Chapter 14
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
BLAKE
The room is a cacophony of noises once the two older couples join us. Soft coos and gushing over the new mom and the baby fill the space.
But not Savannah.
It’s like she pulled away once they came in.
A longing expression appeared on her face, but sadness soon replaced it.
Deep, soul-crushing sadness that was like a punch to my gut.
The need to go to her and wrap my arms around her to make sure that she was okay and reassure her that whatever was troubling her would go away was overwhelming.
But before I can do or say anything, she’s already picking up her bag and leaning down to whisper something to Becky.
A worried expression flashes on Rebecca’s face, but Savannah forces out a smile and tells her something that must reassure her because she nods, and before I know it, Savannah is slipping out of the room.
Shit.
I glance at Levi, who’s watching everything play out from the chair next to the bed. “I’ll be back in a bit, okay?”
He nods, his attention going to the door. For a moment, I wonder what he’s thinking about, but I know I have to hurry up if I want to catch up to Savannah before she disappears.
Miguel glances at me, but I just shake my head and mouth, “A minute,” before slipping out the door just in time to catch a glimpse of golden hair dashing behind the corner.
I hurry after her.
Something about this whole situation felt off. Why did she leave like that? Things were fine only moments ago, and she just left without so much as a goodbye?
No, something wasn’t adding up, and I wanted to know what.
The elevator pings , and I start to run, my hand jots forward just as the door is about to close.
A blonde head lifts up, tear-stained blue eyes meeting mine.
“Blondie…”
My chest squeezes tightly as I stare at her, my breathing ragged. The elevator door closes behind us, and we start to move.
“Wh-what are you doing here?” Savannah looks away, rubbing at her cheeks.
I gently wrap my fingers around her wrists and pull her hands down. “What’s wrong, baby?” I rasp out, the endearment falling off my tongue as natural as breathing.
“Nothing, I’m just tired.”
“Bullshit.”
She looks up, her eyes widening in surprise at my harsh words. But I won’t let her simply brush away the fact that something clearly upset her.
Upset her to the point she was crying .
Fuck that.
“Tell me what’s wrong,” I say, this time more gently.
“It’s nothing; just leave it already. I’ll be fine.”
“You’re not fine. What happened out there? You just up and dashed off?—”
Just then, the door opens, and before I know it, she slips away.
Fucking hell.
I run my hand through my hair in frustration before starting after her. People give us curious looks, but I ignore them, catching up to Savannah just as she exits the hospital.
“Savannah, what the he?—”
She turns around to face me, fire blazing in her tear-stained gaze. Even before she opens her mouth, I know I’ve crossed a line. I can see the exact moment something in her snaps. It’s like the dam broke, and all the feelings she’s been pushing back are coming out to the surface, threatening to swallow us both in their intensity, and I could only hope I would be able to stand out the storm.
“You wanna know why I ran away?” she mutters, her lip wobbling slightly as a tear slides down her face, and she points at the door. “Because that in there? It’ll never be me. When I go into labor, I’ll be all alone. There will be no family to come and see how I’m doing, nobody to help me through those first days and weeks.” She hiccups softly. Her hand falls, fingers curling into a fist. “It’ll just be me and Munchkin, and I’m scared. I’m scared, and I’m sad, and I feel so freaking guilty for feeling jealous of my best friend. Who does that?”
“Blondie…” I tighten my grip on her, pulling her to me.
Shit, how long has she been keeping all of this to herself?
She shakes her head, her fist connecting to my chest.
“A friend who’s been through so much and deserves all of this and then some. I’m crying because I miss my Grams, and I know she would have loved to be here to see all of this, but she’s gone, and I have nobody. Nobody , Blake.”
“Hey, you’re not alone,” I whisper softly. Tugging her closer, I wrap my arm around her, slipping my finger under her chin, and force her to turn to me. “You’re not alone. I’ve gotcha, Blondie. We’re in this together. You and me.”
She blinks, more tears rolling down her cheeks.
“We can’t be in this together. Your kids hate me.”
“They don’t hate you.”
“Daniel does.”
Fuck.
I was screwing this up on all fronts and royally.
“He doesn’t hate you. If he hates anybody, it’s me. I’m the one who keeps throwing changes at him, but he’ll come around, just… give him time. I promise you he’s a good kid.”
Her tongue peeks out, sliding over her lower lip, drawing my gaze to that lush pink mouth. “I don’t blame you. You should put them first. I’ll put Munchkin first, always.”
