Putting the last bag of mine in the trunk of Shelby’s car, I step back and shut it. Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I glance to the front porch seeing Carter and Shelby walking toward the car. I can’t help but smile seeing them together. It’s clear they are so in love with one another, and I’m happy my big sister has someone like Carter. Even if it’s only been a week since I found out Shelby was my sister, I’ve come to care for her deeply. It’s as if we were never apart, and I know with this road trip, our bond will continue to grow. Letting out a sigh when I see them share a sweet moment, my heart clenches wishing I had that. I thought Caden and I had something special like Carter and Shelby, but I’m not so sure about that anymore. I’m usually okay until I’m alone at night. That’s when the pain hits me the most, and I’m still unsure what to do about him. He’s tried over and over to reach out, but I’m not ready to talk to him just yet.
But I do miss him.
I miss his goofy laugh, his smart mouth, and especially the way he made me forget about everything that’s going on around me.
The thing that stops me from answering his texts or calls is how he broke my trust. I don’t trust easily, and I’m still so hurt by what he did. The worst thing about all this is my feelings for him haven’t changed. I might be hurt, but the love I feel for him hasn’t stopped growing. Lord knows I’ve tried to stop thinking about him and all the moments we shared, but it seems no matter what I do, he’s always on my mind. Kelsey thinks I’m being too hard on him, but I don’t think so. I also think she’s a bit biased about the entire situation since she knows how happy Caden made me. I know she just wants me to be happy, but I’m still unsure. I feel like I’m stuck in limbo.
“Are you ready to go?” Shelby asks pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Yeah. Just waiting on you.”
“Sorry,” she says with a smile when Carter wraps his arms around her waist from behind. Shaking my head, I lean against the car as they show off some serious PDA. “Carter, we have to go.”
“I know, but I wish you would let me go with y’all.”
“Oh no.” I cut in. “This is a girl’s only trip. No boys allowed.”
Shelby nods agreeing with me, and Carter huffs out a breath in annoyance. When Shelby told him about us going to South Carolina to see our mom, he immediately protested saying he wanted to go. He didn’t really explain why he wanted to go so badly, but Shelby seemed to understand. “I know this is a girl’s only trip,” he sarcastically says. “I just want to make sure y’all get there safely.”
“I know how to drive, Carter,” Shelby sasses.
“Fine.” He lets her go, and I move to get in the car. Shutting the door behind me, Shelby gets in and rolls the window down. “Please be careful.”
“We will. You have nothin’ to worry about.”
“I love you, Shel.” I have to look away seeing the look in Carter’s eyes. I can’t lie and say it doesn’t hurt hearing and seeing them so in love when I’m mending a broken heart.
Trying not to be bitter, I gaze out the window as Shelby says, “I love you, too. I’ll call you later.” Moments later, Shelby starts to pull out of the driveway. “Sorry about that,” she says to me, and I shake my head when I notice Carter waving so big the entire neighborhood will see him. “He’s such a worry wart.”
Shelby told me a bit about what happened between them this past week so I can understand why he would worry. Seems Shelby and I both have the runner’s gene. “Well I hope he knows I’ll bring you back kicking and screaming if I have to.”
Shelby laughs as she says, “I don’t think you have anything to worry about either, sis.” Leaning my head back against the headrest, I roll my window down as Shelby turns up the radio. Smiling, I glance over to Shelby as she sings along, and I can’t believe this is my life right now.
I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be heading to meet my birth mother with my sister driving. It feels like everything is finally coming together, and for some reason, I have a good feeling about this trip. Maybe it’s because I’m finally going to get the answers I’ve wanted since finding out I was adopted. Maybe it’s because I found my sister.
Or maybe it’s a combination of both of them.
My stomach begins to clench painfully with nerves as Shelby parks the car in front a three story house. We arrived in Charleston, South Carolina a few hours ago after driving for four days. Shelby and I weren’t in a hurry to get here, and I enjoyed every second of our trip. Our bond is becoming stronger with each passing day, and now we’re actually sitting in front of our mother’s home, I start to feel queasy. “Are you okay?” She asks.
