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“Look, I don’t think I will be taking on Leonardo as an Italian teacher anytime soon.”

“Interesting that your mind would go directly to him.” Ivy mused. “Actually, I was thinking of family you’ve known for much longer.”

“Huh?” He seemed genuinely confused.

Ivy was a little surprised she had to spell it out for him. Her cousin Karissa’s husband Nicco and Manny did business together. “Not only is Karissa a linguist who speaks Italian fluently, Nicco is Italian. You’ve known Nicco most of your life.”

“Right. How could I forget?”

“Maybe the next time they invite us to Italy we should go to their Villa in Forte dei Marmi,” she suggested, and hoped he would agree.

Nicco and Karissa’s place was beautiful. She had been there for an all-girls trip, with Amber, Stephanie, and Kimberlin. It was a great time. Ivy had always wanted to bring Emmanuel to that area, but hadn’t suggested it based on his aversion to Italy. Now maybe he’d be willing to go visit. It would be a nice getaway for the two of them when things settled down. She smirked as she followed her own train of thought.

How had she gone from visiting Karissa and Nicco’s Villa with them to having a private getaway with Manny? The Villa sat empty a good deal of the time, and they had an open invitation.

“Mm, that’s a thought.” He seemed a million miles away. Just like someone had flicked a switch, he shook his head and speared her with a curious look. “You can see how my thoughts drifted to Leonardo. I’ve had a lot of conversations concerning people’s opinions of him today.”

“A lot?”

“My Nonna. Who just met him. The boys who are super wary of him, and of course Mom…” she squealed as he suddenly pulled her into his arms, spun around, nipped her neck. “…but you knew about that since you woke up?—”

Ivy couldn’t help but giggle. “How did you know I was up?”

“I’m aware of everything about you, Doc.” Smooch. “Your breathing changed.”

“It seemed like an important conversation, and I didn’t want to interrupt.” It wasn’t entirely untrue. Grace had something to get off her chest, so Ivy left the two of them to talk it out.

“Yeah, you are full of kindness, Doc.”

She turned within his embrace and gave a brief peck. Ivy sensed the moment his jovial mood dissipated, and Manny turned serious.

“Mom wants me to give Leonardo a pass…”

Manny wasn’t wrong in his assessment. It certainly sounded as if she wanted them to make peace.

“…and I think you would like that too?”

He waited for her to respond, and she took a moment to weigh her words.

“No. I don’t want you to give him a pass. I know what his actions cost you, cost us. Leonardo put us through hell. Now, do I think he is sorry for his actions? Yes. But I am the first to say his remorse doesn’t erase his behaviour. Even if we are alright. There are legal documents attesting to his deceit. So, no, I don’t expect you to give him a pass.”

“But?” he prompted because he knew her so well.

“I don’t want him to live rent free in your head. Leonardo’s bad decision has already cost us so much time. We were apart for a while, not to mention we had the worst Christmas ever. I don’t want his actions to take anymore from us.” Ivy patted his pecs as she spoke.

“I get it, but it’s not something I can forgive or forget.” Manny announced as he shut off the water. He stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist, then held one up for Ivy. As she stepped out, he wrapped her in it.

“You don’t have to. My question is, can you move past it?”

“Yes, that I can do. For all our sakes. He is my brother, and I would like to get to know him. I just know I will never fully trust him. It’s only possible for us to have him around if I know I can check him if he chooses to cross the line again. What I do with all his holdings is up to him.” Manny looked at her pointedly. “I have no problem allowing him to continue to run his company and make a living. Likewise, I have no problem with taking it all away.”

It was the most Ivy could hope for. It surprised her he was allowing Leonardo so much latitude. She only hoped that Leonardo did not blow the generous chance Manny was giving him. She knew her husband well. A crossed Manny could be ruthless. It was a trait he inherited from Larson. Who knew if that was something Leonardo also inherited?

The two of them going to war wouldn’t be good for anyone. So, Ivy wished for peace. For herself, her husband, her children, and hell, Leonardo’s child as well.

As Ivy slipped into her warm, comfortable bed, she realised she hadn't checked her cellphone since morning. She retrieved her cell from her purse, jumped onto her bed, and checked her messages.

“Huh?” she mused.

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