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“You know him so well,” Ivy mused.

“So do you. Thank you for being so strong through all of this.” Ivy shrugged at Grace’s comment.

Grace stopped pacing and sat back down beside her. “I know you well, too. You are just as much, my child. Do not beat yourself up anymore for doubting him. Let it go so you can move forward. I think you will find Emmanuel already has.”

How did this happen? Ivy came into the room to give Grace comfort and instead, the older woman had given her peace of mind.

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you. Now you go off to bed. I am going to shower and go in search of a toddy.”

“I’ll arrange for one to be brought up for you.” They gave each other a quick embrace.

“You are a darling. Now off you go.”

Ivy checked her phone and saw a message from Manny. He was no longer in the office. It saved her a trip downstairs. She made her way to the other side of the house to their bedroom.

“Hey Doc,” Manny called from the washroom. She walked in to find him running a bath. He wore only his slacks. While the water filled the tub, he added a few drops of essential oils.

“How’s my Mom?”

“Hurt.”

“Asshole,” Manny ground out.

“I think she is going to be okay, though. God, she is strong.”

“Mom is resilient.”

He added some salts. Manny was the best at creating these kinds of baths. It was cute to watch. He was like a mad scientist. Somehow, he always got it just right.

“Why don’t you undress and come have a soak with me?” He offered.

“That actually sounds amazing.”

Manny undressed and slipped into the tub, never taking his eyes off her. Urging her to hurry to join him with just a look. It didn’t take long for her to join him. He reached out his hand to help her into the tub. Ivy settled between his thighs. Manny pulled her flush against him and wrapped her in his arms. The temperature was nice and hot the way she preferred it. The fragrances were a heady mixture that played well together. Some of the harshness of the day melted away. She sighed in contentment.

Manny placed a kiss on her neck. “Thank you. I couldn’t have gotten through today… all this shit without you, Doc.”

“You’re welcome. You would have done the same for me.”

“In a heartbeat.” He offered.

“Did you settle everything with Leonardo and Frank?”

“Leonardo needs a few days. So, Frank will fly back in the morning.”

“It makes sense. He would need a few days before he comes. He has a life in Vancouver.”

“Except he mentioned he wasn’t in Vancouver, he is in?—”

“Edmonton.” Ivy finished for him.

“How did you know where he was?” He tilted his head, and she looked over her shoulder so they could see each other. Ivy gave him a knowing smile.

“Well, that is where Jasmine lives.” She gave him a look as if to say ‘duh’.

“Nope.”

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