We get up and follow Isabella to the dining room, which is completely set for dinner. Ivy sits between Mercy and me, which she complained about. She wanted to sit with Isabella.
“This looks amazing,” Mercy says.
I put a little roast, a few potatoes, and some carrots on Ivy’s plate for her, wondering if we’ll have more issues about the carrots.
But she starts eating as if we haven’t fed her all day.
We eat, laugh, and drink, and it’s not lost on me how well my girl fits in with my friends. She and my sister got along far better than I expected. It’s as if they’ve been friends forever.
Ivy says to Elle, “Did you know Mercy and Dr. L are getting married?”
Elle acts like she doesn’t know, “What? That’s so exciting!”
She nods, “I’m going to get a princess dress and be a flower girl.”
“When is this happening,” Elle asks.
Mercy giggles, “Soon. We will have a date for you soon.”
After finishing dinner, Isabella glances at Ivy, “We have a swing set in the backyard if you’d like to play outside. There’s a slide too!”
Ivy looks at Mercy, “Can I?”
She smiles down at her, “Of course. Be safe.”
Isabella takes her outside through the back door.
I kiss Mercy’s neck and whisper in her ear, “You’re so beautiful. I can’t wait to get my hands on you, baby girl.”
Nineteen
MERCY
His words causea tingle to run down my spine.
“Are you ready to go, baby girl?” He speaks low against my ear, husky and drenched with desire.
I nod, completely breathless.
I get up to find Ivy as she sits with Isabella.
“Ready to go, Ivy?”
She pleads with her large expressive eyes before she even speaks.
“Please, can I stay?”
“She’ll be okay, Mercy. I promise you.”
I sigh, feeling defeated, “Fine. Bedtime no later than eight. You’ll be starting school soon which means no more sleeping in.” Shaking my head, I hug her, “Be good. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon. But you can call me if you need anything.”
She squeezes me tight, “I love you, Mercy. You’re the best mom ever.”
“I love you too, crazy girl.”
She referred to me as her mom, and my heart did some funny thing. It’s words I never imagined I’d hear after my reproductive organs were ripped from me.
As I walk to the foyer, I find Liam standing looking ridiculously sexy, “I’m ready.”