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Manny could barely suppress his rage as he added. “She had just turned eighteen when she gave birth.”

“What?” She brought a trembling hand to her mouth. “What was Larson thinking? She was a child. My God, he was almost thirty.”

It was the first time she had seen a crack in her mother-in-law’s armour. She shook her head as she attempted to make sense of the senselessness.

“Mom?” Manny called.

“Um, give me a minute.” Grace shut her eyes, and her head fell forward. “I was so preoccupied then. All I could think of was becoming a mom. I could almost understand Larson turning to someone else.” A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked up. “I can’t understand him being with a teenager. There is no excuse. My God, where did he even meet her?”

Although it was more than likely a rhetorical question, Manny answered. He probably wanted to find out the answer as well. “I don’t know, Mom.”

“This is all so wrong,” Grace mused.

Ivy wished she could add something to make them both feel better. Words failed, so she remained quiet. All she could do was be there. She took one of Grace’s hands. Her mother-in-law gave her a watery smile. Manny’s expression held no trace of a smile.

“Mom, do you think we can postpone seeing Larson tomorrow?”

“Yes. I don’t think I can handle seeing him so soon.”

“Okay. I’m hoping to talk to someone tomorrow who can help give us some answers. I don’t know if Larson will give us all the answers we are looking for.” Manny shared.

“That is a good idea. I still would like to meet your brother.”

“You will get to meet him soon. It may not be tomorrow.”

After her mother-in-law excused herself for the night, and they checked on Sage, the couple headed straight to the shower.

They shared a quiet moment. They took turns lathering each other’s bodies.

This act was not sexual in nature, it was merely a way to clean up. It was also a way of expressing affection and care. They didn’t speak until they were in bed, and Manny pulled her into his arms.

“Good night, Doc.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. She waited for him to say something, but the next thing she knew, Manny nuzzled her neck. “Morning sleepy head.”

“I can’t believe I fell asleep so quickly. Sorry.” Ivy stretched.

“Don’t worry about it. Yesterday was a long day. Besides, now that you are up, you can make it up to me.”

Ivy looked over her husband’s shoulder. “Eh, sorry. No can do. We have to hurry and get moving.”

“We can always make time for a quickie.” Manny wiggled his eyebrows.

Ivy couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “You know, Manny, quickies are not a flex.”

“Ahh, Mrs. Scott, you will find it’s a flex when you do it right. Come on, let’s shower and have a quickie woman. This is the perfect opportunity to multitask,” her husband countered as he jumped out of bed.

They made it to Frank’s on time to pick up Leonardo. However, it was their heated discussion before leaving the vehicle, which officially made them late.

Ivy had debated giving her husband her suggestion. Just as he shut off the vehicle, she reached over and placed her hand over his.

“Hey Baby, I was thinking maybe I should just stay here at Frank’s and wait. You and Leonardo should go meet your grandmother alone.”

Manny laughingly dismissed her suggestion. “I don’t think it is safe for us to be alone for a few hours.”

His laughter died when he realised she was seriously considering not coming along. Ivy loved being there for her husband but felt this was a moment which belonged to Manny and Leonardo. In the end, they reached a compromise. Ivy would accompany them on their trip, but she would go grab a coffee while they met with their grandmother. Which meant that Frank joined them on the trip. Ivy and her cousin agreed to go for coffee together, as Manny wouldn’t allow her to go alone.

Frank also helped ease the tension on the ride up. By the time they reached their grandmother, Leonardo and Manny were less tense. It was Ivy’s hope that they had a pleasant visit. Most of all, she hoped they would get some answers.

She wasn’t sure what she expected in the retirement village, but it certainly wasn’t a bunch of bungalows. Each resident had their own home, on the property, with staff onsite to assist them. Security welcomed them and directed them to Agnella Bianchi’s house. By the time they located her bungalow, an elderly lady was standing on the porch.

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