The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2234

Ivy's eyes crinkled into a tired smile as Balfour gave what sounded like a veiled promise.

She still looked exhausted, nearly dozing off again after their brief exchange.

"Go ahead and sleep. I'll stay right here with you," Balfour murmured soothingly, gently stroking her hair. His usually firm gaze softened, a rare occurrence, as Ivy, struggling against the drowsiness, prompted him to check in with their grandparents.

"I'll give them a call in a bit."

"Do it now. They must be worried sick."

Only after Balfour agreed did Ivy allow herself to drift off into a peaceful slumber.

As Ivy's breathing steadied in sleep, Balfour couldn't help but lean in to make sure her chest rose and fell as it should. He feared that Ivy’s breath might be as feeble as it was previously. According to the doctors, Ivy’s breathing was practically negligible when she was initially brought in. He couldn’t even imagine his reaction if he had witnessed it.

He'd never considered how vital Ivy had become to him until the stark realization that he couldn't lose her hit home—just the thought was unbearable.

"Get well soon so you can go back to driving me nuts, okay?" he murmured affectionately, watching over her a moment longer before stepping out to make the call.

"Grandma."

"Oh, Balfour, has Ivy woken up?"

It was the time of day when Alyssa and Dean would usually be resting, but their concern for Ivy had kept them on edge, unable to sleep.