Baby on Board by Dahlia Rose

and
    shaped like cars. They both looked so cute and were such a surprise to
    see, that she couldn’t help but laugh.
    “What’s all this?” Ivy asked.
    “We come bearing an invitation to dinner. We saw you pull up. The
    steaks are ready to go on the grill with homemade rosemary potatoes and
    mac and cheese with fresh bacon bits and chives too. Don’t say no. Let us
    feed our hardworking nurse.”
    “Is Donna or any of her crew going to jump me from a bush?” Ivy
    teased.
    Even with the ridiculous glasses on his face, Ivy could see that Rafe
    didn’t find it funny.
    “Don’t bring her up,” Rafe said quietly. “This is about you and me,
    Ivy. If you don’t want to spend time with me say so, but don’t use anyone
    else as an excuse.”
    Damn, he’s not playing around , Ivy thought. “Well, since you guys
    came over here looking so cool, I’ll say yes to dinner. Shall I bring my

    70
    Baby On Board Dahlia Rose

    wine?”
    “Finish the glass. I’ve got a bottle already opened on the kitchen
    counter,” Rafe said with a grin. “Just so you know, we weren’t going to
    take no for an answer.”
    “Really? Well, let me get a shower and I’ll come on by,” she said.
    “Don’t fall asleep. You won’t want to miss my cooking,” Rafe teased.
    “I’ll be there in ten.” Ivy tickled Bonnie’s chin and the baby giggled.
    “You’re such a sweetie. I missed seeing your face.”
    “We’ll see you soon. Let yourself in when you’re ready,” Rafe said
    and strode down the street holding Bonnie high. The baby’s laughter filled
    the night and Ivy couldn’t help but smile. She already felt tons better after
    such a horrible day. Ivy would give in to the whim―she would let Rafe
    in. There was no use fighting it. They were drawn to each other. She could
    throw Reese up as a roadblock, but Rafe would always find a way to get
    around it. Tonight she wouldn’t think or try to evaluate it. Marie was
    right; why settle when something amazing could be brewing with Rafe?
    Ivy went upstairs to shower and wash away the day’s events. By the time
    she headed outside, she felt fresh and happy. Time to let the reigns go and
    let fate do its work.
    She opened the door to Rafe’s house and stepped inside. The aroma of
    grilled meat and a home cooked meal filled the air. Ivy loved to cook, but
    usually eating alone didn’t warrant putting together a big meal. Half the
    time she made a dish and would be eating it all week until she didn’t want
    to see it anymore. Having a man do the cooking was a nice change. She
    walked straight through his living room and kitchen to the back sliding
    doors. The first thing she saw was black and blue tile bordering an L-
    shaped pool. Rafe was standing in front of a large stainless steel grill.
    Rafe had taken the role of being a father to a new high. Bonnie was in a
    bouncy seat that had every colorful little toy you could imagine to capture
    her eye. The seat was on a mat that was made up of colorful foam puzzle
    pieces and there was even an umbrella to keep the sun off her. It was still
    open even thought it was late evening and the sun was setting.

    71
    Baby On Board Dahlia Rose

    “You’re going to have to get a gate installed around the pool when she
    starts walking,” Ivy commented as she walked up behind him.
    Rafe turned and snapped the stainless steel tongs he was holding.
    “They come next Friday for that.”
    Ivy chuckled. “That’s great, but you don’t have to do it right away.
    Suppose you have another party or whatever. Your guests won’t be able to
    jump in the pool.”
    He turned back and flipped a steak. “The only parties I’ll be having
    anymore are Bonnie’s birthday parties. I also got her signed up for
    daycare when I go back to work. Did you grab a glass of wine?”
    “No, I’ll get it when we go inside. Do you want me to do anything?”
    Ivy asked.
    He pointed to where Bonnie sat. “Nope. Sit, have a conversation with
    Bonnie. I’m doing it