When I returned, she stood on the patio, having changed into a comfortable-looking shirt and lounge pants. "I thought we were eating outside."
"We are. I set a table up on the beach."
Her eyes widened. "Seriously?"
"Come on." I held out my hand to her, and she took it without any hesitation. She was more comfortable with displays of affection now. When we approached the table, Ivy gasped. "I can't believe you did all of this."
"Do you like it?"
Her gaze was following the circle of lights. "It's magnificent."
I grinned. "I'm glad you like it."
I held her chair for her, and when she sat, I said, "I'll just grab our plates from inside."
She rose as if to help me, but I held my hand out to her. "Wait here. I'll be right back."
She smiled sweetly. "Okay."
Her gaze turned to the gentle waves lapping on the shore, and I hurried to get the food. I took two plates to the table where she was still waiting.
"What's the occasion?" she asked when I sat down.
"I thought you deserved a nice dinner."
Ivy picked up her fork. "Yeah, but this is more than dinner. You hung lights everywhere."
"I did it because I hoped you would enjoy it. Now eat. I have more planned for you tonight."
She shook her head. "I can't imagine what else you have planned unless it's a nice bubble bath."
"That's a good idea." One I hadn't thought of, but I should have. She hadn't been utilizing it as much lately. She'd advertised for more clients, and her appointments had slowly picked up. I knew she wanted to earn more money before she needed to take some leave. But she was only going to be more tired. Logistically, it would be difficult for her to keep up as her pregnancy progressed.
I wished she had an assistant or someone who could help. A second realtor would be ideal. But it wasn't my place to tell her what to do with her business.
We dug into our seafood linguine dish. I was happy I'd left this part of the evening to the professionals because it was divine. Occasionally, she moaned, and I was pleased she was enjoying it so much.
When we were finished, I brought out a slice of chocolate cake.
"I'm not sure I have any room for dessert," she mumbled at the same time she lifted her fork and cut a bite.
"Let me know if you like it. We can always save it for later." I would have said after a round of sex, but she had a hard time staying awake these days.
Her mouth closed around her fork. I wondered how I should ask her to officially move in with me.
"Mmm. This is decadent."
"I'm glad you like it." I sighed, nervous about asking her now. I'd built this up so much in my head. "I wanted to ask you something."
She put down her fork and looked expectedly at me. "What is it?"
"You've been spending a lot of nights in my room, but I noticed you keep your clothes and toiletries in the guest room."
She frowned, and I wondered if she was worried I'd ask her to leave. "I didn't want to intrude on your space any more than necessary."
"I want you to move in with me officially. I don't want you in the guest room." It felt like a half-in, half-out situation. I wanted her all in. It was a simple request for anyone else, but for Ivy, I wasn't sure how she'd react.
She tipped her head. "Are you sure? What if you change your mind?"