Page 77 of Destined for Him

“But my question is,” Ivy continues. “Is why it didn’t come from my best friendordad. Hmm?”

I stare at the ground, kicking at it with my shoe.

“Because.”

I close my eyes as she laughs.

“Because?That’syour answer?”

“That’s all I’ve got.” I make a face and sigh heavily. “I’m sorry, kiddo.”

“Why are yousorry?This is the best news ever!”

I halt, unsure if I’d heard her correctly.

“Huh?”

“Dad,” Ivy says, her voice taking on a softer tone. “I couldn’t have picked anyone better for you than Shelby, and you’re perfect for her too.”

“You’re not mad?” I whisper, walking to the edge of the building site. I watch my colleagues work, laughing and joking.

A tightness hums in my chest, but it eases with every word Ivy says.

“Mad? No, Dad, I’m not mad. But I don’t think Shelby realizes she will be agrandmanow.”

I chuckle, and mist fills my eyes.

“Not long before he or she arrives, huh?” I want to change the subject, and I don’t like discussing this with Ivy. “How are you, darling?”

Me and Shelby… it’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I want to keep it private.

“She,” Ivy says airily.

“What?” My brows knit into a frown as she laughs. “Wait…”

“Lauren Mason.”

My heart flutters as she says the name, and a lump fills my throat.

“You’ve had a baby girl?!”

I can’t stop my emotions from spilling down my cheeks.

“Ivy, I’m leaving work; I’m coming right now.”

I don’t even bother telling my boss where I’m going. I’ve got grandfather duties starting ten minutes ago.

“Dad, it’s okay; everything went fine. She’s perfect.” Ivy’s voice falls to a whisper. “I called her Lauren after Mom.”

I suspected as much, but the confirmation makes my shoulders deflate, and I hold the bridge of my nose to regain some kind of control over my body.

But I can’t.

I’m crying, and I don’t give a fuck who sees me.

“I love that, Ivy,” I tell her, yanking open the door of my truck.

I want Shelby to come, and I’m about to ask if that’s okay when Ivy sighs.

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