Page 33 of The Christmas Gift

Ivy kissed him. This was one vow she didn’t have to scribble. As far as Cor went, she planned on telling him she loved him often.

“I love you too, Ivy. Dammit, I love you, woman.” He leaned in for another kiss, then chuckled when her stomach growled. “You’re hungry.” He rested his palm against her stomach gently.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, knowing her man, the father of her child, would see to all her appetites. “You can thank our baby for that.”

He growled. “Our baby.I love the sound of that.”

Epilogue

Christmas Day

Cor

Cor slipped his arms around Ivy’s waist as they admired the first keepsake ornament they’d bought together. It would be the first of many holiday mementos if she agreed to wear the ring weighing his pocket.

The ornament was a replica of Wheelcaster’s waterfront, reminding them not only of where they’d met, but the city in which their child was conceived.Their child,he loved those words most of all.

In the background, were Ivy’s parents who had stopped into town for an overnight stay before their excursion to Bagan, Burma where they hoped to photograph the temples. Cor was glad the Collymores decided to visit. It was an opportunity to help Ivy heal while creating new memories of family and happiness.

His father sang Ivy’s praises and relaid how successful her marketing strategies were for Eros. Cor suspected his father was also pleased his son had settled down. Not that Cor was the playboy Ivy assumed when they’d met, but because Arthur wanted the title of grandfather—well, he was in luck.

Wren and Spencer were on their third drink and it wouldn’t be long before they started debating about one topic or the other. But he wouldn’t have it any other way. He only hoped they didn’t spill the beans about the baby before Ivy and he got a chance to make the announcement.

“How are you enjoying our first Christmas?” he asked, kissing her temple.

“When I accepted Blair’s invitation to spend the holidays in Bourbon, I thought it was nice not to be alone while my parents traveled.” She turned in his arms. “But meeting you again, starting a family…it’s more than I had ever hoped for.” Her eyes watered with unshed tears.

“No regrets?”

“None.” Stretching to the tips of her toes, she pressed her mouth to his for a quick kiss, except he deepened their embrace before she retreated. Kissing Ivy was an act he’d gladly perform multiple times a day. “Thanks for inviting my parents.”

“They were intrigued when I told them about your role in Eros’s launch.”

Ivy laughed, shaking her head.

“And you have to hand it to dad, he knows how to brag.”

She snorted. “Does he know yet?”

“No. I hoped we could break the news to both our parents.”

“I’d like that.”

“Are you ready?” He took her hand, turning them until they faced the family and friends in the room.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” she said, her voice quivering slightly.

“Ivy and I have an announcement,” Cor said above the conversations. He squeezed her hand.

“It’s obvious you’re dating,” Wren said, a mischievous grin playing at the corner of his mouth. “You didn’t need a party to tell us that.”

“Then you wouldn’t mind if I hide my good liquor.”

“Ignore him,” Spencer said, elbowing Wren.

Cor cleared his throat. “Ivy and I—” He smiled at her and she nodded. “—Are having a baby.”

The room was silent. The Collymore’s face held a stunned blankness Cor couldn’t read. He turned to the people he’d always looked to for support. His friends threw back their drinks in celebration, looking relieved they no longer had to hold a secret.

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