Pushing out a breath, I say, “I think so. Why am I so nervous?”
“Do you think it’s because you’re about to meet our mom?”
“Maybe.” Turning to Shelby, I quietly ask, “What do I do if she hates me?” All my fears about my mom never loving me come to the surface, and I don’t know how I’ll react if she tells me I was just a mistake.
“Can I be brutally honest with you?”
“Of course, Shel.”
She looks away and gazes at the house for a few moments before turning back to me. “I just want you to be prepared when we go in there.” With my frown, she adds, “Our mother is not what you’re expectin’. She’s goin’ to say a lot of hateful and downright mean things, and I just want you to know whatever she says, it’s not true.” She takes a deep breath before saying, “I know it sounds like I’m tryin’ to change your mind about meetin’ her, but I just know how she can be. Trust me, Savvy.”
I don’t know everything about what our mother did to Shelby, but I know she wouldn’t be warning me without good reason. Shelby isn’t the type of person to just lie about things like this, and even if our sisterly bond is still forming, I trust her. “You’ll be right there with me?”
“Bet your ass I will,” she says with a wide grin. “There’s no way I’m lettin’ you do this alone.”
Giving her a smile back, I hope she realizes how much this means to me. Not only because I’m about to meet our mother, but because she’s going to be right beside me. “Okay,” I rush out with a nod. “I think I’m ready now.” Opening the car door, I step out and quickly make my way over to Shelby as she does the same. We glance at each other for a moment before she starts to walk toward the house.
My nerves are at an all-time high as we make our way to the front door. I’m a little overwhelmed seeing all the high-end houses in the neighborhood, and this entire subdivision screams money. I’m yet again out of my comfort zone, but I can’t complain. I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long and in the back of mind, I know this visit could go terribly wrong. Even knowing with everything Shelby has told me about our mother, I still want to meet her. I still have to know why she gave me away, and why she covered it up. It just seems strange she would go to such great lengths to keep me a secret.
Once we make it to the door, I swallow hard and suck in a breath. Shelby turns to me with worried eyes, and I give her a small smile letting her know I’m ready. She nods then squares her shoulders before ringing the doorbell. My heart won’t stop pounding in my chest, and my stomach feels like it’s in knots. “Remember what I told you,” Shelby says right before the door opens. “Hello, Mother,” Shelby says, and I hold my breath as I finally see the woman that gave birth to me.
Shelby was so right. She’s nothing like I expected. The only way I could describe how she looks is she’s had way too much plastic surgery or Botox. Her skin is so tight over her cheekbones, and I inwardly cringe thinking they might cut open her skin. I would have to guess she’s in her fifties, and it shows. Her hair has been dyed blonde so many times it looks like it’s all about to fall out, and I instantly know I made a mistake coming here. It’s the way her eyes cut to me then Shelby that sends a chill down my spine. “I can’t say I’m surprised to see you, Shelby. I always knew you would come home.” Seeing Shelby visibly take in a breath, I want to grab her and take her away from this woman. “Who’s the fat one?” Tabitha asks, and I open my mouth in shock.
Is she fucking serious? “Excuse me?”
Her hard gaze lands on me, and I clench my jaw when she asks, “Are you deaf?”
“Can you just for one second pretend to be nice and invite us inside?” Shelby cuts in, and I know it’s her way of trying to defuse the situation.
Tabitha huffs out a breath as if she’s annoyed with our visit. “If you must.” My eyes dart to Shelby, and she gives me a concerned look. Even with my instincts going off that this isn’t a great idea, I walk in behind Shelby. We don’t go very far in the house, and I’m glad for it. It’s comforting to know the door is right behind us if we need to make a quick getaway. “Is there a reason for this visit because unless you’re ready to remarry Easton, you aren’t welcome here.”
