Five Years Later

Ivy’s POV

The morning light spilled through the tall windows, soft and gold, touching everything it reached with warmth. I stood by the balcony, one hand resting against the rail, the other gently smoothing over the small head leaning against my hip.

“Careful,” I murmured as little fingers reached curiously toward the edge of the flowerpot. “You’ll make a mess again.”

Rick, flashing a grin that could melt even the coldest heart. The same dark curls, the same bright ...