“I know you will,” I say, my throat feeling tight. “You’ll be an amazing mother, Blondie. I’ll put our baby first, along with Levi and Daniel,” I promise. And it was a promise I meant to keep. Rubbing my hand over her lower lip, I slide it to her cheek. “But I’m putting you first, too, Savannah.” Leaning down, I press my forehead against hers, that sweet scent of jasmine and something else, something sweet and wild, filling my lungs. “I’ve gotcha, Sav. You’ll never again be alone. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere, no matter what.”
Her lips part, her fingers digging into my shirt. “You don’t want me,” she whispers, her words barely audible.
“Bullshit.” My hand slides to the back of her neck, my fingers tangling in her hair. “I want you. I’ve wanted you since that first night we met, and I couldn’t stop thinking about you since. You’ve been the only thing that’s been on my fucking mind ever since I laid my eyes on you a few weeks ago, Blondie.”
She starts to shake her head, but I tighten my hold on her, not letting her move. “I want you. You drive me crazy half the time with your stubbornness and independence, but damn it if it’s not the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. I want you , Savannah.”
I move slowly, giving her ample time to pull back, but she doesn’t. So I press my mouth to her cheek in a gentle kiss, no more than a fleeting caress. I can taste the saltiness of her tears, my thumb gently massaging her neck.
“I want you, Savannah, but if you don’t want this…”
She tilts her head, those bright blue eyes meeting mine as our warm breaths mingle together, but she doesn’t take a step back. No, that soft mouth meets mine, and fuck it, she tastes even sweeter than I imagined.
Groaning, I swipe my mouth against hers slowly, not wanting to scare her. Her fingers curl into a fist, tugging me closer, all those luscious curves press against me. She moans softly; that low sound sends a jolt of need through my body. My dick is rock hard as it rubs against her belly.
Sweeping my tongue over her lower lip, I deepen the kiss. I slide my hand to the small of her back, pulling her flush against me as my tongue dives into her mouth.
And holy shit.
This kiss was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Her tongue meets mine in a sensual dance like we’ve done the same thing a hundred times before, her body fits against mine perfectly. She pulls back, and I nip at her lower lip before tugging her to me again.
There was probably a good reason why we hadn’t kissed that first night because if we did, I might not have let her go at all. Because if all I could do was kiss Savannah Parker for the rest of our days, I’d take it.
The sound of the approaching sirens snaps us out of our daze, and Savannah pulls back. I stare at her as I try to catch my breath. There were still traces of tears on her skin, but a healthy glow was back on her cheeks.
“You should go inside.” Savannah sinks her teeth into her lower lip, averting her gaze from me. “Levi is waiting for you.”
This woman…
Even after everything that has just happened, she still puts my kids first.
“In a minute. Levi is safe with the Fernandezes.” Cupping her face, I slide my thumbs over her cheeks, brushing away the tear stains as I wait for her to look at me. “I know this is all messed up, and I know it’s not fair, but I need time to figure this out with my kids.”
She opens her mouth, but I press my lips against hers, effectively shushing her. “ However , don’t go thinking for a second that this isn’t real or that I don’t want you. This is what you do to me, Blondie. I’ll be there for you for whatever you need. I’ll be at every appointment, and I’ll give you anything you need. You want me to hold your hand in the delivery room? I can do that. You want me to get the hell out? I can do that too. I’ll hate every minute of it, but I’ll do whatever you need me to do. Be whoever you need me to be.”
Letting my hand slide down, I intertwine our fingers. “We’re in this together, Blondie, but I need you to let me in.”
Her throat bobs as she swallows, but she nods. “Okay.”
I blink, unsure if I heard her correctly. “Yeah?”
“Yes, I…” Her tongue darts out, sliding over her lower lip as she glances away, the words coming out low. “Letting people in doesn’t come easy for me.”
No, I don’t think it does.
This was another small piece of her that made her the woman standing in front of me. I wanted to ask her what happened to make her so guarded, but I had a feeling it would only make her close off again.
Piece by piece.
I was determined to collect them all. I wanted to know every single thing, no matter how small and insignificant, because to me, it wasn’t.
She was slowly becoming everything.
And she didn’t even realize it.
That’s why I couldn’t hurry and would have to let her come to me when she was ready to share more about herself. My boys weren’t the only ones who needed time to adjust to our new normal.
“When you’re ready.” I slide my finger under her chin and turn her to face me. “I’ll be waiting for you. I’m not going anywhere.”
Those big blue eyes stare at me, her throat bobbing visibly.
“C’mon, where did you park your car?”
“Oh, you don’t ha?—”
“I want to.” I stop her before she can even finish, my eyes locking on hers as I tighten my grip on her hand. “I know I don’t have to. But I want to. I want to take care of you and our baby. Do you wanna know why I moved here?”
