“Deacon?” He turns and looks at me. “I need you never to make promises like that because you’ll one day have to break it and that will mean that things like last night, they can’t happen again.”
Three strides and he’s across the room, lips on mine, tongue pushing in and tasting me. He breaks the kiss as fast as he gave it and looks down at Savannah, “See you soon, little one.”
The words hang there long after he’s gone, and God help me, I believe him.
We finished unpackingby the time Koa returned home from practice, and I am in my room, wanting them to have some alone time, before the team flies out tonight at nine to head to their game in Colorado.
My phone buzzes, and a part of me hopes it’s a text from Moretti, but when I glance at the screen, it reads,Everett & Vale.
“Hello?”
“Ms. Holloway, it’s Claire from Mr. Vale’s office. He just had a cancellation at five o’clock today. If you’re available, he can see you then. Otherwise, we’re booking into next month.”
My pulse jumps. “Five works. I’ll be there.”
“Perfect. I’ll send you the confirmation.”
I end the call, look at the time, and order a car.
“Your mom needs to get a car,” I murmur, kissing her soft cheek as I lift her from the bed. “Remind me to message Auntie Lydia and ask her for yet another favor, to put a for sale sign on the one we left behind, and they were going to drive to Texas.”
Savannah’s head wobbles a little as she looks up at me, her eyes big, the look intense. “You’re far too serious for someone wearing a onesie with tiny bears on it, yes, you are.” Then,just as I’m about to shift her, her lips part, and there it is, a big, beautiful smile, and not just a little smirk; her whole face lights up. A soft, breathy sound bubbles out of her, somewhere between a squeak and a giggle, and I freeze.
“Oh, little one.” My voice breaks on the whisper. I can’t help it, laugh. “You think that was funny, huh? Mommy begging your Aunt Lydia for help again?”
She kicks her feet, the tiniest laugh spilling free, and the sound hits me right in the heart. For weeks, packing, goodbyes, and plans that never seem to stay steady. But this, this tiny burst of laughter is pure, unshakable proof that we’re doing okay.
“Yeah,” I say softly, pressing my forehead to hers. “We’re doing just fine.”
“Was that?” Koa slides into the bedroom, nearly busting his ass. “Did she laugh?”
“She did,” I say, unable to stop tears from welling up in my eyes.
Nalani walks around him and hugs me, “Happy tears?”
I nod, “Yeah.”
“Are you going somewhere?” She asks.
“Just have an errand to run. We won’t be gone long.” I look at Koa. “But long enough.”
“We can watch her,” he offers.
I pick her up, “You two deserve some time together before you head out. We won’t be gone long.”
I start toward the bathroom, and Nalani laughs, “Well, at least let us hold her while you pee.”
I hand her Savannah.
“You need a ride?” Koa asks.
“I ordered a car.”
“We can?—”
I cut Nalani off as I head into the bathroom, “Nope, you two need couple’s time. You have years to make up for.”
“We have a lifetime,” Koa says as I shut the door.
