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Then how the hell was he going to clear his name? Frank had left him with a lot to think about.

This wasn’t the homecoming Emmanuel was looking forward to having with Ivy. They were meeting at Fusion for dinner, he was standing curbside as Roy pulled up. He opened the door and drew her out of the back seat. Everything around them faded. They stood on the sidewalk just looking at each other. Ivy looked well-rested. She must have caught some sleep on the flight home. She wore a fitted warm burgundy V-neck sweater, and a pair of formfitting navy-blue pants. The wind played with her curls. It was unseasonably warm for this time of year. Winter was just weeks away, but it didn’t look like it was going to make an appearance.

“Are you going to just keep staring or are you going to kiss me?” Ivy asked breaking the spell.

He smiled at her, and she saucily returned it. Emmanuel closed the small gap between them and cupped her face in his hands. He gave her a soft peck.

“Now like you mean?—”

Her words were swallowed as he captured her mouth in a positively indecent kiss, right there on the bustling sidewalk. God, he missed her. Her taste.

Someone’s catcall broke them from their cocoon. Emmanuel pulled back from the magic of their kiss. Then took her hand and guided her into the restaurant.

“It is good to be home,” she mused.

“Not as good, as it is to have you home.” He squeezed her hand, then brought it to his lips.

They had a reservation, so the couple didn’t have to wait to be seated. The table they were given was nice and quiet. Semi-private away from prying eyes. In an alcove near the private dining room. Neither felt like their regular fare, so they opted for the chef’s special.

Emmanuel asked about Ivy’s trip, he wanted to wait until they were truly alone to tell her about the results of the paternity test.

She was mid-sentence when she suddenly stopped. “Hey, you seem a million miles away. What’s the matter?” She placed her delicate hand on top of his, he turned his over and took possession of her hand.

There was no point in trying to deny something was bothering him. Ivy was far too perceptive for that. Besides, it wasn’t his desire to keep anything from her. “Can we talk about it later? When we get out of here.”

“We could… but I have plans for when we get home. I’d much prefer we discuss whatever it is now, and then we can enjoy our reunion.”

“The results for the paternity test came in today.” Emmanuel was unsuccessful in keeping the unease out of his tone. Ivy remained quiet, and the only indication that she had heard him was the raising of her perfectly arched eyebrow, urging him to continue.

His hand squeezed around hers, the need to physically hold on to her was strong. “The test results indicate that I’m the father.”

Her eyes fluttered close for a moment. When she opened them, her gaze blazed with that iron-willed determination that he admired.

“Well, something went wrong along the way.”

The realisation that he was holding his breath came when he released a ragged, short breath. Without him having to plead his case, Ivy instinctively believed him. If he was the kind of man that was prone to tears, they would have bathed his cheeks in relief. Her belief in him strengthened his resolve. He leaned forward and brought their joint hands to his lips.

“Don’t worry we will get to the bottom of this.” Her words were so certain. Reassuring… he wanted to dismiss his own concerns. Emmanuel had to make her aware of the worst of it.

“This isn’t good, Doc. We are going to have to tell the family, and I’m going to have to tell the board.”

“Can’t we play for time until we can get to the bottom of this?” Her russet-coloured eyes widened. He could tell Ivy was opposed to the idea of sharing the news.

“I wish we could, but the results and the court’s declaration is now a matter of public record. I don’t want our children to be blind-sided.”

“No, of course not. Shit. This is so frustrating, but I have no idea where to direct it. Ugh.”

Emmanuel shared her frustration. He couldn’t begin to understand what or why this was happening. At least he had Ivy by his side.

Their meal arrived then. Despite Ivy’s support he found himself distracted.

“Manny, I am sure you barely ate lunch, please eat.”

Of course, she was correct. He’d worked himself to the bone today so he could enjoy tonight. Now he was letting the news ruin their evening. His woman… their favourite restaurant.

“Listen, we will get the family together, and tell them what’s going on. Then we will get to the bottom of all this mess. In the meantime, let’s enjoy this evening. The chicken is really good.” Cutting a piece, she offered it to him. He took a bite, she was right. The flavours of herbs and wine danced on his tongue.

Although he enjoyed the bite, he still couldn’t get it out of his head. Yes, he was grateful that Ivy was standing by him. But what if she hadn’t believed him? Why was this happening? Was this all because someone was trying to come between them?

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