Shelby must feel my eyes on her because I had no idea she was married before. I would’ve never guessed it. “Easton is my ex-husband,” she says to me. Turning to our mother, she says with a hard tone, “And he will always be my ex and a mistake.” Shocked doesn’t cover what I’m feeling in this moment. I wonder why Shelby never told me, but then again it’s going to take more than a week to learn all of my sister’s past.
“I suggest you tell me what you want then because I don’t have time for this, Shelby.”
Shelby’s face turns red, and I see her jaw clenching. I can feel her anger coming off in waves, and I decide to step in and give her a moment to cool down. “I’m the reason we’re here.” Tabitha’s gaze turns on me, and before I chicken out, I blurt, “I’m your daughter.”
One would think a mother that gave her child away would be shocked or possibly happy to be meeting them but not Tabitha. She looks annoyed and bit angry, and I cannot believe I wanted to meet this woman. It’s clear I’ve made a grave mistake coming here. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Didn’t I get rid of you?” Her words cut deep, but I hold my own. Remembering what Shelby told me, I try to act like her hateful words and tone don’t affect me. “I can’t believe this. All that trouble I went through to make sure you stayed out of my life, and now here you are with my other mistake.”
Feeling tears beginning to burn in my eyes, I blink them away and suck in a breath. “So I was a mistake, and you never wanted me.” I sense Shelby’s gaze on me, but I refuse to look away from Tabitha. I’ll lose all my bravado if I see Shelby’s worried expression.
“Of course you were a mistake,” Tabitha spits out. “Just like Shelby. You both are nothing but huge mistakes, and I never wanted either of you.”
“Then why have either of us then?” I ask. It makes no sense why she would even have us if we were nothing but a fucking burden.
“I had no choice,” she sneers.
“Oh my God,” Shelby exclaims, and I glance at her wondering what she’s figured out. “You got pregnant while Dad was still alive. Which means I saw you cheatin’, and you left him. Did he know? Is that why he basically killed himself?”
Tabitha doesn’t seem surprised at Shelby’s accusation. She just huffs out a breath as if she’s just annoyed and crosses her arms. “Yes. He knew, and I left to make sure it,” she says to me as if I’m good enough to even acknowledge. “Was out of the picture for good, but apparently all my efforts were wasted.”
Feeling confused, all I can do is glance between Tabitha and Shelby. “I can’t believe you. It wasn’t enough to ruin my life, but you kept my sister away from me because you wanted to what? Keep up with appearances? But yet, you’re the reason Dad was drinkin’ the night of his wreck. That’s why he’s six feet in the ground because you couldn’t keep your legs closed.”
“You will not talk to me like that in my house,” Tabitha snaps.
“Shelby,” I say, and grab her hand. “Come on. We don’t need this shit.” Shelby looks to me, and I know she’s on the verge of crying. I see the tears in her eyes, and I feel awful for putting her through this. All this time I’ve wanted to know who my mother was but instead, I found a horrible person and hurt Shelby in the process.
“That’s right,” Tabitha starts with a hateful tone. “Run away just like you always have, Shelby.”
“Why don’t you just go to hell,” I pipe back. “Come on, Shel. Let’s go.” Thankfully Shelby nods and follows behind me. Hearing Tabitha say something behind us, I ignore her knowing whatever she has to say isn’t worth listening to. Shelby and I don’t speak to each other as we quickly walk back to her car, and once we get inside, I feel like I might vomit. I can’t believe I put Shelby through all that. I should’ve listened to her when she tried to warn me, but I just had to see for myself. I’ve been so dead set on meeting our mother for so long, and now I feel as if it’s all been one big ass mistake. “I’m so sorry, Shel. I should’ve listened to you, and now I feel like an asshole for putting you through that.”
Keeping my gaze straight ahead, I don’t know if I can face Shelby knowing I’m the reason I put her through Tabitha’s verbal bashing. I’m not sure what I’m feeling with finding out my own mother never wanted me and thinks I’m a mistake. Honestly seeing her and knowing how awful she was toward Shelby and me, I don’t know how I should react. For so long I’ve wanted this, but then again I’m not as hurt as I thought I would be. If anything, I’m glad I know Shelby and I won’t ever be coming back here or see her again. Feeling her hand on mine, I glance down at it as she says, “There’s no reason for you to be sorry, Savvy.” Taking a chance, I look up and see a tear rolling down her cheek. “I know how much you needed to meet her, and it’s not your fault she’s such an evil person.”
