“Shirley.”
“Shirley! She did good. I mean . . . you look good.”
I laugh, the pleasure of hearing her approval of how I look in this outfit giving me a little too much confidence. “So, this is also what does it for ya, huh?” I tease. “If I had known, I would’ve worn it from the start.”
Ivy’s laugh is like music, and her smile is free-spirited. “You did this for me?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll never forget it.” Ivy glances toward the stage, checking on her students as I wrap my arms tighter around her.
“They’re doing fine. You taught them well,” I assure her, solely focusing on her angelic face, my gaze lingering on the curve of her nose and the red of her lips.
With that, she turns back, leaning in so close that I feel her breath on my skin. Ivy kisses me so softly and sweetly that it’s like she’s savoring the moment and doesn’t want it to pass too quickly.
When our lips part, I murmur against them. “I’ll always show up for you, Ivy. I know I didn’t—or couldn’t—the first time. But it won’t ever happen again if I can help it.”
The music swells, indicating that the pocket of time we’ve had to celebrate while most of her students are on stage is about to end, and the class is ready to take a bow.
“Even when you weren’t with me . . . in my heart, I think I left a light on just for you,” she whispers back.
Our foreheads meld together. If I were a sentimental guy (which I absolutely am), it would be giving romantic-movie vibes where the light comes through the profile shot of their faces. And if I’ve somehow landed in the equivalent of a romance movie with Ivy, then I think I’ve done pretty well with my life.
Most of us need a person in life who is our shelter. And knowing they’ve chosen you to move through life with them is a gift. That’s my dream to have with Ivy.
Hearing the marker for the final steps on stage, I slide Ivy down slowly, not missing the glow that radiates from her hot-chocolate eyes. I didn’t believe that anyone would want me to hold them again. And she defies that lie every time I feel her reach for me.
From my place in the wings, I spy Emmy on stage, a smile overtaking my face as I see how happy she is. Ivy did more than bring me back to life. She gave the gift of dance back to my girl, and that will inform the rest of her life. She’s made more dreams come true than I expected, and I’m never letting this woman go.
As the audience claps and the students take their bows, Ivy stretches her feet and neck before hopping back up on her toes and giving me a sweet kiss. “C’mon, Bear,” she urges.
“I’m going with you?”
“You’re always going with me. We’re in this together.”
The smile on my face carries me from the wings to the stage, my pace matching Ivy’s all the way. In the end, I’m surrounded by Ivy, Emmy, and dozens of students of various ages in their tutus and slippers or pointe shoes. The Andrews boy, who still has a way to go before he hits puberty, is the only other guy outhere. This holiday season, I’m the giant in the middle of a sea of tulle, taking a bow in front of the town I now call home. And I don’t mind it one bit.
Chapter Thirty-One
Ivy
Okay, it’s just Emmy.” Jace looks as if he is about to be sick. “We can do this.” His mood has taken a sharp turn from how it was at Sparrow’s Beret just a bit ago, where we told our overjoyed friends the news that Jace is staying for good, and he drank two more coffees.
“Jace . . .” I laugh. “Are you seriously concerned that Emmy isn’t going to be happy about this?” I motion between us. We’re on our way to Angie’s apartment to officially tell Emmy about our relationship, and Jace’s nerves have fully set in.
My words seem to reset his frame of mind. Instantly, he relaxes with a sigh, reaching up to tug on his hair. I want to touch it, but he’s too tall for me to reach the top when standing, so I wait, turning my attention back to the task at hand.
“No, of course not. I know she’ll be thrilled. I just . . .” He lets out a breath like he’s blowing out imaginary candles.“It took everything in me to care for Emmy after Jenna. I don’t know what I’d do if—”
“Bear, look at me.” He does, and the boyish way he grins at my term of endearment radiates warmth. “We can’t control the future, but I’m yours. You’re mine. We have to choose not to let fear or regret lead us. We must keep choosing love.”
Jace nods. “You’re right. All right, let’s get my little bear cub and tell her.” Kicking off his shoes at the entryway, he steps into the hallway. “Emmy Bear!”
“Daddy!” her little voice chimes through the air with happiness.
“I’ve got Miss Ivy with me!”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” She’s already jumping up and down when she appears. Her Christmas performance outfit has been put on again, and makeup leftover from dress-up lingers on her face. Angie appears after her with an affectionate smile and a shake of her head.
