Page 39 of Moonlight & Matrimony (Oak Ridge #2)

Ivy

? Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer

A fter everything we’ve been through over the past week, nothing sounds more relaxing than spending the day with my bestie.

Things with Luca have become exponentially more complicated, and I’ve never been more uncertain about anything.

I feel… unsettled. Despite every attempt at keeping myself locked down, he still has this innate tether to me that I can’t quite shake.

“She’s gotten so big!” I exclaim, my voice full of surprise as I gently bounce Sofia on my lap.

Her little brow furrows in concentration for a moment, chubby cheeks rounding as she processes the world around her.

“Auntie Ivy missed you so much, baby girl," I coo, my voice soft and filled with affection as I lean in closer to the tiny human — the spitting image of her mama.

Paige huffs out a laugh. “You saw her two days ago.”

“Yeah, well, she’s changed a lot since then,” I reply.

Paige watches us with a soft, contemplative expression on her face. Her lips curve into a small, wistful smile, but there’s a touch of sadness to it. “I can’t believe she’s already two months old,” she says.

“Babies don’t keep,” I concede. “Just look at Ry. I swear she’s already shot up another inch this past week.”

Paige grumbles as she pulls a throw pillow onto her lap and sinks back into the cushions. “Is there no way we can make them stop? Maybe hit the pause button for a little while?”

I shake my head.“Nope. Believe me, I’ve tried.” Sofia yawns and stretches her tiny arms above her head, my attention snagging on her button nose and the eyes that are so familiar. She’s precious, and it almost makes me want another one. Someday.

Paige waves a hand around the room with a laugh. “Sorry about the mess. Who knew babies had so much shit? She can’t even walk, and I swear she has more shoes than Cade and I combined.”

The cabin has transformed from the rustic, pristine home it once was to something much more chaotic with baby items strewn about the space. It’s a mess, but the good kind. The kind that comes with an abundance of laughter and love — the unmistakable sign of a fulfilling life.

“It’s totally fine. Babies take up a lot of real estate, but it’s so worth it.”

“So worth it,” she agrees. “She’s just the best baby. I didn’t know I could love another person so much.” Paige’s features soften as she watches her daughter settle against my chest, her tiny eyes beginning to close.

“So… how are things with Luca?” The abrupt change in topic takes me by surprise, causing my cheeks to flush as I shift in my seat. “Oh my god. You’re totally fucking my brother!”

“What? No. No, definitely not.” I stumble over my words as I attempt to deny the accusation, but I know Paige can see right through me.

“Cut the shit, Ivy. You’re not a good liar, hun.”

“What’s Ivy lying about?” Luca’s gruff voice slices through the tension, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Perfect timing. How long have you been sleeping with my best friend, big brother?”

I can feel Luca’s attention on me from behind the sofa, but I’m deliberately averting my gaze, unwilling to risk seeing guilt and regret in his bronze irises.

“No idea what you’re talking about,” he deadpans.

Paige shakes her head in disbelief. “You’re both terrible liars.

And just to be clear, I’m not mad. You’re grown ass adults with needs and you’re living under the same roof — none of this is a shock.

But if either one of you hurts the other, I’m Switzerland and you’ll have to work that shit out on your own. ”

“Noted.” Luca sinks down beside me on the sofa, leaning over to place a soft kiss on his niece’s forehead.

The gesture sends my heart fluttering for reasons I’m not willing to entertain.

And judging by the piercing stare from Paige on the other end of the sectional, my reaction isn’t subtle.

She takes two fingers, pointing them at her eyes and back at me, then makes an obnoxious kissy face.

I mouth the words ‘fuck you’ in response, and she giggles.

“What are you laughing at, Sunshine?” Cade flops down on the couch, startling his daughter awake. Her little eyes go wide and she lets out a loud screech.

“Oof. You’ve got some lungs on you, Sof,” Luca says. “Mind if I take her?”

I nod and Luca carefully lifts her from my arms, gently rocking her back and forth, and she immediately settles for him. I get it. He has that same calming effect on me, too.