“But you’re hurting because of me,” I quietly say. It feels like a lump is forming in my throat, and seeing her so upset makes me feel like shit.
“No, I’m not hurtin’ because of you.” Her tone is firm, and I do want to believe her, but I can’t. If I never wanted to come here, she wouldn’t have gone through what she just had. “I’m hurtin’ because just when I thought our mother was done messin’ with my life, I find out somethin’ new.” She wipes a tear from her face with her free hand as she says, “It’s not that comin’ back here brought back my past with my ex, and seein’ our mother again wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It’s just knowin’ she went through such great lengths to keep you hidden, and she was the catalyst that ended my father’s life.” Tears fill my eyes as I listen to her and it’s apparent in her voice that she cared very much for her dad. “I’ve always blamed her for what happened with my dad, and now I know my blame was accurately placed.” She squeezes my hand and places her other hand on mine before she declares, “None of this is your fault. Our mother is the one who was selfish and didn’t care about us. She’s always put her needs before anyone else, and don’t for one second think this is on you, Savvy.”
Letting out a sob, my tears come, and I don’t try to stop them. “All this has been for nothing. You were right about her, and I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.” If I could go back, I would’ve listened to her warnings. I hate knowing I put her through this.
Shelby pulls me into her arms, and I willingly go to her. Wrapping my arms around her, I’m grateful to have her here with me. I know I couldn’t have done this without her, and knowing she doesn’t blame me for what we’ve learned makes me feel a bit better. Pulling back, I sniff loudly and use my shirt to clean my face. “I promise you have no reason to be sorry. I know you had to meet her for yourself and now that you have, I hope you can put this behind you and see what you have right in front of you.”
“You’re right, and I’m glad I know this part of my life is finally over.” I am glad I finally know the truth about my mother. Even though she was nothing like I imagined, I know I can finally put this chapter of my life behind me and move forward. I hate Shelby and I had to find out the hard way, but I can’t regret it. This trip brought Shelby and me closer, and I have a feeling we’ll both be alright.
“How about we get the hell out of this shit town?”
Smiling, I nod. Shelby takes in a deep breath then starts the car. She begins to drive down the road, and an idea hits me. “What do you think about taking a trip to Florida?”
“As long as we can lay on a beach, I’m so down for that.” With our new destination in mind, Shelby smiles and turns up the radio. Relaxing back in my seat, I have a feeling she’s going to love what I have planned.
With Shelby standing by me, I wait anxiously for my mom or dad to answer the door. Normally, I would’ve just walked in, but I wanted to make sure they were surprised. Shelby still hasn’t put it together she’s about to meet my parents, and I know this stop will be a lot better than our last one was. I’ll admit, I was very wrong about Tabitha, and I’m surprised I’m not more hurt by finding out I was a mistake. I guess a part of me always knew it, and the other part is finally okay with knowing for sure. I can’t regret the path I’ve taken because if I hadn’t, I probably would’ve never met Shelby, the Harlow family, or Annie and William. I don’t regret a single thing because I’ve finally found my family.
My real family. Which is all I’ve ever wanted.
“Are you goin’ to tell me where we are?” Shelby asks.
“Nope. You’ll just have to wait and see.” Chuckling at her apparent impatience, I say, “Trust me. You’re going to love this.”
“We’re still goin’ to the beach later right?”
“Yes. That’s a must before we go back home.”
“Home huh? So you’re comin’ back to stay?”
Ringing the doorbell once more, I guess my parents are out back. Turning to Shelby, I grin widely as I honestly say, “Yeah. I think I’ll stick with my sister if she’s alright with that.”
