Ivy's Twisted Vine Redux by Latrivia Nelson (the beach read txt) 📗

making eye contact with the new father.

When Nicola had doted enough over his children, he returned to Ivy, this time more grateful. In the pupils of her eyes, he could see it lingering quietly unable to show its face for fear of losing Grey. Love. Their hearts seemed to beat at the same pace and their eyes spoke without their lips mouthing one word. The warmth of their bodies roped around them reminding them of the one night that they lie together intertwined as one and free from pain engulfed in exhausting pleasure. It was if their destiny was to be there together bringing new life into a confused and disheveled world. He breathed in intoxicated by the fragrance of lilac in her hair and the sweet smell of soft cologne on her body. Grey could have her for the rest of his life, but there would always be a part of Ivy that would indefinitely belong solely to him.

“Thank you,” Nicola whispered as he kissed her fingers.

“No. Thank you,” Ivy whispered back.

“There is so much more that I want and need to say to you, but now is hardly the time.”

Ivy nodded. “No, now is not the time.” She looked into his eyes. “We’ll talk soon when no one is around to take what we have to say the wrong way. Perception means so much right now.” Her words were just above a whisper.

“What do you perceive about the way that I feel about you?” Nicola asked looking at her long slim hand in his own.

“I believe that you will help me be strong and focus on my duties as a mother to your children and soon as a wife to Grey.” She looked away. “Neither job will be easy if we don’t have an understanding.”

“I know,” Nicola said wishing that she would just let him in. “I’ll do my part. I promise. I’ll support you and Grey as much as possible as long as you give me my boys.”

“How could I ever take them away?” She looked back at him. “They are yours for the rest of your life. Last names and all.”

“Speaking of which, what are you going to name them?”

“Well, I can’t give you a namesake,” she said trying to explain.

“Oh, I know.” He smiled at her. “Calm down.” He could see the immediate urgency in her eyes.

“But I do want to name them something that is significant for both of us.”

“We could name them after our fathers,” Nicola said looking back over at the children.

“Would you like that?”

“I really would.”

“What’s your father’s name?”

“Adamo. That’s Italian for Adam.”

“Ovviamente.” Ivy said rolling her eyes. “I’m not that slow.”

“Ovviamente?” Nicola said laughing at her correct translation of “of course” in Italian.

“My father would love one of them to be named after him. Plus, it’s neutral territory.” She looked over at the children. “When do they start to cry a lot?”

“I don’t know.” He walked over to the children. “So Adamo and Madison Agosto, it is. Which one will receive which name?”

“Adam has blue eyes and Madison has green eyes.” Ivy motioned to him. “Bring me one of them. I want to feel them in my arms.”

Picking up Madison, Nicola walked over and gently laid the baby in her arms. “Here you go,” he said going back to pick up Adamo. “They are so…gorgeous.”

“And you are so vain,” Ivy said kissing the baby on the head. “Oh. Oh, look at you.” She cooed at the baby. “But you’re right. They are gorgeous.” She rocked the baby. “Madison’s middle name will be Ivory, and Adamo’s middle name will be…Michael.” She looked over at Nicola approvingly.

“I couldn’t ask for much more,” Nicola said kissing his son’s forehead.

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Paternity

Chapter 28

PATERNITY

“Hey, Ma. I’m a father,” Nicola said lying in his bed for the first time in more than twenty-four hours. He relished in its softness and kicked off his gym shoes. His body ached in places he wasn’t sure that it should and his head pounded, but he was exceedingly happy.

“What?” Mrs. Agosto sat up in the bed and turned on her lamp. “Did I hear you right? They are actually yours?”

“Yep. I just got the results from the doctor.” His mouth was sore from smiling, but he could no longer contain himself. “Yesterday afternoon, July 5th at 4:23 pm. Two huge boys. Madison and Adamo.”

“Oh, Adamo, wake up!” Liz commanded nudging her husband who was lying in a peaceful slumber. “Nicola’s a father. The children are ours!”

Nicola chuckled under his breath at his mother’s joy. “Well, I just wanted to call and let you guys know. I know it’s late.” He yawned. “And I’m really tired. I’ve got to be up in about three hours.” He took off his watch and placed it carefully on his nightstand.

“Hold on. Your father wants to speak with you,” she said handing Adamo the phone.

“Hi, pop,” Nicola said yawning again. His mother was so dramatic. He just wanted to go to bed.

“Hey,” Adamo said wiping his tired eyes. “Calm down, Liz. I can’t hear him.”

“Mom is trying to tell you that I’m a father. I just wanted to call and let you know.”

“Well, that is good news, right?” His father smiled. He finally had grandchildren. Grandsons! “This is what you wanted, yes?”

“Yeah, it is. It was obvious when we first saw them, but we had a blood test a couple of hours ago to confirm it. They’re beautiful, too. I can’t wait for you to see them. Two new Agosto men.” The invitation had been officially given.

“Your brother and I are closing on an important deal. But as soon as I’m finished here, we’ll be there.”

“Great. I’ll make the arrangements,” Nicola said pulling off his pants.

“Tell him to send me pictures,” Liz said giggling. “Tell mom, I will. Bye.” Hanging up the phone, he looked