Chapter Sixteen
Tommy squealed and babbled and Savannah looked at Lily Matthews, who walked beside her. “Well, I’m taking that as a yes vote. And I do love it. But are you sure you’re willing to sell it for that price?”
“Positive.” Lily replied, then smiled at the man holding her hand. “Oops, sorry.”
Wes Pursell smiled at Lily. “It’s fine.” He then looked at Savannah, “And she’s right. It’s yours for the price if you want it.”
“Oh, I do. I really do.” The property was adjacent to Savannah’s and would make a perfect place to build; at least she thought so. But to be sure, she’d invited Jayce Weathers as well, and he’d brought Callie and the kids. They’d had lunch outside at the lake house and then taken the children swimming.
“What do you think, Jayce? Would the plans you drew up for me work on this property?”
“Like a charm.”
“Then let’s do it.” Savannah extended her hand to Wes. “I’m guessing Lily will handle the sale?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you so much, Wes.” She turned her attention to Lily. “Okay, then tell me when to write the check and what to sign and let’s do it.”
“I’ll take care of everything in the morning and give you a call. Are you going to be going to the spa?”
“Yes, but not until later in the morning.”
“That’s fine. I’ll text or call when I’m ready for you.”
“Thank you.” Savannah looked around at her friends. “I’m so excited about this. I’ve never had a house built before.”
“It’s going to be amazing,” Callie said. “The plans are beautiful.”
“Thanks to Jayce. He designed it exactly like I dreamed, only better.”
“And what about Mason?” Lily asked. “Is he as keen on building as you?”
“Which begs the question, where is Mason?” Jayce asked.
“And Grady?” Callie added. “Strange that they are both MIA at the same time.”
Savannah cut a look at Charli who was kneeling, picking dandelions for Josie. “Grady had some business out of town,” Charli said.
“You know, I don’t anyone knows what exactly Grady does.” Callie said and looked around.
Savannah saw the shrugs and head-shakes and knew all her friends were probably curious. What she found odd was that Grady was so secretive about being a SEAL. But that was his business and she wasn’t about to reveal a truth that wasn’t hers to share.
“He does consulting on water operations,” Charli said.
“Like rig building in the Gulf?” Lily asked.
“Hmm.” Charli murmured and cast a look at Savannah that read help.
“You know I don’t think I’ve ever met a man who hates talking about his work more than Grady. I guess we’d all be better off, less stressed and what not if we could leave work at work.”
“Amen to that,” Wes agreed.
“So, how about some ice cream?” Savannah asked. “I found an old-fashioned ice cream maker at the antique store.”
“Old fashioned as in pack rock salt around the container and turn the crank?” Jayce asked.
“Yep.” I have all the ingredients to make fresh peach ice cream if I can get volunteers to turn that crank.”
“Count me in,” Jayce said.
“Then let’s do it.” Savannah waited for Charli who pulled up the rear as everyone headed back to the house. “Have you heard anything at all from Grady?”
“Not since the last time we talked.”
“I thought it was going to take a week for them to get home?”
“Things rarely go that swiftly when you’re dealing with the government.”
“But it’s been three weeks. God, I hope this never happens again.”
“But it could.” Charli reminded her. “What Grady and Mason do isn’t something just anyone can do, and if it’s a situation where the country is at risk, they’ll be called to serve.”
“I know. I just have a hard time waiting and worrying.”
“Join the club, little sister. And by the way, thanks for the save a minute ago.”
“What are friends for?”
They continued toward the house in silence for a bit then Charli asked. “So, did you talk to Mason about building?”
“I did and he said whatever I want is fine.”
“Nice. And what will you do with the little lake house? I know I have no say, but I’d hate to see it sold to a stranger.”
“Oh, I’m not selling it. I’m going to ask my dad to move in.”
“Really? That’s great, Savannah. How long until he’s out?”
“A little less than six months.”
“I know you’re going to be so glad to have him with you.”
Savannah had not been able to tell anyone about the return of her memory. She’d put off visiting her dad until she figured out what to do. Right now, she was torn between trying to pretend it wasn’t true and keeping herself as busy as possible, and beating herself up for forgetting something so vital that had cost her dad nearly twenty years of his life.
How would she ever make it right, or could she? Was she a murderer?
“Savannah?”