Savannah blinks, clearly surprised by my subject change and shakes her head.
I let out a shaky breath. I couldn’t expect her to share her past with me if I wasn’t willing to do the same.
“For most of my childhood, it was just my mom and I, and we were scraping by. She got pregnant young and did the best she could, but she was a single mom working a low-paying job. So when I got a chance to play pro, I took it, hoping I could do better for my kids and make their lives easier. But in doing so, I missed so many important moments of their lives, and we got to the point that I didn’t know my kids, and they didn’t know me, and it was all my fault. When Reina left, I knew I had to do something to change that, so I quit football and decided to move here. I want to give Daniel and Levi the father they deserve. I want to be there for my family. That’s all I’ve ever wanted, Savannah. And want it or not, you’re also my family, and together, we have to figure out a way to make this work.”
She’s nibbling at her lower lip as she processes my words, a serious expression on her face.
Finally, after what feels like forever, Savannah nods in agreement. “Okay. It’s this way.”
She tries to pull away, but I tighten my grip on her hand and indicate that she can lead the way. With another sigh, she starts walking.
Her Volvo is parked relatively close by. The lights flash as she unlocks the door.
She looks at me, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Could you… Could you not mention this to anybody?”
“My lips are sealed,” I promise and pull open the door for her.
“Thank you.” She lets out a long sigh, her body visibly relaxing. She slides into the driver’s seat, so I take a step back. “Blake?”
“Yes?”
She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear as she looks up. “I have a doctor’s appointment next week. Do you…” She lets out a shaky breath. “Do you wanna come?”
Her voice is soft and laced with uncertainty. Seeing her like this breaks something in me.
“I’d love to come.”
“Okay.” She nods, a tentative smile curling her lips, and I have to grip the door, so I don’t lean in and kiss her again. “I’ll text you the details.”
“Sounds perfect. Do you want to write down my numbe?—”
“I have it.” She must see my confused expression because she explains. “The school records.”
Right.
Savannah turns on the engine and glances at me. “I’ll see you later?”
“I… Yeah.”
I hold on for a second longer, fighting the need to pull her out of that car and not let go until she believes me completely. Because while she might have started to open up to the idea of this thing between us working out, and me wanting her for her, she doesn’t fully trust me. Which was fine. I wasn’t afraid to work hard to show her that I mean business.
One day, she wouldn’t have a trace of doubt in her mind.
Today wasn’t that day.
So I close the door and take a step back. I watch her as she pulls out of the parking spot and drives away before I return to the hospital.
The moment I enter the room, Miguel’s gaze finds mine, his brows rising in a silent question. I shake my head. This wasn’t the time or place to talk about this. Not that I planned to tell him what happened with Savannah. Not after she asked me to keep it to myself.
But she’s gone, and I have nobody. Nobody, Blake.
Looking at the room filled with all these people, I had an inkling of how hard this must have been for her. Seeing her best friend surrounded by her family on one of the most important days of her life couldn’t have been easy. Especially knowing that she would never have that.
But I meant what I said; I would do anything she wanted me to. I wanted to be there for her and our baby. I could just hope that she would take me up on the offer.
“Levi, are you ready to go home?”
Levi turns his attention from the window and nods.
“You can stay.”
I shake my head. “You guys should spend some time with your family. Besides, Daniel’s home alone.”
Miguel nods in understanding. “Sure thing.” He shifts his attention to Levi and ruffles his hair. “I’ll see you soon, little guy?”
“I’m not so little.”
“You’re right. What was I thinking? Silly me.”
Miguel extends his fist, and Levi bumps their knuckles together. We say our goodbyes to the rest of the room, but they’re still charmed by the little boy sleeping in his mother’s arms, so they barely pay us any attention when we leave.
My mind goes back to Savannah and the olive branch she offered me as I pull out of the parking lot. I knew it couldn’t have been easy for her to ask me to come with her to her doctor’s appointment. It was obvious that she craved a family of her own, but she was so independent that she hardly let anybody in.
What happened to you, Blondie?
Who hurt you so badly that you won’t let anybody close? Was it her ex? For some reason, I couldn’t see it. There was something else. Something I didn’t know about.
One day.
One day, I was determined to know every single thing about Savannah Parker.
The moment I turned onto our street, my gaze went to Savannah’s house, and her silver Volvo parked in front of it.
She made it home safely.
Some of the worry eases off my chest as I park the car in front of our house, and we get out of the truck.