Her face lights up, and she pulls me in for a tight hug. “Of course I’m alright with that. If it were up to me, you’d never leave my sight again.”
Pulling away, I smile loving how she wants me by her side. Even if my own mother didn’t want me, it’s a wonderful feeling knowing Shelby wants me in her life. Before I get the chance to respond, the front door opens. “Hey, Mom,” I say with a grin when I see it’s her.
Mom’s warm brown eyes fill with tears as she pulls me to her. Embracing her tightly, she whispers, “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Letting her go, I ask, “Is Dad here?” Once she nods, I steal a glance to Shelby seeing her bright smile. Following Mom inside, I can’t help but feel at ease being back home. It feels different now that I know everything I do, and I won’t ever take it for granted again. I shouldn’t have left the way I had or thought for one second my parents didn’t love me because I wasn’t actually theirs. The only thing I regret is thinking otherwise. But now I’m determined to show my parents how grateful I am they adopted me and gave me this wonderful life.
While Mom goes to tell Dad we’re here, Shelby stands beside me and asks, “So this is your parent’s house?”
“I thought you would like to meet them.”
“I do. Thank you, Savvy.”
Grabbing her hand, I hold it tightly. “Now you’ll have my family to add to yours.” I know I made the right choice when she nods and squeezes my hand.
There’s not a chance I can regret anything knowing all the pain and hurt brought me here. I have my sister by my side, and I’m about to have my loving parents in my life again.
Two weeks later…
A lot has changed in the past two weeks. Not only did my parents and I mend our relationship, but they also welcomed Shelby with open arms. Mom and Dad were shocked to find out I had a sister, but that still didn’t stop them from treating her like she was already a part of our family. Shelby and I spent a few days with my parents while also hitting the beach, and I learned so much about Shelby and her past. Not to mention mine as well. It was hard to hear how bad Shelby’s childhood was, and what all our mother did to her over the years. Shelby also opened up about her first marriage, and I wanted to drive back to South Carolina just to punch Tabitha in the face for having a hand in Shelby’s abusive marriage. I’ve never been more grateful or proud that my sister got out of that situation and found her way back to Carter.
The most shocking thing I learned was who my father was. Shelby was the one that connected the dots, and once she remembered seeing Tabitha cheating, she knew exactly who he was. His name is Maxwell Howell and was Shelby’s history teacher, when she was in high school. I’ll admit, after everything that happened with Tabitha, I wasn’t so quick to find him. Plus after she and I did a Google search on him, we found out he’s in prison for statutory rape. Needless to say, I thought it would be best to leave my biological parents alone and forget they ever existed.
After our trip to the beach, we finally decided it was time to come back to Mississippi. Since being back, Shelby, Carter, and I have fallen into a regular routine. Every morning we have coffee before they leave to have breakfast with Carter’s family, and every morning they ask me to go with them. I wish I could because I miss the rest of the Harlow family, but I know Caden will be there. Even if I miss him more and more with each passing day, I’m still not ready to see him just yet. Shelby tries so hard to get me to talk to him, but I don’t know. He hurt me deeply by lying, and as much as I want to forgive him, I’m not ready. Even if I understand now why Caden kept such a secret from me, I still feel betrayed and cheated out of time with Shelby.
Taking a deep breath, my heart feels heavy thinking about Caden. He’s never far from my mind, and he’s making it harder by texting me all hours of the day. It’s as if he wants me to know he’s still here and still wants me in his life. Running a hand through my hair, I grab three coffee mugs and place mine under the Keurig. My coffee brews as I wait for Carter and Shelby to make their appearance, and I frown when I hear the doorbell ring. Glancing around the corner, I don’t see Carter or Shelby coming to answer it. Deciding I should at least see who it is, I make my way to the front door. Once I open it, I frown as I look around. Seeing no one in sight, I start to shut the door thinking someone is playing ding-dong ditch when I see something out of the corner of my eye. Looking down, my stomach drops seeing the bouquet of white lilies. Taking another look around, I still don’t see anyone. Picking up the flowers, I notice a white card attached with my name on the front. I shut the door behind me and pull the card off the flowers. Walking back to the kitchen, I lay the beautiful flowers down on the counter and look at the card.