“Oh, sorry.” She looked at Charli. “I will be. He gave up everything for me. I just don’t want people to think of him as a criminal because—because he’s not.”
“You don’t have to explain. I understand, too. Someone had done terrible things to his child. I would have done the same thing, to be honest, so you’ll get no condemnation from me.”
“Thank you, Charli. You’re such a good friend and he’s going to need some understanding people in his life when he gets out. It’s been so long…” Savannah cleared her throat and blinked back tears. “Sorry. Everything seems to hit my emotion button these days.”
“You’ll be fine once Mason gets back home and you guys get settled.”
“Will we?”
“Will you what?”
“Get settled. I know he said he wanted it to be for real, but the original reason he wanted to marry me was to make sure I’d never lose custody of Tommy. What if he gets home and has decided that he doesn’t want to be married to me?”
“What if you’re just borrowing worry and trouble?”
Savannah nodded and tried to push those thoughts aside. She hoped Charli was right, but still the fear of Mason coming home to tell her he wanted out was enough to rob her of sleep and prevent her from focusing on much of anything but counting the days and hours and minutes until he walked back through her door.
*****
Mason waved as Grady pulled back onto the road. It was almost dawn and he’d asked Grady to let him off at the turnoff to the lake house. Savannah and Tommy would be sleeping and he didn’t want her to be alarmed at the sound of a vehicle that time of the morning. While she’d sworn she was okay and had gotten over the abduction and threats she’d suffered, he knew from experience that something like that couldn’t just be brushed under the rug. It took awhile to get comfortable again.
It was one of those mornings when the fog gathered over the water, then rolled out from it across the land. He thought it looked kind of magical and enjoyed the scenery as he walked. It felt good to walk. He’d been sitting for what seemed like days, between planes and the car ride from the airport. As he drew near, the sound fragments of music drifted in and out. Surely that wasn’t coming from Savannah’s. It was way too early. But sure enough, the closer he got, the more distinct the music became.
He’d just reached the short driveway to the house when he saw her. In the yard, halfway between the house and the lake. She appeared to be at the end of her yoga routine. Mason took care to stay off the gravel drive, to make as little noise as possible as he moved closer. It had been only a few weeks, but one look at her and it crashed into him like being hit by a truck. My God, she’s beautiful. Like something out of a fairy tale, her beauty and the misty landscape created a scene he was sure he’d carry to his dying day.
She finished her routine and looked out over the water. The music changed and she looked down at her feet. He couldn’t tell what she was looking at, so he moved closer, hoping she wouldn’t spot him just yet. She turned her face up to the sky, reached up with both arms and to his surprise, started to dance. Mason was spellbound. The woman who’d first come to him for lessons convinced she’d never be able to dance now enchanted and seduced him with her movements.
Mason slid out of his shoes and socks, stripped off his shirt, and started toward her. It was a miracle she didn’t see him when he snuck up behind her. As she reached skyward again, he pressed in tight to her back, running his hands up her sides. Savannah jumped and would have turned if he had not captured her hands and brought them down in front of her, holding her immobile as he kissed the top of her bare shoulder.
“Mason.” Wow. Never in his life had he heard his name spoken in that manner. It was an invocation, voiced in a tone of such love and adoring reverence that all doubt about her feelings for him vanished. That one word said it all.
“Savannah.” Would she hear the same in his voice? God, he hoped so. He’d thought of little else but her since the day he walked out of her house. Thoughts and dreams of her and Tommy had haunted and nurtured, alternately making him weak with longing and strong with the resolve to get home to them. Now, at last he was here. “Dance with me. Only me. Now and always. Be my life and my love.”
“Always,” she replied.
Mason turned her to face him and saw the tears sparkling in her eyes. He kissed her softly and slowly and then turned her into a spin and led her into the dance they’d rehearsed for so long, the one she claimed was foreplay. Today, that’s what he wanted it to be, something that led to the moment when they were joined again and the moment he could tell her that he wanted their marriage to be real and forever because he loved her with all his heart.
She submitted to the dance, to the commands of his touch and gave herself to him. He could feel it and see it and it filled him with a desire that surpassed all he’d known. By the time the dance was done, they were sweaty, a bit out of breath, and gazes locked. Savannah reached for the button of his slacks without looking away, her fingers nimbly unfastening and unzipping, pushing the slacks down. Air whispered against his skin, its dampness cooling as bare flesh was exposed. Savannah’s hands were hot against his skin, as were her lips when she began to kiss and nip her way down his body.
