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But for the first time in sixteen years, I’m happy. And it’s all because of her.
Forty-Nine
HANNAH
My stomach twists as we pull up to Ganny’s house in Savage’s SUV.
Ganny has no idea that we’re together, and neither does my dad. Technically, the boys don’t know that we’ve decided to move in together. Of course, my girls know and are sworn to secrecy like they are about the pregnancy.
“You sure you want to do this?” Savage asks, a deep crease appearing between his brows. “We don’t have to tell anybody shit today, if you don’t want to. It’s our choice.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. “But I think it’s important that they know the truth. They’re my family.”
“They’re going to be thrilled you’re staying in Heatstroke,” Savage says. “At least they will be after we get back from the South of France.”
My stomach twirls at the thought. It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to go there and see another country. It’s not like we can drink wine, but we can have food, and we can tour the area. And if Savage wants to, we can go up to Normandy in the North and see where the troops landed on D-Day. Military history is important to him.
“I’m ready,” I say.
Savage hops out of the car and helps me out of it. He does that every time, even though I’m capable of doing it myself, but I like it. I like that he cares that much, and that if I asked him to stop, he would.
I take the casserole dish up to the front of Ganny’s house.
We hesitate on the porch. Savage pulls me into another embrace and kisses me gently. “I love you,” he says. “I’m right here with you.”
I kiss him back, and then we enter the house. As per usual, Ganny’s home is filled with noise and laughter, and Fireball’s annoying barking as he and Alex play together. I place the casserole in the kitchen and then head into the living room to find my family.
Ganna and Dad are on the sofa together, chatting amiably. Dad is holding a can of soda, the wrinkles around his mouth and eyes pronounced. He’s smiling more these days, and I’m grateful for that. I thought he would never smile again after Mom died.
I clear my throat.
“Hannah, honey pie, I’m so glad you’re here,” Ganny says, trying to get up.
“Don’t get up,” I say. “I want to talk to everyone.”
“Everyone?” Dad frowns, brushing his fingers through his silver-gray hair. He’s a mirror image of Cash, or what Cash will be when he’s much older, except he’s got Jesse’s height.
“Yeah,” I say, brushing my hands over my dress. “Yeah.”
“I’ll get them,” Savage says.
People filter into the living room. June and Cash, Alex shortly after. Marci and Jesse, hand-in-hand, scarcely able to take their eyes off each other. Belle. Then Leo, who’s wearing a deep frown and keeps glancing over at her non stop.
Finally, all my family is here.
I take a breath.
“I’m pregnant,” I say.
A stunned silence follows.
Ganny’s about to say something, but I cut her off. “Savage is the father,” I say, pointing toward Carter.
He keeps a serious expression, but he slips an arm around my waist.
“We’re moving in together,” I say. “And I’m not going to leave Heatstroke permanently, like I originally planned.”
More shocked stares.
