Page 102 of Fierce-Ivan

“Thank you,” Ella said. “I know that. Cade was good at dropping things off or Travis picking them up, but they don’t always know what I need. It helps that you’ll be able to gather it for me.”

“Sorry,” Margo said. “Liam is waving me over next to Aiden.”

“I’m sure she is going to help them with the food. I just passed Nic in the kitchen when I went to change Landon.”

“She shouldn’t be working either,” she said.

“Please,” Ella said. “We are tough women. No one gets in this family that isn’t. That includes you.”

“Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that.”

“Did you enjoy your vacation?” Ella asked.

She looked down at Landon, her finger tracing his cheek. “I did. It was so nice to go away.”

“This is the first full week you’ve taken off. I get the feeling you never do much with your time other than things around the house or appointments.”

She looked at Ella and saw the smile. “That has always been in the past. It’s nice to try something new. Or do something new. I had such a great time.”

“And it was nice to be close enough to return if you had to for your mother, correct?”

She sighed. “Yes. Ivan knew I wouldn’t want to go too far away. I know what he’s doing even if he thinks I don’t.”

He was testing the waters. Not pushing more than a few days. She’d been on the fence about going. She’d said no a few times. That it was too much money and a waste.

He’d seen through to her excuses. More so when her mother told her to go in front of Ivan twice. Then lectured her that she better not be saying no because of her.

There was no winning after that. She wanted to go anyway, so was glad it worked out.

She’d never be one to ask and when he suggested they take her mother somewhere, she was quick to turn it down.

Sure, her mother would love it, but they weren’t anywhere in their relationship where they were spending enough time together to bring her mother along.

And as much as her mother would enjoy it, she’d say no in a heartbeat.

Just like her mother didn’t want to come to the party today even though she was invited.

Today had more to do with the number of people and the chaos. Ivan had asked a few times. She’d asked too.

Her mother finally said she had plans with her friends, which she knew was true. She appreciated the offer, but the crowds would be too much.

Maybe next year, her mother had said. Once Kendra could see how crazy it was.

It was funny her mother was planning on it next year and she sort of was too. Not that she’d tell anyone that.

“Sneakiness runs in our family,” Ella said. Landon started to fuss and she wasn’t sure what was wrong, so Ella reached for him. “Remember that. Keep your eyes and ears open all the time. This one needs his bottle, I’m sure.”

She watched Ella walk away, and Ivan came back to stand next to her. He’d gone next to his father. They didn’t need to be standing next to each other nonstop. Nor did she feel the need to watch the three kids opening gifts. Many weren’t. It was just too nuts and too many people other than the parents to be up close.

Of course Jolene was never far from the action.

“Having fun?” Ivan asked.

“I am. Even if it’s a kid party.”

Ivan tapped her on the nose. “Any excuse my aunt can have for a party she takes it. I haven’t had a chance to pull you aside and tell you, but when we got here Devin told me Hope is pregnant.”

“Awww,” she said. “That’s so great. You’re going to be an uncle.”