Sitting on the couch across from Savannah’s dad, I feel a bit out of place. It’s mainly because I’ve never met the parents before, and because Phillip is glaring at me. Savannah thought it would be a good idea to make a pit stop to see her parents before we head to London, but now I’m not so sure. Miranda was just a peach when Savannah introduced us, Phillip on the other hand, not so much.
Glancing over my shoulder, I smile seeing my small fry in the kitchen with her mom. They’re making pies or something. Whatever it is, it smells amazing. Feeling his eyes on me, I slowly turn back around and take a glance at Savannah’s dad. God this is so awkward. Not to mention, Phillip is very intimidating. He’s a bulky man, and I’m sure he could take me if he tried. It’s kind of scary to think about. He leans forward, and I just know he’s about to say something that’ll make me shit my pants. “I’m only going to say this once,” he starts, and I hold my breath. “If you hurt my little girl, I promise you no one will find your body.”
I can tell he’s going to be a tough cookie to crack. Which is why I do what I do best. Put my foot in my mouth. “With all due respect, sir. You do know I’m a cop right?”
“You think that’ll stop me?”
Pushing out a breath, I glance back to the kitchen. Seeing Savannah laughing with her mom makes me smile, and knowing she’s out of earshot, I turn back to her dad. “No. I think you love Savannah just as much as I do.” Phillip doesn’t even blink as I add, “But I also think you know I would never hurt her.” I want to say again, but I keep that part to myself. “One day, I intend on marryin’ her and tyin’ her to me forever.”
“Is that so?” He asks with a serious tone.
“Yes, sir. She’s my world, and I’d be stupid not to marry her.”
He nods, and I relax some. “That’s good to hear. I’m glad we’re on the same page then.”
He leans back in his recliner, and before I can respond, Savannah walks over by him. “Dad, are you giving Caden a hard time?” She sits on the arm of the chair, and he wraps his arm around her. “Don’t let him scare you, Caden. He’s all talk.”
“I don’t know about that, small fry. He kind of scares me.”
She laughs, and to my surprise, Phillip grins. “See, pumpkin,” he says to Savannah. “I knew this one was smart.”
“Phil, I told you to be nice,” Miranda scolds.
“I’m being nice.” He turns to me and asks, “Isn’t that right, Caden?”
Feeling everyone’s gaze on me, I quickly say, “Oh yeah. We’re like besties now.”
Savannah shakes her head as Miranda laughs and says, “I like this one. He’s funny.” I’m glad I at least have Savannah’s mom’s approval. I can tell Phillip is going to take a bit more work, but I decide that’s alright.
The day I won Savannah back, I was prepared to do anything to keep her. I know Phillip is just looking out for his little girl, and I can respect that. It means he cares about her and loves her. The thing is I hope he realizes that I love her just as much, if not more, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Savannah.
Not one thing.
Walking hand in hand with Savannah inside the airport, we take our time as we look for our gate. I can’t help but smile seeing how her eyes are lit up like a kid at Christmas. Those blue-green eyes take in everything around her, and knowing I’m the reason she’s so excited sends a rush of pride through me. Finally finding our gate, I lead Savannah toward the seats by the counter. She sits down beside me, and I notice her legs won’t stop bouncing. “Are you nervous, small fry?”
Her head whips to mine as she says, “Not really. I’m more excited than anything.”
“And a bit impatient?”
She rolls her eyes, but I see that smile. “Maybe just a little.”
“You do realize this flight is goin’ to be long right?”
“I know, Caden. I’m just ready to get there and see everything there is to see.”
Letting out a chuckle, I have to admire her spunk. “I promise we’ll see everythin’ there. Did you bring your camera?”
She gives me a look like I’m crazy as she states, “Of course I did. It was the first thing I packed.” Grinning, I should’ve known. Since I bought her that camera, she takes it everywhere with her. I mean everywhere. I’m surprised she hasn’t tried to capture me on the toilet or something really embarrassing. “You know,” she says as she turns toward me. “I never thanked you for doing this for me.”
“Doin’ what exactly?” I ask.
“You know? Buying our tickets to go visit London, for fighting for me, and for you just being you.”
Taking her hand, I place a kiss on the back of her hand. “There’s no need to thank me, small fry. I told you I would give you everythin’ you’ve ever wanted, and I make good on my promises.”
“I’m beginning to see that.”
“Good. Because trust me when I say, this won’t be our last trip abroad. I’m goin’ to show you the world, small fry.”
She smiles brightly at me, and my chest warms seeing it and knowing I’m the reason for it. “I’d like that very much.”
“You keep smilin’ at me like that, and I might think you love me.” Now I’m just messing with her.
She shakes her head before leaning in closer. “You know I love you very much.”
God I wish she could feel what I do when she says those words. It makes me that happiest man on the planet knowing how she finally feels about me. Every time she utters those three words, my heart beats rapidly in my chest, and I swear there’s nothing better than hearing them. Brushing a strand of hair out of her face, I cup her cheek. “I love you too, small fry. I just love hearin’ you say it.”
She leans into my touch, and I grin knowing how much she loves it. “I know you do. Which is why I tell you all the time.”
“I know. And you better keep tellin’ me. You know? Just in case I forget.” She smiles, and I don’t care that we’re in an airport full of people. Leaning over the arm rest, I take her lips. Giving her a tender kiss, I savor this moment. I commit every single bit of it to memory because these precious moments cannot be taken for granted.
When she pulls away, she’s the only one I see. I know there are a lot of people around us, but it’s her I see. It’s almost like tunnel vision, except without the light headiness. Gazing into her eyes, I feel like I’ve just won the most beautiful thing in this world. It’s a powerful feeling knowing she’s mine again. I won’t lie, I was worried I’d lost her forever and I didn’t think she would give me another chance.
But she did.
And knowing she’s giving me all of her, every single piece, makes me the luckiest man alive. She’s my everything, my soulmate, and my other half.
I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure she knows it, and just how much I love her.