Flipping it over, I look to see if anyone signed it on the outside. I have a hunch it’s from Caden because he’s the only one that knows white lilies are my favorite, and I don’t know anyone else that would send me flowers. “Who was at the door?” Shelby asks as she walks in the kitchen.
“No one apparently.” Turning around, I hold the card in my hand as I glance at her. “They left flowers though.”
“Huh,” she says like she’s not that surprised. “Who are they from?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t opened the card.” Narrowing my eyes when she starts to grin, I ask, “Do you know who they’re from?”
“Why would I know?” She says with a high-pitched tone.
“Why would you know what?” Carter asks as he walks toward Shelby.
“Savvy thinks I know somethin’ about her gettin’ those beautiful lilies.”
They share a knowing glance, and I feel like I’m out of the loop. “Okay guys. What’s this about?”
“I have no clue what you’re talkin’ about,” Carter claims, but I see the smirk he’s trying to hold back.
“I’m with Carter,” Shelby adds. “We have no idea what’s goin’ on. You should check the card though.” Watching her turn to open a cabinet, she pulls out a vase and hands it to me. “You should keep the flowers too. They’re too pretty to just sit out on the counter.”
Still feeling as if they’re in on something that I’m not privy to, I shrug my shoulders and take the vase from Shelby. Placing the flowers in the vase and filling it with water, I set them aside as I look at the card again. “What if they’re from Caden?” I ask them both.
Shelby places my coffee mug by me as she quietly says, “Then you read the card. It doesn’t hurt to see what he has to say if it is from him.”
“Plus,” Carter starts. “You read every one of his texts and listen to his voice messages, so this isn’t any different.”
Letting out a sigh, I guess they’re right. Taking my mug, I walk to the kitchen table and sit down. Setting my coffee by me, I wish my heart would stop beating so fast. Deep down I know Caden sent the flowers. It’s just a hunch I have. Deciding to find out for sure, I open the card. Seeing the messy handwriting, I swallow hard as I pull out the note and read it what it says.
Sassy Savannah,
I saw these lilies the other day, and I instantly thought of you. I couldn’t pass by them without grabbing some for you because I know they’re your favorite. They remind me of you because they’re beautiful just like you. They’re also delicate and should be treated with the utmost care.
I didn’t do that, and I hope you know how sorry I am for what I’ve done. I hope one day you can forgive me and give me a second chance to make it up to you.
I love you, small fry.
C.
Closing my eyes, I clench my jaw willing the tears that threaten to fall away. Caden knew just what to say to make me think about my choice to stay away from him, and it seems he has a knack for it. A part of me wants to drop everything and go to him. That same part is screaming for me to forgive him, and welcome him back with open arms. But this other part of me is silently saying to be careful, and it reminds me how much he hurt me by lying.
My heart wants Caden.
My mind warns me to stay away.
And yet again, I’m right back where I started when I first met Caden Harlow.
Each day I get a new surprise.
It’s gotten to the point where I look forward to seeing what Caden has left for me, and I know Carter and Shelby know what’s going on. It’s a bit strange how every morning they’re conveniently nowhere to be found and how they act once I tell them what I got. They don’t seem the least bit surprised by any of this.
The day after Caden sent me flowers, I got a nice backpack with small fry in hot pink embroidery on the front. Inside there were maps, tour packets of London, England, and a bunch of my favorite snacks. On the third day, I was shocked to find a brand new Canon camera. Shelby and I had a little disagreement about me returning it because I thought it was too much. In the end, Shelby’s point won me over.
Today is day four, and I won’t lie and say I’m not looking forward to seeing what Caden gives me today. I also won’t deny that with each day that he gives me something that I told him about when we had our first date isn’t wearing me down because it is. It’s not the gifts that are making me listen to my heart more, it’s the fact he cares enough to give them to me. Caden actually listened and remembers what I said. Plus with each gift, he leaves a note telling me how much he loves me still and wants another chance. I still haven’t fully made up my mind, but I don’t think I can go much longer without going back to him.
