Ivy's Twisted Vine Redux by Latrivia Nelson (books to read for beginners .TXT) 📕

on several business trips that could not be cancelled.” He looked at Ivy lovingly. “I just don’t want to leave her unattended at such a critical time.”

“And you shouldn’t,” Dr. Karkera said leaning forward in her chair. “Someone should be with her or not far from her at all times. My best advice is to have a family member or friend on speed dial until your children arrive.”

“Well, we’ll surely keep that in mind,” Grey said uncrossing his long legs and standing. “As usual, thank you for all of your help,” he said offering his hand.

“It’s always a pleasure, Mr. Henderson. How are the plans for the wedding coming?”

“Great,” Ivy said jumping in on the conversation. She loved Grey’s enthusiasm, but sometimes she felt invisible when he was around.

“I do expect an invitation.”

“You’re at the top of the list, doctor,” Grey said opening the door for Ivy. “We’ll see you in two weeks.”

**

“I’m hungry,” Ivy said rubbing her stomach as they walked out of the doctor’s office.

“Me, too. Let’s grab a bite downtown.”

After they were seated at their favorite lunch spot, Buckley’s located in the hard of downtown on busy Union Avenue. They order their lunch and nestled into the dimly lit booth to enjoy the smooth sounds of Nat King Cole and great food. Known for its wonderful steaks but noted for its elegant and eclectic atmosphere, Buckley’s had been a long time favorite for the couple. It was where they had their first date and their first kiss.

“So, are you ready for everything that is about to happen?” Grey asked sipping his wine.

“I think so.” Ivy smiled at him. “Are you?”

“God, no.” Grey said laughing. “Truthfully, baby, I’m scared to death.” He took her hand. “But I’m happy.” He nodded across the room leisurely to Councilman Deters, a friend of his father.

“Me, too.”

“You know, I hate to spring this on you like this, but I was thinking about something that can’t be put off anymore.” Grey’s voice lowered with hand still on Ivy’s.

“What?” Ivy leaned forward.

“I’ve decided to run for the my uncle’s seat in the House. I’m more than qualified and have his backing. I will make a formal announcement the day after we’re married. That will be almost a year to the date before the primary election and only months after that, the general election. We’ve located a great spot for the headquarters, a team of professionals, financial backers…the whole nine.”

“I’d heard rumors.” Ivy dabbed her mouth. “But since you hadn’t spoken to me about it in depth, I figured they were just that…rumors.”

“Well, baby, they are not rumors. I have the opportunity to do this, and I don’t want to miss it. Plus, my family has been grooming me for this position for years.”

“Yeah. I know.” She smiled. “I want to support you on this one hundred percent.”

“Good, because I’m going to need it. This has to be a team effort from both of us.” He touched her shoulder.

“What can I do to help you?” Ivy knew that was her cue.

“Well, my father is hosting a private dinner with my uncle for us to discuss what our specific roles will be as a political couple. Informally, there is a great deal of foundation already laid. Formally, we have to come out the day after the wedding with a concrete image and sound game plan.”

“Will this affect my job?”

Grey smiled. “No, your job is a plus right now. It strengthens our image. There are a great deal more working mothers than stay-at-home moms your age.” Grey guarded the fact that if he won the election, she would be forced to quit in order to commute from Memphis to D.C. If he brought it up now, he knew that it wouldn’t play to his advantage. However, if they were married, she would do what was best for them and not just for herself. He adverted his eyes to the background while he tried to prepare his pitch.

“Think of what wonderful opportunities there will be for the children.” He smiled convincingly. “Think of what type of wonderful example you’ll be setting for young aspiring women of our district. We could set the pace as a couple for the citizens of Memphis.”

“It all sounds so exciting,” Ivy said captivated by his vision. “I don’t know what it say, except that I’m up for it.”

Grey nodded in approval. “This is the best news that I’ve heard all day.”

“Now for the hard question. What about the twins? What if they belong to Nicola?” Ivy instantly thought back to Nicola’s confirmation of the children’s paternity in his home only weeks before. What if he knew something that she didn’t? She had to take heed of his warning, especially now.

“Well, we will need to keep him at arm’s length,” he said taking a sip of his wine. “We should let it be known that we are like many of the non-traditional families in America today. We should also let it be known that while he is the father of the children, should that be the case, that he’s just that. There is no other relationship between you two.” He smiled. “It could very well bring in more votes. There’s the sympathy vote from single mothers, the understanding vote from growing constituency of interracial couples and so many others.” He looked over at Ivy who seemed uncomfortable dissecting her life for others.

“I see that you’ve thought this through.”

“Yes, I have.” Grey bit his lip. He would be easy on his aggression for now.

“Okay, then.” Ivy sat up and asserted some sign of authority in her own life. “I’ll do it.”

I know you will, if you want to be with me, Grey thought to himself. “Great. I’m glad to hear it.” He said aloud leaning over to kiss her on her forehead endearingly. “Now, let’s eat.”

* *

After lunch downtown and afternoon shopping at Oak Hall, Grey took Ivy back to her apartment to drop her off before he