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Manny still wasn’t ready to talk about his adoption or having a brother.“I can see how worried you are, Doc. I’m fine, better than that, we are good. Please, no baking. Okay?”

He knew her well enough to know that while she wouldn’t push, her concern was mounting. Occasionally, she would catch a look in his eyes. It was a little disturbing. She knew he wasn’t directing it at her, but whoever caused the dark shadow to fall over her man better beware. Inevitably, this situation would change him. She hoped it didn’t change him too much. Damn his parents for this.

Speaking of parents. Larson Scott was up to something. What other reason would he turn up at her office? He’d never done that before. Ivy always felt like Larson hadn’t wanted her to be a part of his family. Despite being a doctor, she didn’t have the right pedigree. However, that didn’t stop him from basking in her achievements.

“My daughter, the doctor.”

Her ass. The man was nauseating. Arrogant. Not to mention an elitist buffoon.

When her receptionist had told her Larson was there, Ivy had almost turned him away. Then she remembered how relentless he could be.

Manny had routinely complained,“with my dad, you have to say no at least four times before he considers that might be your answer.”

In the end, Ivy was glad she did. Whether Larson realised it or not, his visit was very informative. The entire visit was one big fishing expedition. The whole thing didn’t sit well with her at all.

“Ivy,” Larson greeted her. “I know my visit may come as a surprise.”

Ivy nodded and mumbled a greeting. After all these years, it was still awkward when she greeted him. If it were up to her, she’d call him Mr. Scott. Hell, he probably preferred that too, but the disparity would be too stark when compared to calling her mother-in-law, Mom. One thing was for certain: she wasn’t calling Larson Dad when there wasn’t an audience to hear her. They would both suffocate before that ever happened.

Mercifully, once they were seated, he got right to the point.

“I understand your visit with Grace resulted in her confessing some information we have not divulged to Emmanuel.”

Information? Like exactly who he is? This man can’t be for real.

Rather than respond, she inclined her head for him to continue.

“Grace, let me know she tasked you with informing him about the adoption. I hope you let him know we never intended to keep this from him. Time got away from us. Withholding the information wasn’t done in malice. I think only you can help him understand there wasn’t any ill intent.”

This was a bullshit sandwich if she was ever served one. Since when did he care what Manny, or she thought for that matter?

“I am sure Manny will handle the situation the best he can. I imagine he will have questions and will make you aware of them.”

It was all she would have to say on the matter. The visit didn’t take long. She certainly could have forgone the awkward air kisses before he departed.

Sneaky fucking bastard!He wanted to know what Ivy knew. She hadn’t given it much thought before, but she was certain Larson knew Manny had a twin. What he wanted to know was if Ivy knew.

After Grace visited her for coffee, Ivy had the sinking suspicion that her mother-in-law wasn’t aware that Manny was a twin. Given the kind of woman Grace was, had she known she would have opened her home and heart to both children. The question was, why wasn’t it an option presented to her mother-in-law?

Hell, maybe her bias was showing, and she was allowing her feelings toward Larson to cloud her judgment. Perhaps he was unaware that there were twins. If that was the case, this was all the lawyers doing. Then what was the purpose of Larson’s visit? Maybe it was his awkward way of showing concern for Manny and his feelings.

Ivy was barely able to process the visits from her in-laws and what it meant for her family when she had Kimberlin stop by her office for a visit of her own.

“Hey Lady,” her best friend greeted. “I brought caffeine.”

“Hey Hon, bless you for that. I need it. Come have a seat.” Ivy instructed, gesturing towards the chairs in her office. They sat and for a moment, they were quiet as they sipped on the sugary, caffeinated goodness.

Kimberlin fidgeted in her seat. Her eye contact was nonexistent. It wasn’t at all like her friend. She cleared her throat and then asked, “Ivs, are we okay?”

“Yes. Why are you asking?”

“We haven’t spoken much lately. I know I came on strong with the whole paternity situation… but I have your back. You know that don’t you?”

Oh, poor Kimberlin. When the truth came out, she was going to feel horrible. However, Ivy wasn’t mad at her friend. Kimberlin was looking out for her. It may have been heavy-handed, but she understood it was coming from a good place.

“I do. You gave me the best advice based on the information you had.”

“Ivs. No matter what you decide, even if I don't think it’s the best decision, I’ll be there for you. You are an adult and have to do what’s right for you. You and your family. There is never a need to hide anything from me.”

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