He stepped out of his slacks when she’d worked them down to his ankles. She kissed and fondled her way back up his body, then quickly peeled off her shorts and top, took his hand and tugged on it. Together they ran to the lake. Cool water enveloped him as she led him chest deep. Her arms circled his neck as her legs circled his waist.
“I’m so glad you’re home,” she whispered just before she kissed him.
Just then, a sound had her ending the kiss to look at him. “Sounds like your boy is awake. We better go.”
“You can hear him all the way out here?”
“No, silly. I bring the baby monitor out with me so if he wakes up I can hear him.”
Together they waded to shore, gathered up their clothes, and headed inside. Thanks to fresh towels on the porch, they were dry by the time they walked into Savannah’s room.
“Oh, my goodness, would you look at that.” Savannah hurried to the crib where Tommy was sitting and hanging onto the rails. “He sat up.”
“Has he been doing that?” Mason smiled as Tommy grinned and reached for Savannah.
“No, this is a first.” She picked up Tommy and nuzzled his neck, then kissed his cheek. “Look who’s here, Tommy. Daddy’s home.”
“Hey, little man.” Mason reached out to take one of Tommy’s hands.
Tommy grinned, made a series of happy sounds, and reached for Mason. Mason looked at Savannah in surprise and she smiled. “Well, go on. Hold your son.”
The emotion that swelled inside him was something of a surprise for Mason. He’d missed Tommy but hadn’t realized how much until he had that tiny body in his arms. “God, I missed you. Both of you.” He looked at Savannah as he spoke. “You have no idea.”
“Oh, we might have a wee bit of an idea.”
“Yeah, so you missed me?”
“Just a little,” she teased as she went to the dresser and pulled out a pair of soft shorts and a tank top. She dropped the towel she had wrapped around her and pulled on the clothes. “I have to fix his breakfast. Want to bring him into the kitchen?”
“Sure.” With his towel still wrapped around his waist, Mason followed her to the kitchen and watched as she mixed baby cereal with formula and then added banana baby food to it. “That looks disgusting.”
“Maybe, but he loves it,” she said as she put the bowl on the table and then put the baby seat on the table as well. “Okay, breakfast. Just put him in the seat and you can feed him.”
“I don’t know how to feed him.” Mason placed Tommy in the seat and then paid attention as Savannah fastened the little harness.
Tommy waved his arms, made noises, and kicked his legs.
“He’s telling you he’s ready.” Savannah handed Mason the bowl and a tiny spoon with rubber cover over the oval.
“Okay, here goes.” Mason shoveled some of the gruel onto the spoon and then guided the spoon to Tommy’s mouth. Like a little bird, Tommy opened his mouth. “Wow, he must be hungry.”
“Your boy’s a chow hound.”
Tommy yowled in protest and Savannah laughed. “Start shoveling, dad, he’s not for wasting time.”
Mason was surprised at how much he laughed during the feeding. Tommy was so adorable and a little feisty and demanding as well. Not to mention one messy eater. By the time breakfast was done, his face was coated and there was even stuff in his hair. “Wow, talk about a sloppy eater.”
Savannah just chuckled, unfastened the harness, and took Tommy from the seat. “Come on, you’ll get a kick out of this.
She took the baby into the bathroom and undressed him. “Here, hold him while I get the bath ready.”
Inside the tub was a seat contraption with all kinds of things to push and pull and twist and turn. While he held Tommy, Savannah ran water into the tub and then put Tommy into the seat. He squealed, laughed, tried to grab the various knobs and balls and handles, and then beat his fists at the water which rose up around him. He made no sounds of complaint as Savannah washed his hair and then the rest of him. The only time he sounded disgruntled was when she finally lifted him out of the tub.
“Oh, come on now, your toes are like prunes.” She teased and kissed and tickled him back into good humor, amazing Mason at how easy she made it look and touching him with the obvious love between her and Tommy. She made it seem effortless, moving from the bathroom to the bedroom where she dressed the baby, then carried him into the great room and put him into his playpen that had all kinds of things to capture his attention.