Standing close by the door, I hear someone walking up behind me. Turning around, I see Shelby with a huge grin on her face. “Waitin’ for somethin’?”
“Maybe,” I vaguely say.
“What do you think he’ll send today?”
“I’m not sure,” I say. Glancing at the door, I suck in a breath when I hear the doorbell.
“I think this one is goin’ to be the best one yet.”
“Why do I get the feeling you knew all about this the entire time?” Looking back, Shelby makes a motion like she’s zipping her lips closed. “You’re not going to tell me are you?”
“Nope. Now answer the door, Savvy.”
Shaking my head, I grin knowing she’s acting sassy. “Yes, ma’am.” Glancing back once more before I open the door, I frown when I realize Shelby is nowhere in sight. Well that’s strange.
Not thinking anything of it, I reach down and twist the doorknob. Pulling the door open, my breath catches in my throat when I see him standing right in front of me. “Hey, small fry.” He grins widely, and I realize how much I’ve missed him. It takes every ounce of willpower not to wrap my arms around him, and kiss him until we both are left panting. “Surprise.” He says like he’s unsure if he made the right move.
Stepping out outside, I shut the door behind me. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to give you your last gift in person,” he huskily says. “And I wanted to see you, small fry. I’ve missed you like crazy.”
It takes me a few moments to respond. I’m having a hard time breathing properly. “I’ve missed you too.”
“Really?” It’s hard to contain my grin with hearing the shock in his voice. Nodding, he drops his head and when he looks back at me, my heart skips a beat. That’s the look of pure love. That’s the look Carter gives Shelby, and knowing how much Caden loves me without even saying those words, makes my heart beat rapidly in my chest. “I’m so glad to hear that, Savannah.” My face warms hearing him say my name because no matter how many times I hear it, it still sends a tingle throughout my entire body. “Before you say anythin’ else, I have a speech prepared.”
Shaking my head, I let out a small laugh. “You prepared a speech for me?”
“Well yeah. I thought since I’m here in person, I would just tell you what my note would’ve said.” He seems nervous when I don’t say anything in return, and I wait patiently for him to start. “I had everythin’ I wanted to say perfectly in my mind, but now that I’m seein’ you, I can’t remember a damn thing.” He pauses for a moment before adding, “You make me forget everythin’ but you, Savannah.” Watching him with wide eyes, he takes a deep breath before brushing my hair behind my ear. When he drops his hand, I will him to bring it back. I’ve missed his sweet and tender touch. “There’s so much I need to say to you, but the first thing I want to say is how sorry I am for what I did. It wasn’t right or fair of me to keep somethin’ that meant so much to you from you.” Caden looks away, and I know he’s sorry. It’s hard not to believe him with the look of regret on his face. He glances back then says, “I don’t expect you to forgive me easily, but I want you to know I don’t care how long it takes, I’ll be right here fightin’ for your forgiveness. I won’t stop until you’re mine again. Meetin’ you has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I can’t make it another day without you by my side. You’re everythin’ to me, Savannah. Your beauty, wit, and everythin’ about you makes you special. It makes you perfect for me.” Swallowing down the lump in my throat, he steps closer to me. My eyes land on his lips when he licks them, and my gaze finds his as he caresses my face with both hands. “If you give me another chance, I swear I’ll never hurt you again. I promise to love you with all that I am, make you feel like a fuckin’ princess, and give you everythin’ you’ve ever wanted. I can’t promise there won’t be bumps in the road because I’m me, but I know you’ll be right there to put me back in line. I need you, Savannah.” When he pulls back, I frown wondering what he’s doing. My eyes widen when he pulls out plane tickets from his back pocket, and my heart races as I wait for him to explain. “I bought this ticket for you. It’s a one-way ticket to London, England.”
My eyes fill with tears as I say, “You bought me a plane ticket to go with the backpack and camera.”
