“Heath’s not going to do anything to me, and the backdoor is open. If I need you, I’ll yell.” She was sure the woman would be hovering by the backdoor, waiting for Olivia to say the word.
Kathy scowled at Heath but stepped back into the diner without a protest.
“You can go inside too, Ivy.”
“I’d like to stay.”
“Very well. Say your peace, Heath. I have things to do.” Olivia strived to appear unaffected by Heath, but he made it difficult. His hair was ruffled, liked it hadn’t been combed, whiskers dotted his face, like he hadn’t shaved yet, and even his shirt looked rumpled. Had last night been just as hard on him? She’d like to think so, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up. Heath had been with so many women. Why would he lose sleep over one?
“I’m sorry.”
“You said that already.” If that was all he had to say, she was leaving. Sorry wasn’t going to fix anything.
“I judged you prematurely. I fixated on the fact that you had a kid and didn’t care about anything else you had to say. I was in the wrong, not you.”
“What?” That wasn’t what she was expecting him to say.
“I understand why you kept the knowledge of Ivy a secret. You were protecting her and trying to give us a chance to get to know each other without prejudgment. I responded horribly to that. I’m asking, no I’m begging you, to give me another chance. I already asked for Ivy’s permission.”
She wanted to say yes, but felt she was weak if she did. How many times did she forgive Royce for hurting her? That she believed him, when he said it wouldn’t happen again. Heath didn’t hurt her with his fists like Royce, but with his words, and they hurt ten times worse than Royce’s fists.
“I can’t.” Olivia took a step back, and Heath didn’t follow her though, as his eyes caught the movement.
“Why?”
“You broke my heart, Heath with your words. Who’s to say the next time you hear something you don’t like, you won’t dump me like yesterday’s news without a backward glance. I don’t trust you. I think it’s best we chalk this up as a lesson learned and go our separate ways. You can find another woman without a kid to interfere with your life.”
“You want trust and honesty between us, so here it is. I’ve slept with more women than I care to think about. I did it, so I could avoid feeling again what I felt for Nadine. I never wanted to be put in the same spot again, as having to choose. When I met you, I thought you were just another in the long line, but at every turn, you surprised me. Every day, all I wanted to do was see you. To hear your voice, and even when in the beginning, all you did was snap at me. The day at the carnival was the beginning of the best time of my life. And because you want honesty, here’s more, since I’m sure you’ll find out anyway, and I’d rather it come from me. Last night after I left you, I went back to the bar, having every intention of taking a woman home.” Olivia stiffened at the news. She expected him to find another woman, but a part of her had hoped she was mistaken. “But,” he continued quickly. “I didn’t do anything with her. I kept comparing her to you. We left the bar, and I went home alone. I don’t want someone else, Liv. I want you. Only you.” Heath gulped before adding. “I love you, and before you think that’s some kind of line, I have never said that to another person before, not even my parents. I love you, and I know Ivy is a huge part of your life, and I want to be part of it. Both your lives.”
Olivia’s eyes welled up. Those were the sweetest words she had ever heard in her life, minus him trying to pick a woman up at the bar after dumping her, but at least, he didn’t go home with her. Royce had never once told her he loved her. Only Chad had. She was scared to take the leap forward, as much as she wanted to launch herself into his arms and never let go.
Heath closed the distance between them. His thumb stroked under her eye, wiping a tear she didn’t know slipped out. “What do you say, Liv. Will you have me?”
Olivia looked down at Ivy for her permission. “Only with Ivy’s permission.” When it came to men in her life, from now on, it would be a group decision.
Ivy smiled and nodded.
Heath Kissed Olivia hard on the lips. He kept it brief given their company and pulled back. “Thank you, Ivy.” Heath said, placing a hand over his heart.
Ivy looked away bashfully.
“What do you say we go out tonight? The three of us. It’s the last night of the carnival.” Heath suggested.
Olivia gasped in delight that Heath invited Ivy out with them. Royce had never offered. He thought children were a nuisance and belonged at home. “Do you want to go out tonight, Ivy?”
“What about Susan? You said I could spend the night.”
“You can still spend the night. We’ll just go to the carnival for a little bit. We can ask Kathy if Susan can come along, if that makes you feel more comfortable.”
“Sure.”
“Great. Why don’t you go head inside, and when I finish up my errand, I’ll meet you back here.”
“Okay, love you, Mom.” Ivy hugged her and headed for the house.
“Do you want some company?” Heath asked.
Since she was giving Heath a second chance, there was no point in keeping where she was going from him. “Sure.”
