Page 54 of Moonlight & Matrimony
Luca: The judge granted a protective order for Ivy and his visit with Rylin will be supervised from now on.
Cade: It’s a start. Let’s celebrate.
Miles: Hell yeah! Drinks on Cade!
Cade: That’s not what I said…
Miles: Bro, you own the bar.
Cade: Only as long as I make a profit, brother.
Paige: First round on us, then y'all can fend for yourselves.
Miles: That's my girl!
Cade: Watch it.
Mags: ??
Ivy: 7pm at the Ridge?
Liam: I’ll be the guy behind the bar.
Cara: Count us in.
Inever pictured myself here, twenty-five years old, and a divorced single mom, locked in a fake marriage with my best friend’s brother, celebrating something as ridiculous as supervised visitation and an order of protection, but here we are. I had hoped we’d have a bigger win today, but I’m grateful for what little we did get. It’s far from over. I will fight for my daughter until my dying breath, if that’s what it takes.
“Ivy!”
I’ve barely made it three steps into the dark bar when a redheaded blur in the shape of Cara throws herself at me. Dean isn’t far behind as he slides up beside her.
“Woah. Someone got a head start, huh?”
Dean shrugs as Cara releases her death grip on my shoulders. “I’m so happy for you! How are you feeling about everything?”
“I’ve come to terms with it. It’s more than I expected. Definitely not looking forward to dealing with Austin’s sister as the supervisor, though. I don’t trust them as far as I can throw them.”
Two hands squeeze my shoulders from behind, causing my body to grow rigid until his familiar woodsy scent surrounds me and I relax back into his chest.
Luca leans over, whispering in my ear. “Sorry. Didn't mean to sneak up on you.”
How does he read me so seamlessly?
“The party has arrived!” Miles shouts from somewhere near the entrance. Paige and Cade trail in shortly after, looking slightly disheveled, and I wonder if maybe they were getting a head start on baby number two in the parking lot.
“Who’s watching my niece?” Luca asks.
“Evelyn. If Rylin will let her,” Paige responds with an unrestrained smile on her face. “Your girl is so in love with her, it makes my heart ache.” Paige pulls out her phone with a photo of our girls together, and I immediately melt into a giant pile of mush. At 6 weeks old, Sofia is already a chubby little thing, and Rylin looks absolutely smitten.
It takes a minute for Paige’s words to sink in. She called my daughter Luca’s girl.The simple offhand comment sends me spiraling and a not unwelcome thought crosses my mind. What I wouldn't give for someone like Luca to be Rylin’s father.
No, not just someone — Luca.
He’s been nothing but kind and supportive, despite our first interaction. He dotes on Rylin, indulging in her every whim, and I know he enjoys their tea parties more than he’ll ever admit. He has no idea I’m keeping a photo of him in a pink fluffy tiara as blackmail material.
If I’m being completely honest, I don’t think I would’ve made it through the hearing without him by my side. I quickly squash those dangerous feelings.Don’t fall in love, Ivy girl.
“You okay?” Luca’s voice is laced with concern, his hand gently stroking down my spine.
