Her Heart's Desire
Page 80
He lowered her to the ground, but still kept her in his arms. “See, was that so hard? Plus, she’s right, you know.”
“About what?”
?
??You do have good bone structure.” He moved the palm of his hand over her stomach. “When the time comes, I’m sure you’ll have no problem birthing one of my babies.”
She shoved him. “You’re not funny, Ivan Mangum. I’m going to pay you back for this,” she promised him before hurrying back to their guests.
When Ivan came out, he went straight to Tiffany’s side and placed a possessive arm around her waist.
“Thanks for being a part of this celebration. Your kind words tonight just reconfirm that we’re all connected in some way by love, respect and admiration. I made a promise to Tiffany that I’m coming back to her safe and in one piece, and I meant it.”
“You’d better if you know what’s good for you,” his brother chimed in.
As the party wound down, Tiffany was in the kitchen cleaning up when Norma Jean wandered in and walked over to Cole, who was making a plate to take home.
“Do you need help with anything, Cole?”
“No, thanks, Ms. Jeannie. I’m good.”
“This was such a wonderful party. I noticed your girlfriend wasn’t here. Did she have to work late?”
Tiffany smiled. She knew where this was going.
“Hardly,” Cole said drily. “I don’t have one, and that’s the way I like it.”
“You don’t say?”
“Mom,” Adrian practically yelled from the doorway. “There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“I’m hard to miss, honey. I’ve just been in here talking to Cole.”
“Splendid, but it’s time to go,” he said, before taking her arm and leading her out.
*
Cole and their grandmother were the last to leave.
“Thanks, little brother. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me,” Ivan said to Cole.
“Hey, that’s what I’m here for, right? I’ve always got your back.”
“I’m going to miss you.”
“Me, too,” Cole replied.
They hugged and clapped each other on the back. “Cole…”
“You don’t have to say it, Ivan.”
“Yes, I do,” he said with emotion. “Look out for her. I…I need to know that she’s safe.”
“Of course I will, Ivan. As if she were my own sister.”
Ivan nodded. Relief suffused his face. “That’s good to know, because she will be someday.”
The two brothers shared a moment of understanding before Cole moved off to say good-night to Tiffany.