“I did, small fry. I want to be the one to give you all your hopes and dreams. I want to be the one to give you that gorgeous fuckin’ smile knowin’ I gave you everythin’ you’ve wanted. But most of all,” he says and pauses as he grabs my hand. “I want to be there to see you spread those wings and be free. I’ve never seen anythin’ quite like it when you let yourself go, Savannah. It’s a sight to see, and I hope you’ll give me the chance to witness it every single time.” A tear rolls down my face, but it isn’t because I’m sad. No, it’s because he’s giving me everything I’ve ever wanted. Traveling and capturing it on camera has been my dream since I was a child, and I know he’s offering me this because he loves me. Gazing into his bright blue eyes, he wipes the tear away and asks, “What do you say, small fry? Will you give me another chance to make it up to you?”
Thinking about it for only a second, I claim, “I have one condition.”
“Of course. I’ll do anythin’ you want, small fry.”
Smiling, I sweetly say, “You have to come with me, and you have to stay with me.”
He lets out a sigh, and his shoulders sag. It’s as if what I said lifted a weight off him. “I plan on bein’ with you forever, small fry.” He pulls me to him, and I instantly wrap my arms around his neck. “Plus I bought two tickets, so I’m goin’ wherever you go.”
Laughing loudly, I ask, “Cocky much?”
His eyes never leave mine as he says, “No. I just was hopin’ you’d want me to go with you, so I came prepared.”
“Good because I don’t want to go anywhere without you.”
“I promise you’re never leavin’ me again. I’ll chain your fine ass to me if I have to.” Letting out another laugh, I close the distance between us and take his lips. It’s a sweet and gentle kiss, but I feel every emotion he’s trying to show me. One of his hands caresses my face tenderly as the other pulls me closer even though I can’t. It’s almost as if he’s trying to merge our souls into one, but he doesn’t need to even try.
Our souls have been intertwined since the first day we met.
“It’s about damn time,” Shelby loudly states, and I pull away from Caden.
Standing by him, I take his hand as I ask her, “Have you been listening this whole time?”
“I told her not to,” Carter says as he walks up behind Shelby.
“Well I had to make sure she said yes. I mean come on, even I was swoonin’ just listenin’ in.”
Shaking my head, I can’t even think about being mad she was eavesdropping. “Thanks for the support I guess,” Caden says.
“I got your back,” she declares with a wink.
Grinning as Carter pulls Shelby back in the house, I turn back to Caden. My heart swells with so much love seeing him smiling back at me, and I have to suck in a breath when he caresses my cheek. Leaning into his touch, I gaze into his blue eyes. “What is it, small fry?”
“I just realized I never told you something very important.”
His eyebrow raises as he asks, “Really? What’s on your mind?”
“Oh nothing much. Just that I love you.”
I wish I had my new camera to capture the look on his face. It’s absolutely priceless. Shock, surprise, and then happiness shine in his eyes as he asks, “You love me?”
Wrapping my arms around his waist, I look up at him. “I do. I’ve loved you for a long time now.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“Honestly,” I start. Taking a deep breath, I confess, “I was scared. The way you make me feel isn’t like anything I’ve felt before. It’s powerful, consuming, and utterly breathtaking. But now, I realize I can’t be afraid to love you. I can’t be afraid to give you my heart.”
“You have no idea how good it feels to hear to finally say that.”
“I think I have an idea.” And I do. Knowing he loves me in return, well it’s unlike anything I can explain.
He places a finger on my lips as he huskily says, “I love you too, Savannah. And I’m never lettin’ you go ever again.”
I know he won’t either. I see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice, and most of all I know without a doubt, I can finally let him in. He’s always been here for me, even when I didn’t want to admit it. He’s always had a place in my fragile heart, even when I fought against it. But now I realize there’s no fighting what we have. I never had a chance really. Caden Harlow had my heart before I knew he did, and I know he’ll protect it.
He’ll keep it safe and give me all the love I’ve ever wanted.