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“Sage is just like you. That’s why they call her Junior. Anyway, sorry I couldn’t help.”

Emmanuel nuzzled her neck. “You owe me for leaving me alone to be overworked by our child.” His tone was playful. Despite Sage’s strong managerial skills, he enjoyed being there for his daughter when she needed him.

“Oh really? How ever, can I repay you?—”

Before she could complete her sentence, he captured her mouth in a passionate kiss. In a rhythm all of their own, their tongues danced together. When Doc pulled away, his attention was drawn to her pink tip as it moved between the seams of her lips. She sighed contentedly.

“Manny?” she called cautiously.

He was immediately on alert. Doc didn’t tiptoe around him.

“What’s going on?”

“I want to ask you something, and I need you to please keep an open mind.” She wasn’t making eye contact with him. Instead, she focused on the button on his shirt. Playing with it.

Using his forefinger, he lifted her chin, so they made eye contact. “Sure. Ask me, Doc.”

There wasn’t much he wouldn’t give this woman. All she had to do was ask. Hell, she knew he wouldn’t deny her.

“I’d like us to renew our vows.”

Emmanuel immediately shook his head. It wasn’t something he had to think about. “Absolutely not.”

“But you promised to keep an open mind.”

“You set me up. You can’t say keep an open mind, then ask me for something you know I’m against.”

She narrowed her eyes at him and got off his lap. Emmanuel watched as Doc sat in the chair across from him.

“Lots of people renew their vows, Emmanuel.” Her tone was terse and full of challenge.

Twenty-seven years ago, when he married Doc, he meant every single word. Nothing had changed. Except he loved her more now than he did then.

“Good for them. We will not be those people.”

Ivy shot him a glare. It did nothing to sway his decision. It was time to change his approach. “Tell me something Doc, did you mean your vows when you took them?”

“How dare you ask me that?”

“You didn’t answer my question.” He was no longer the indulgent husband; this was business Emmanuel.

They attended many vow renewals over the years. It was fine for those couples, but he never understood it. It wasn’t like wedding vows expired. He made them, lived them. So, there was no need to revisit the issue.

“Of course I meant them,” she answered. “You know I did.”

“Have you changed your mind since you took your vows?”

“No.”

“Then there is no reason for us to renew them. We meant them then and we mean them now.”

Her shoulders fell, and the fire died in her eyes. “Fine. It’s easy for you to say. Dinner should be ready in thirty.” She moved to stand.

“Wait!” He stood, then rounded the desk. Leaning against his desk, he jutted his chin for her to sit. “What was that comment supposed to mean?”

Doc’s eyes became watery. When she spoke, her tone was filled with emotion. “You have no reason to renew our vows. You’ve never doubted me… asked me to leave our home.” Her voice hitched on the last word.

Oh, this is what the vow renewal was all about. It had been months since the paternity mystery was solved. Their lives had changed. They moved past the upheaval and were stronger than ever.

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