“It looks like she’s important to Rory and Luke, too,” he interjects.
I nod, confirming his observation. “She is.”
Nate’s nostrils flare. “And I’m just supposed to be okay with this?”
Shaking my head, I say, “I don’t expect you to right away, but I do expect you to try at least.”
Nate’s eyes fall to the floor, but remain heated. “I need time.”
“That’s perfectly reasonable,” I validate.
Nate looks at me one more time, then marches toward the exit. When the elevator arrives to take him away, he turns back. “I’ll call you when I’m ready to talk.” He leaves without waiting for my response.
That didn’t go according to plan, but then again, it never does.
Taking the stairs two at a time, I search for Savannah. I find her, Rory, and Luke in the upstairs living room. Luke paces back and forth while Savannah and Rory sit on the couch. Savannah is tense, and Rory sits close to her but still gives her space to breathe.
When Savannah notices me, she jumps to her feet and rushes toward me. I open my arms, and she jumps. “I’m so sorry,” she whispers.
“You did nothing wrong,” I whisper back.
She pulls back, shaking her head. “I don’t want to come between you and Nate. You’re his dad.”
Adjusting my hold, I lift Savannah higher, and she wraps her legs around my waist. “That won’t happen. He’s just shocked, but he’ll come around.” I use the back of my fingers to brush against her cheek. “Trust me.”
Rory pops up off the couch, clapping his hands. “How about we eat the delicious dinner Hunter made, then cuddle on the couch and watch a movie?”
I wait for a cue from Savannah. I won’t do anything she doesn’t want to. If she wants to scream, then we’ll scream. If she wants to go out, then we’ll go out.
When Savannah relaxes a fraction in my arms, I reply. “Sounds perfect to me.”
We all go back to the kitchen, dish up our food, and settle in front of the big TV. I pick a spot next to Savannah so I can keep an eye on her.
I need her to know that she’s the most important person in my life.
I need her to believe that everything will be okay.
For the rest of the evening, there’s a strain between her brows. It’s small, but it’s there. I reassure her with soft touches and simple kisses, but she remains tense.
I feel helpless, and I don’t like it.
CHAPTER 45
SAVANNAH
Snow is on the ground, presents are wrapped and under the tree, and Jack Frost has nipped the hell out of my nose. Even in the back of the limo that Rory insisted I use with the heater on full blast, I’m freezing.
Christmas Eve is truly here.
I fire up my phone to make a call. “I finished packing up your studio,” I greet Blake.
Her sigh crackles through the speaker, “Thanks, babe.”
It’s only been a few days since she left, but I miss her like crazy. We’ve had longer periods of not seeing each other, but this is different. This time I know she’s not in New York anymore.
“Did you make it to Evergreen Falls?” I ask.
Her answer is vague. “Kind of.”