“What’d I miss?” Cade asks as he pulls Paige into his side.

She looks up at him with unabashed affection. “I just found out my brother and my best friend are boning.”

“Ah. That was obvious weeks ago,” he smirks.

Paige smacks him on the chest, scowling. “What the fuck? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I just assumed you knew. They aren’t very subtle.” I lift a middle finger, discreetly adjusting my glasses with it. Cade catches on and chuckles. “What? You think Miles was the only one who noticed you eye fucking each other at the bar?” he adds.

Paige snorts and I pin them with a glare. “Your parents suck, Sofia.”

“Hey now! I was going to ask you to be her godmother, but now I’m not so sure.”

I shoot up from my seat, wincing as the sudden movement jostles Sofia slightly, but she remains content in Luca’s arms, completely unfazed. “What?”

“Godparents. You and Luca, if you’re ok with it. We just want to make sure she’s taken care of if… well, you know.”

“Paige.” My voice is hoarse, tears gathering along my lashes. “Are you sure? With everything going on, you don’t want to ask someone else?”

“None of that is your fault, Ivy. You’re the best mom, and I know you’ll take care of her like she’s your own. I can’t think of anyone I'd rather have caring for my girl if I can’t. It’s all hypothetical, anyway. So, will you?”

“I’d be honored.”

“Luca?”

“Yeah,” he croaks. I glance down at him, taking in the glassy sheen to his eyes as he rocks little Sofia back and forth in his arms, her tiny head cradled in his giant palm. “I’d love that.”

I pull Paige into a crushing hug, tears flowing freely now. “You’re not going anywhere, but I hope you know I already love her like she’s my own. And I know we don’t say it enough, but I love you, Paige. I’m beyond grateful to call you a friend.”

Paige chokes out an "I love you, too," her tears mingling with mine. The moment is shattered when Sofia's face scrunches up, turning red for a split second before she lets out a loud fart, and the room bursts into uncontrollable laughter.

Paige glances at Cade, a mischievous gleam in her eye. “She gets that from her dad.”

Luca

“Slow down, Ry,” Ivy pleads, as Rylin darts across the ranch towards the petting zoo. The Oak Ridge Fall Festival is in full swing, and Rylin’s uncontained excitement is palpable.

“Hurry, Mommy! Luca! You have to see the babies!”

She’s pretty fast for a 4-year-old, but her little legs are no match for me as I speed after her, tossing her into the air as soon as I catch up. Her nose crinkles, a rush of pure, infectious joy radiating from her tiny frame, as her melodic giggles fill the air.

“Listen to your Mommy, okay?”

“Okay.”

In one smooth motion, I hoist her into my arms, setting free a squeal of delight as I settle her securely on my broad shoulders, her little legs dangling on either side of my neck. I gently hold on to her ankles, and her hands wrap around my head as she clings to me for safety.

“I’ve got you, little one. So, tell me about these babies.”

“They have bunnies, and chickies, and even a lamb!”

“Is that so? You’ll have to tell me all of their names.”

Rylin giggles, her hands loosening as she gets more comfortable with her position.

“Look, mommy! I’m a giant!”

Ivy smiles, her eyes crinkling behind her glasses as she affectionately tugs on Rylin’s foot. “You sure are, love.”

From her vantage point, Rylin can see everything from the twinkle lights overhead, to the various booths, to the gorgeous view of the barn and pasture, describing everything she sees in as much detail as her limited vocabulary allows.

Just listening to her talk with such untethered excitement settles something in my bones.

As requested, she tells me the names of every animal at the petting zoo, paying special attention to Lamby — she named that one herself.

Once Rylin has had her fill of the babies, we stop by one of the food trucks to grab some funnel cake.

Ry immediately spots Cade and rushes over, throwing her arms around his legs.

He’s got Sofia strapped to his chest in a baby carrier, while my baby sister clings to his hand, a bright smile lighting up her face.

Paige has always loved fall, so this festival is definitely her kind of thing.

