“Steph—”
“Oh, Ivy, sorry. I just wish I was there. Think I can get Drew to follow him around with his phone to get it all on video?”
“To get what on video?”
“My poor brother, realizing he’s fallen in love.”
I sputtered. “What? Jake doesn’t love me.”
Steph’s laughter stopped and her tone of voice told me to pay attention. “Ivy, Jake Spencer is head over ass for you. For youandAddie. I hope you know that. Now, the only question is, how do you feel about him?”
I sank down onto the stool by the counter. “I love him,” I whispered. “But I haven’t told him that yet.”
“Maybe you should?” Steph asked.
A few hours later, Noah, Addie, and I were walking home from the bookstore. I’d texted Jake a few more times and finally heard back from him. He said he was busy getting ready for tonight but would catch up with me soon. I couldn’t help but worry that all was not okay with him, but I’d have to wait until I saw him to figure that out for certain. I didn’t think my stomach would settle until we talked.
Noah had picked Ads up from school, and the two of them had gone to play at the park before meeting me at the bookstore to go home together. Addie was dancing up the sidewalks ahead of us, twirling as she moved and singing to herself.
“She’s gotten so big, Ivy,” Noah said as we walked. “Thanks for letting me pick her up.”
I watched as Addie stopped from her spot on the sidewalk and looked up to talk to a squirrel clinging to one of the tall trees that lined the right-of-way. Her mittened hands found her hips as she looked back at him. Her stocking cap had slipped low over her head again as she tried to peer up at the squirrel from below the hat.
“Push your hat up, Ads,” I called. “And turn left here.” I pointed in the correct direction.
“’Kay, Momma,” she called back.
I looked over to Noah who was watching her with what appeared to be more than a little bit of wonder. “I’m glad you wanted to spend time with her, Noah.” I said as we turned to head down Jake’s street, following Addie’s fuzzy pink jacket as she continued her shimmy. I shook my head, wishing I could bottle her joy for the world.
“It was great,” he said, continuing to watch her. “I was such an idiot, Ivy. I should have come home so much sooner. I’ve missed so much.”
“You were doing something important. Addie knows that, so do I. No guilt, not from us.”
Noah laughed. “My parents don’t share your mindset, but I’d guess that wouldn’t be a surprise to you. I still hate that you were alone when she was young. And that Jake said you struggled for money. I wish I had known.” He stopped and looked at me, putting a hand on my arm. “Can you ever forgive me?”
I looked over to Addie. “Ads. Hold up for a minute,” I called. She stopped and then crouched down, pushing something in the grass. I looked back to Noah’s hand on my coat, then to him. “Noah, there is nothing to forgive.” I smirked at him. “Now, when can I set you up with someone? Because I have several women renting apartments above the bookstore, and I’m glad to get to work. Just say the word.”
Noah laughed and pulled me in for a hug. “Steady, matchmaker. Give me a week or so to get settled at least. However, while we’re on the subject, want to share what’s going on with you and a certain brewery owner?”
I rolled my eyes. “Cole Sullivan is a happily married man and preparing to have a baby.”
“Ivy…”
I put up a hand. “I know, I know. It’s just.” I got choked up unexpectedly.
“Ivy?”
“Sorry, not sure where that came from. I just…” I looked at Noah, who was watching me with a ton of worry etched all over his face. “I haven’t heard from Jake much today, and I’m worried he’s upset with me.”
“Why would he be?”
I snorted even as a tear rolled down my face. “I think he’s jealous of you, and I just realized today that I love him.”
Noah smiled. “Well, you’ve had a big day.”
I laughed.
“For what it’s worth, I like him.” He reached over to brush a tear from my cheek.
