She arches her eyebrows. ‘Are you kidding? Having a baby out of wedlock in this country? In the eyes of the church, I’m a sinner.’
‘Fuck that.’ Rage rises inside of me at the thought of anyone judging Savannah. Judging women in general. ‘Those ideas are outdated and small-minded. Being a single mother isn’t as uncommon as it used to be. Not everyone meets the right partner at childbearing age. Some people never meet the right partner. So many women are choosing to have babies alone and that’s their choice, their right.’
‘I agree with you one hundred per cent, which is why I aim to be the best role model and advocate for single mothers that I can.’
‘You’re an advocate foreverywoman and mother, single ornot.’ It’s the truth. ‘My sister Rachel loves you. You saw how Jessica reacted to you last night.’ I could go on. I could say so much more, but I don’t want to push my luck. Don’t want her to think the reason I’m saying all women can relate to her, whether they’re single or married, is because I don’t want her to be single anymore. Even if it’s true.
I want her to be mine.
‘Maybe.’ She offers a shrug, but her tone isn’t convincing.
There’s one question that keeps forcing its way to the front of my mind, no matter how many times I try to blast it back.
The need to know is killing me.
Not that it’s any of my business. Maybe it would be though, one day, if this thing between us goes the way I hope it will.
I reach for the radio and turn it down to a barely audible beat in the background. ‘Can I ask you another question?’ My hand drops back to her thigh, the need to touch her stronger than ever.
‘You can ask.’ A half-smile parts her lips. ‘Doesn’t mean you’ll get an answer.’
‘Before I ask, I want you to know that whatever you tell me, whatever we discuss and whatever we do together, will stay between us. You know you can trust me with anything, Savannah.’ I sweep my thumb tenderly over her inner thigh.
‘Thanks, I appreciate that, but trust is something I struggle with.’ Her tongue darts out to wet her lower lip.
‘I mean it. I’ll be your friend, or more, or whatever you want or need me to be. I just want you to know that you’re not alone anymore. Not if you don’t want to be.’
‘You’re a good man, Ronan. I’m sorry I spent the last two years calling you an asshole.’
Her lips roll as she bites back a small smile.
‘I’m sure I can think of a few ways you can make it up to me.’
‘Because I didn’t already…’ Her gaze falls to my crotch.
‘A bird never flew on one wing,’ I tease. She slaps my thigh playfully.
‘Go on, what’s this question?’ Her head falls back against the headrest languidly.
I pause, not wanting to ruin the moment. ‘The twins’ dad…’
Her lips purse, jaw locks and her entire body stiffens, silently screamingthis topic is off limits.
‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth.’ I raise my palms like a white flag. ‘It’s none of my business. I just can’t help wondering who the fuck was stupid enough to let you go. Let alone your adorable girls.’
A long beat passes before she slumps forwards in her seat. She blows out a long, heavy exhale. ‘I’ve never told anyone who their father is. . Not Holly. Not Ashley. Not even my dads.’ She swallows hard. ‘But I will tell you this, he knew I was pregnant. He knows they’re his kids. And he’s never sent so much as a text to see how they are, let alone a penny towards raising them. Not that I’d take it. I don’t need him, or his money.’
‘The guy is obviously a complete wanker. I’m sorry, Savannah.’ I continue rubbing her thigh, reassuringly.
Silence falls between us. It’s not awkward. More like contemplative.
‘He was married,’ she finally spits out. ‘Sorry, I should say, heismarried.’ She folds her arms across her chest and makes a show of inspecting her fingernails. ‘I had no idea. He wasn’t famous back then.’
My curiosity piques, but I don’t push her. ‘Like I said, he’s a wanker.’
She sighs again. ‘Every time I see his smug face on the TV,I want to punch the screen. Does that make me a bad person?’
Is he an actor?
