Ivy’s POV
The garden was quiet that morning. I haven’t felt safe like this before, The sky was soft and pale, clouds floating gently above me. I walked slowly between the flower beds, my fingers brushing the leaves. The air smelled like earth and roses. It was peaceful here. Safe.
I liked walking early, before anyone could bother me. The birds chirped above, and the sun was just starting to rise. It felt like everything was fresh. New. Like something was coming.
I placed my hand over my belly and smiled.
He kicked again.
“You’re strong,” I whispered to the bump. “Just like your father.”
I didn’t realize how far I had walked until I felt it—a sharp pull in my stomach. I stopped, gasping. It wasn’t like the soft pains I’d felt before. This was different.
Strong.
Real.
I held onto a
