassured her,“he and I will work it out. It will just take some time.”

Emmanuel trusted with time, all of this would work out. Ivy held on to his belief that not only would they come through this but come through this stronger. The real question was how it would happen. Her feelings were that they should take a more proactive approach. They had accepted this situation and gone with the flow and look where it had gotten them. He was miles away alone and most early mornings, Saggy snuck in and snuggled with her. It was a far cry from the lives which they had built… almost from the beginning.

“Why don’t you move in with me?”

Ivy was already shaking her head before he had finished his sentence.

“Why not? We spend a lot of time together. Let’s make it official.”

“I enjoy having my own space. Besides, my Aunt gave me the condo to use. I don’t want to explain why I don’t need it anymore.”

His hands dropped from her waist. “Ivy? Does your family not know we are together?”

“It hasn’t come up yet.”

“You and I haven’t come up yet?” He narrowed his eyes at her.

“Everyone in my life knows we are together. Wait! Is that why you don’t come to my games?”

“No. I told you. It’s because I am not a football person. I don’t get what’s going on out there on the field.”

“Yeah, you said.” Emmanuel walked out of the livingroom into the kitchen.

After ten minutes, she realised he wasn’t returning. When she entered his kitchen, he was angrily constructing a sandwich. She touched his shoulder, and his muscles tensed under her touch.

“You’re angry at me.” Ivy didn’t bother to pose it as a question, but she honestly didn’t understand why.

Emmanuel shook his head as he put a slice of bread on top of the other ingredients. “You don’t have a clue, do you?”

“A clue of what?” Ivy asked. Although she didn’t want to sound dense. She honestly had no idea at what he was getting.

“Of how I feel about you.”

She nodded.

“No. I don’t think you do. I know I’m your first relationship, but you are it for me.”

Why did he think she didn’t understand that? “Emmanuel. I know that. You are it for me, too.”

Now it was his turn to be confused. “If that is how you really feel. Why won’t you move in with me?” Ivy bumped him with her hip, and Emmanuel placed his hands on her waist and turned her, so she faced him.

“I like the way things are. Don’t you like having space for yourself?”

“I like a lot of things, Ivy, but I prefer to be with you. Waking up with you, falling asleep with you.” One of his hands migrated to stroke her nape, and his thumb drew lazy circles at her pulse.

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