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

“I got married.” She lifted her ring finger in confirmation.

“You did what?” Nicola didn’t know whether to be disappointed or happy. “When did this happen?” He grabbed her hand and looked at her wedding ring…nice rock. Bucking his eyes, he closed his gaping mouth. “Wow. When did this happen?”

“Last week.” Emerald stepped in the conversation. “And we’re expecting.” Lovingly, he put his hand on her stomach and smiled proudly, dually protecting his vulnerable wife. He couldn’t allow Trina to do this alone.

“It’s Brooks’ baby?” Nicola asked the question directly to Trina?

“Yeah.” Trina said not elaborating. “It’s a little K.C. Brooks.” Holding on to Emerald’s hand, she smiled to hold back her self-consciousness.

“Well,” Nicola shook his head in disbelief. “I’m…so happy for you.” He nodded on after his statement. “No, I mean it. I really am.” Taking Trina in his arms, he hugged her warmly and released a thunderous laughter vibrating against her chest. Life was trip! Damn. A lot had gone on while he was in Miami!

“That’s cool,” Emerald said speechless but pleased with the happy reunion.

“Thank you,” Trina said feeling his approval. “Thanks so much.” She needed that. She needed to know that one man on earth that was close to Brooks would understand, because if he did that she knew that Brooks would have too.

Nicola could see Trina’s pain, and he truly sympathized. It was apparent that the only stone left unturned in all of this was his. He had to give her his approval, or she would always feel as though she had done something wrong. He looked at Emerald.

“Congratulation’s, man. You have a very beautiful bride. You’re a lucky man.” Nicola extended his hand again, but Emerald hugged him. They all laughed while Grey watched jealously from a distance. And Madison observed instantly seeing what Ivy had seen in Nicola.

***

Sadie walked into the waiting room where her family sat patiently. At the sight of her, everyone stood up with eyes bright and curious. She stood in the middle of the waiting room emotionally drained and physically shaken. Her poor daughter had gone through so much. Madison walked over and hugged her. Sadie let out a soft sob on his shoulder and gripped his shoulders tight. Their poor Ivy.

“Oh, God. What’s wrong,” Trina said holding on to Emerald.

“How is she…they?” Madison lifted Sadie’s chin with care. He needed to know.

Sadie tried to give a smile. “She’s great. They’re great. Everyone is healthy and recovering.” Her eyes were red and her fair mocha skin was flushed. She kissed him on the cheek, glad he was there. Taking a deep breath, she looked over at Grey. “Grey, honey could you please follow me. Ivy wants to see you now,” she said glancing over at Nicola, who stood with at blank expression on his face.

Just what the hell is going on, Nicola said to himself.

“Is she alright?” Grey asked looking back at Nicola. He fumbled with his coat as he rushed up to Sadie.

“Ivy’s fine. She just wants to see you,” Sadie said motioning through the doors. “She’s in room four.” She patted Grey on the back. “She’s fine.”

***

Ivy looked up as he walked into the room. Grey. Her self-proclaimed knight and shining armor. She tried to sit up a little and smile. He laid down his coat on the end of the bed and walked over to her. Lovingly, he kissed her forehead and rubbed through her hair.

“Hi,” she said hoarsely, trying to keep her tired eyes open.

“Hi. How are you guys doing?” He looked across the room and saw two basinets and nurses caring over them.

“Fine. Sorry, I didn’t let you come in for the birth. It was just best for the…”

“Shh,” Grey said putting his finger over her soft, chapped mouth. “I understand.”

“I’m lucky to have you,” she said as he bent down and kissed her lips.

“I know.” He smiled. “Now, can I see them?” he asked as he tried to see what color they were.

“Of course,” she breathed slowly taking in soothing breaths. “But before you do,” she lifted her hand. He took it hesitantly. “There is something I have to tell you.”

“Okay,” Grey said feeling a knot in his stomach.

“I love you.” Tears ran down her face. “And…I want to marry you.”

“And I want to marry you, too.” He looked into her eyes. “What is it?”

“The doctor has already taken blood from them. She says that after she gets your blood and Nicola’s, she’ll know by tomorrow. But from what I can see with my own two naked eyes, they look like they belong to Nicola.” Tears fell down her burning hot cheeks. “I’m so…sorry.”

“What?” Grey left her side and walked over to lay eyes on the people who had caused so much drama in his life. The nurses excused themselves hearing the conflict.

“Grey,” Ivy said wiping her eyes. It was inevitable that he had to see them. The world had to see them.

Grey stood over them, looking mystified and betrayed. The twin wonders lay wrapped in soft, baby blue blankets and head warmers quietly marveling at their new world. Their skin was fairer than Nicola’s. Their eyes barely open, one with green eyes and the other with blue. Their lips were the color of rose petals and visible dimples in each of their chins. Curly black hair lay slicked to their heads under the sides of their hats. They looked more Caucasian that Black to Grey. In fact, if he had not known that Ivy had given birth, he would have assumed them to have a different mother. Wow. He took it all in. Exasperated. Nearly defeated.

Grey smiled admiring their beauty and yet in pain. Touching one of them carefully, he looked back at Ivy and shook his head in approval. She had done a good job. He allowed tears to fall. He wanted them to be his. But he had known all along somewhere in the deep darkness