Savannah gave Tommy a kiss on the head and then backtracked, starting with the kitchen where she cleaned up the breakfast mess and put on a pot of coffee, then tidied up the bathroom before moving to the bedroom. Mason flopped down on the bed as she straightened up. “You do this every morning?”
“Of course.”
“Do you enjoy it?”
Savannah stopped what she was doing to take a seat on the bed. “I love every minute of it.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, Mason. So much that I nearly lost my mind when you were gone. And then when those men came and showed me that video feed with you in danger, I thought I was going to have a heart attack, I was so afraid for you.”
“Speaking of that. Now that we have time, what the heck is the deal with that guy and the rattlesnake?”
Savannah quickly told him how they ended up in the shed. “The snake was just there and was the only weapon I had.”
“A rattlesnake. You picked up a rattlesnake.”
“Yes, I did.”
“But—but weren’t you scared? I mean, people don’t generally just pick up poisonous snakes.”
“People who have grandfathers who were hellfire and brimstone preachers and handled snakes do. He started making me handle the snakes when I was a little kid.”
“That’s just wrong.”
“Maybe, but you know, it came in handy so I won’t ever complain about it.”
Mason shook his head and smiled. “I bet that was a sight to see. Charli said it was like something out of a bad movie.”
“It was awful.”
“Are you sure you’re okay now? Things like that can stay with you.”
“I know and it has made me jumpy, but I know I will be okay. I’ve lived through worse. In fact, that’s something I really need to talk to you about.”
“What exactly?”
“My dad and what happened.”
“If you’re worried that I won’t respect him, then rest easy. I don’t blame him for what he did.”
“But he didn’t. That’s just it.”
“What?”
She put both hands to her face and closed her eyes for a second. “He didn’t kill my grandfather. I did.”
“No. You—”
“I killed him, Mason.” She quickly told him about her dream, finishing with, “It was me all along and my dad took the blame to save me. He gave up his entire life. What kind of person does that make me? To be able to do something like that and then just forget it?”
“You were a traumatized kid who did what her dad told her to do.”
“But the price he paid. My God, how do I ever make up for that? And what about me, Mason? Does that make me evil? I killed a man.”
“No, you didn’t. At least not on purpose. Think about it. You only wanted to protect your dad.”
“But I was mad. No, enraged. And I did hate him.”
“With good reason. You’re not evil, Savannah. You’re the kindest, most giving person I’ve ever known.”
“I have to talk to my dad about this. I have to know if what I remembered is true.”
“And you will.”
“Will you go with me?”
“I will.”
“Thank you.”
“No need for thanks. We’re a team, remember? Mason and Savannah Harper-James.”
“Actually, that was something else I wanted to talk to you about.”
“What?”
“My name.”
“What about it?”
“I didn’t want to have it changed until you got home. To see if it’s what you want.”
“It is.”
“Are you sure? I mean we didn’t get married because we were in love but—”
“Didn’t we?” he interrupted. “I don’t know about you, but I did. Look, I know how I asked, but I told you then and I’m telling you now that I love you and I want to be with you for the rest of my life. But if you don’t want to take my name, I’ll understand.”
“Oh, it’s not that. I just wanted to get rid of Harper. My maiden name is Kinsey so I’d be Savannah Kinsey-James, if that’s okay.”
“That sounds pretty perfect to me.”
“Then I’ll have Lily take care of it. Oh, and the new house. Are you sure about that? I know Jayce is almost done with your grandfather’s house so if you want to live there—”
“No, not really. I like the idea of building. And I’m all for giving this house to your dad. But there’s just one thing.”
“What?”
“Well, I think we need to go see him sooner rather than later. He’s my father-in-law and I need to meet him. So how about this weekend. You and he can talk but we can also visit him as a family and introduce him to his grandson.”
Tears flowed down her face like someone had turned on a faucet.
“Baby, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“These are good tears.” She smiled and reached for his hand. “And I’d love to do that.”
“Then it’s a date.”
“Yes. But until then, there’s something else that really needs attention.”
“What?”
“This.” She stood, stripped, and then reached for his towel.
Mason took hold of her wrist and pulled her down on top of him. “I agree. Serious and devoted attention. Days and days of attention.”
Her lips met his and Mason felt himself rise to the challenge. There were still things he and Savannah needed to work out but for now, it was enough that he was home.