Little Green Apples (Ivan×OC)

Chapter 18 🍋

In the weeks after Ivan was released from the hospital, things were looking up for everyone.

Jessica took care of Ivan while he took a few days to regain his strength at home, and he was as optimistic as ever by the time he went back to the church. They were also growing closer every day.

Sarah and Gunnar were officially married, and Sarah's baby was born. Today, everyone was gathered for his baptism.

"What's the name of the child?," Ivan asked.

"Ivan Lambert Andersen."

'Aww, so sweet.'

"Ivan Lambert Andersen...," Ivan said with a smile, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen."

"Thank you," Sarah said.

"You're welcome. Come back," Ivan said.

"No time."

"We're going to Indonesia," Gunnar said.

"Interesting. Because of the tigers?," Ivan asked.

"No, I plan to play tennis again. They have the best courts."

"You're always welcome."

Ivan and Gunnat regarded each inherent fondly before Gunnar spoke.

"We have to go."

"Don't you have to change?"

"I'll do it in the car."

"Come on, Gunnar," Sarah said.

Jessica went up to Gunnar and hugged him goodbye. She stroked the baby's hair and kissed his forehead.

"Goodbye, Ivan. Be good for mama and papa."

Ivan wasn't sure what it was, but he couldn't help the warmth that spread through his body at the tenderness Jessica showed to little Ivan. He felt his heartstrings pull.

It was going to be six years since they had met in a few days, and he wanted to do something special for her. He was so grateful that she came into his life, that he wanted to convey exactly how he felt about her. An idea popped into his head. A crazy one, but it would accurately let her know how much she meant to him.

_____

Ivan and Jessica were enjoying a small dinner at home. Ivan was trying to contain his giddiness at what he had planned for his Jessica.

"You know today it's been six years since we've met?"

"I was just thinking about that today, actually. It seems like we've known each other longer though, I find."

"I agree. I think we should do something special, don't you?"

"I wouldn't refuse," Jessica said with a small laugh.

Ivan got up from his chair, holding his hand out to her. She took it, and he led her to the coat closet.

"Put on a jacket, then. We're going for a walk."

"But it's starting to get dark, and the sky looks like it's going to rain..."

"We'll be back before it rains. Now, put on a jacket. Trust me."

Jessica slipped on her red fleece jacket as Ivan put on a sweater over his oxford shirt.

They walked down the stairs and hopped into the van. Ivan grasped her gift he got her in his pocket, saying a quick prayer that this would go smoothly.

"Ivan, are you okay? You seem nervous."

"I'm fine. I'm just so happy we're finally together," he said, reaching for her hand and bringing it to his lips.