Chapter 44
Griffin
I hiss at the cool contact.
“Oh, so now you're a big baby?” my wife remarks as she changes my bandages. My wound is healing nicely.
It was a straight through and through, the bullet missing all the important bits, slicing a bit of muscle, meaning my time on the hammer drill has been paused for now. It’s been almost a week since everything went down, and Tommy hasn’t left our sight since.
“Speaking of babies… Where did mine go?” I look at this child who sits happily on my lap, looking around the room, the chandelier above him taking all his attention.
“Hmmm, he’s a strong boy, supporting his head already, basically a fully grown adult at this point.
” She humors me. God, I love her. I’m so proud of her.
With the shit she’s had thrown at her, all her life, to come out and be stronger, be a proud, strong mom to her son, and an amazing wife.
We’ve both had a session with my therapist. Savannah’s now going to start individual sessions too.
There’s a lot of baggage we both need to unpack from our past. Neither of us wants to bring any of it into our future. Into our new life.
“I probably should be putting a bit of whiskey on his pacifier… get him use to it.”
She swats at me, and I grin. Clearly teasing her.
“You will do no such thing.”
“No. I won’t. But maybe we should start those swimming lessons? Get him in the water?” Hudson told me once healed, that swimming will be good rehab for my shoulder. Help get some strength back and things.
“You won't be going anywhere near that pool until this is healed.”
“Here I was, thinking I was the bossy, grumpy one in this relationship. Thought you were all sweetness and spice and everything nice?” I murmur.
“That was before you purposefully put your body in front of the barrel of a gun.”
“I put my body between you and the gun; there’s a difference."
“Well, it was stupid. You could have been hurt even worse…” We’ve had this conversation numerous times since. It makes her emotional to think of what could have happened.
“I’d do it again.”
“I know you would. That’s one of the many reasons I love you.” She leans down, pressing her lips to mine so sweetly I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to feel a love like it.
We’ve endured a lot. More than most. Her family are still awaiting a court date, but by all accounts, they’ve now realized they failed her and went too far. But that relationship has sailed. They’re not allowed anywhere near us, and I’ll be making sure they uphold that.
As for Tommy’s bio dad, he’s being charged with kidnapping, endangering a child, and attempted murder. Sawyer’s pushing for everything, and given Sawyer's contacts, and the fact that we had so many witnesses, I think he’ll be locked away for a long time.
Melissa’s currently helping the police with their enquiries and will be charged for her part in the kidnapping as well.
It’s been a complete whirlwind of emotions for everyone.
But for the first time since we met, Savannah and I are free of all our past demons coming into our lives.
We’re now dealing with the memories and the damage to repair.
Savannah will start afresh at the bakery.
Maybe hire someone new, and I already know that the process will be rigorous.
Although Daisy, Annabelle, Victoria, Lacy, and Charlotte have all been helping this past week.
One of them comes in each day, learning the ropes, helping with Tommy and supporting when and where needed.
Tanner and the boys have been making sure we have everything we need. They come over to talk with me during the day, ensuring that we’re all good. This town rallies for its people, that’s for sure.
“There. All done. Now let’s go to the kitchen. I have something for you.”
“What is it, buddy?” I ask Tommy, standing with him in my hold and following her, having no idea what she’s up to. Tommy slaps my face with his little hand, and I squint at him and kiss him in return.
As I get closer to the kitchen, I start to smell an aroma I haven’t smelled in a long time.
“Happy birthday, Griffin,” she says as I round the corner, standing there with a small party hat on and a cake filled with candles.
Putting a small party hat on Tommy, she puts one on me next as I look at the kitchen counter.
There are a few gifts, all wrapped nicely with ribbons.
I’m surprised. Given everything that’s been happening, acknowledging my birthday wasn’t something I was expecting.
Hell, I didn’t even realize today was the day.
“What’s all this?” I’m scared to breathe. It smells like my childhood.
“Well, today is your birthday.” She smiles warmly.
“Is it?” I’ve never celebrated. For many years, my birthday came and went with no one knowing.
“According to the birth certificate we used at our wedding, it is.” She nods before she continues.
“And well, I remember you saying that your mom always used to make you apple pie…” She slides the cake across and, sure enough, under the three flaming candles is an apple pie.
My eyes water, my heart pounds, and I pull in a breath.
“Help me blow out the candles, Tommy.” I used to say that to my brother, and now I say it to my son. I lean in, blow out the candles, and Savannah claps.
“Make a wish.” She grins as Tommy fusses.
“I don’t need to. Got everything I could’ve ever wished for right here.”
Savannah leans in, giving me her lips, and I kiss her quickly before she pulls back.
“I got the apples from Charlotte and some fresh cream from Annabelle’s farm too… This is going to be delicious.” She hums happily, heading to the refrigerator and pulling out a bowl of freshly whipped cream and a few plates.
“God, where did you come from?” I look at my wife in awe. Falling more in love with her every day we’re together.
“My gran always used to tell me that she was making cookies one day and that she mixed the sugar and flour just right, and instead of cookies, I popped out. She always used to say that I was the sweetest treat she ever had.”
I swallow, because that’s exactly what she feels like to me.
“You are my sweetness. My everything.”
As soon as the pie hits my tongue, I’m taken back. My last birthday with my mother, my brother running around and playing nearby. The apple still warm, the cream melting a little.
“So? Is it okay?” Savannah looks at me expectantly, eyes searching mine.
“It’s exactly how my mom used to make.”
And although my shoulder is sore, my heart is full. My family is whole, and I am now home.