“Auntie Paige! Uncle Cade! Can I see my baby?”

“Well hey, sweet girl! Of course you can,” Cade responds, crouching down to Rylin’s level so she can pet Sofia’s head like a puppy. Sofia coos, her face breaking into a wide, gummy smile as Rylin nuzzles their noses together.

“They’re so cute, they make me want like eight more,” Paige says.

Cade chuckles. “Slow down, there, Sunshine. This one isn’t even crawling yet.”

“Party pooper,” she says, rolling her eyes with feigned indignation.

“I have no problem practicing, though,” he says with a smirk.

“Gross, that’s my sister, man.”

Cade shrugs. “Not sorry. So, what are y'all up to next?”

“We promised Ry some funnel cake,” Ivy explains. “After that... your guess is as good as mine. We’re just following the boss over there,” she adds, flicking her thumb toward Rylin. That girl has us all wrapped around her finger — and judging by the playful expression on her face, she knows it.

“We’ll let you get back to it,” Cade says. “We need to get Sofia home to bed. And apparently, I need to get my wife home to work on those eight babies.”

Paige slaps him on the chest, but her face is full of affection.

We exchange goodbyes, and I send my girls off to find a picnic table while I join the queue for the food truck.

The line moves pretty quickly, and before I know it I’m heading back toward them with a s'mores flavored dessert in hand. I stop dead in my tracks, taking in the scene before me. Rylin and Ivy are huddled together on one side of the table, grinning as they snap selfies with Ivy’s phone.

Their smiles are wide, noses scrunched up in laughter, and for a moment, a tightness settles in my chest as I realize how hard it’s going to be to let them go.

“Luca! Did you get s’mores?” Rylin asks, practically vibrating with excitement.

“Of course I did! Only the best for my favorite girl.”

“You’re my favorite, too.” She says the words matter-of-factly, like it’s a foregone conclusion.

Like she didn’t just turn my whole world upside down with her casual declaration.

I rub my palm over my sternum, trying to ease the ache that’s taken up residence there, before claiming my spot beside Ivy.

A short while later, plate empty and bellies full, Rylin is nearly catatonic, with her head resting on Ivy’s lap.

"You’ve got a little something right here," I say, using my thumb to gently brush the powdered sugar from Ivy’s lip.

Her eyes lock with mine, dark and intense, as she slowly flicks her tongue out to lick it off my finger.

The move hits me like an electric shock, racing straight to my dick.

A curse slips from my lips before I can stop it.

“Luca, that’s a bad word,” Rylin chastises.

“You’re right. Sorry Ry.”

As the sugar high kicks in, my girl catches her second wind, and after stuffing our faces with more snacks, visiting Russell over at the pony rides, and watching Miles win his third annual pumpkin carving contest in a row, Rylin insists on stopping by the face painting station.

“Well hey there, Ry!” A vaguely familiar person greets us as they finish painting a butterfly on another little girl. “And you must be the infamous Luca I’ve heard so much about.”

“That would be him,” Ivy interjects. “Only good things, I promise. This is Mo. They own Chapters & Brews.”

Realization dawns, a wide grin spreading across my face. “Oh, so you’re the one who keeps my girl stocked on caffeine and smut.”

Mo throws back their head and barks out a laugh. “Guilty as charged.”

“Mo! Can I be a kitty?” Rylin asks, bouncing up and down on her tiptoes.

“You sure can. What kind of kitty do you want to be?” Ry taps her finger on her chin in that adorable way I’ve come to love. “Can I be an orange kitty like Goose? Or maybe brown and white like Hazel. No wait, I want to be gray like Chance!”

“Ok, sweetie, you gotta pick one,” Mo says with a chuckle.

“I have an idea!” Rylin beams. “I can be Chance, Mommy can be Hazel, and Luca can be Goose.” And that’s how I end up walking around the fall festival with my face painted to look like my sister’s cat.

But it’s worth it if only for the utter joy plastered to Rylin’s face.

Not so much for the giant photo in the Oak Ridge Gazette the following morning. I might never live that one down.