“Dad?” Levi calls out as I open the front door and let him go inside.
“Yeah, buddy?”
I eye him carefully. He’s been unusually quiet the whole drive home; his attention focused on the scenery passing us by when usually he would be chatting my ear off.
“Why do you call Miss Parker Blondie?”
Shit.
I didn’t realize he’d overheard our conversation; then again, kids have the tendency to catch and remember the parts we want them to hear the least.
“Umm…” I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to come up with some kind of explanation because I couldn’t exactly tell him that the reason I started to use that nickname in the first place was because I didn’t know her real name the first time we met.
“Is it because she has blonde hair?”
Sure, we can go with that.
“Yeah, that’s right.”
I expect him to change the subject, but his gaze is still fixed on me, and the contemplative expression on his face tells me there is something more going on here that’s troubling him. “Why did Miss Parker leave so soon today?”
“She was busy, so she had to go,” I pause for a moment. “Why do you ask?”
“She looked sad.” Levi shrugs. “And then I saw you hugging her through the window.”
Shit, shit, shit.
How was I supposed to explain that one?
“I—”
“Are you shitting me? You brought Levi with you to meet your side piece?”
I turn around to find a fuming Daniel standing on top of the stairs and glaring at me. His fingers are curled around the railing, his knuckles white from how hard he’s been squeezing it.
“Daniel…” I growl in warning. I’ve about had it with him and that attitude.
“What, Dad ?” he all but spits out. “She has no business messing with our lives. Just because you knocked her up doesn’t mean shit. She should go to hell and leave us alone.” Daniel turns to Levi. “Stay away from that woman. She doesn’t give a shit about you; she’s just using you to get to Dad.”
“She is not using me!” Levi stomps his foot. His face is beet red as he yells at his brother. “You’re a liar, Danny. Miss Parker likes me. You’re just jealous that everybody here hates you.”
“Yeah, right.” Daniel snorts. “I don’t care what a town of single-minded people thinks. Your dear Miss Parker is more interested in getting into Dad’s pants.”
Levi glares at Daniel. “You’re just being a meany!”
“Did you tell him the ecstatic news?” Daniel turns his attention to me.
I place my hand on Levi’s shoulder. “That’s enough, Daniel. You’ll watch your mouth, or you’re grounded.”
Daniel starts laughing. “Grounded? For what exactly? Saying the truth? Did you or did you not screw Levi’s teacher, and now she’s pregnant with your child?”
I suck in a long breath as I try to keep my anger at bay, my voice deadly calm, “Get your ass to the living room.”
He opens his mouth, but I point toward the door. “Living room. Now.”
Daniel presses his lips into a tight line but does as I say. He descends the stairs slowly and walks past us as he goes to the living room, Levi and me at his heels.
“Sit down.”
Levi is the first one to listen, his fingers clasping and unclasping in his lap as Daniel takes his sweet time doing as I asked. Once he finally takes his seat, he bumps into Levi.
“I met Savannah last spring,” I say before they can get into it again.
Daniel rolls his eyes. “I’m really not in the mood to listen to your sexual escapades.”
I give him a warning look, my voice deadly calm. “You’ll listen to whatever I tell you to listen. I’ve had it with you, Daniel. This kind of behavior is not permitted. I’ve let it slide, but you’ve gone too far now. You will not talk about Savannah, or any other person for that matter, in the way you’ve been doing the last few days. And, trust me, you don’t want to cross this line because once you do, there will be no going back.”
Daniel grits his teeth. “Of course, you have to go and defend her.”
“I’m not defending her. There is nothing to defend. She didn’t do anything wrong. We didn’t do anything wrong. We met the day I went to sign the papers for this house, after your mom and I split up and after the divorce was finalized. We met and liked each other.” Daniel opens his mouth, but I glare at him, daring him to interrupt me. “I didn’t know she lived here, and I didn’t know she was going to be Levi’s teacher. Neither of us planned things to play out the way they did.”
“Tell us something new. Unplanned is your go-to. One would think you’d be smarter and not make the same mistake again.”
He thinks I view him as a mistake?
I shake my head, wondering how the hell I can fix this. Was there even any chance of fixing this, or were we too broken for that?
“I made a lot of mistakes in my life, Daniel, but having you, having Levi, and having this baby isn’t one of them.”
Some of that snarkiness dies down and shame flashes on his face, so he looks away.
“Savannah’s baby is your baby?” Levi’s soft voice breaks me out of the staring contest with my older son. There’s a frown between his brows as he tries to keep up with the conversation.
“Yes, Savannah’s baby is my baby.” I let that sit for a little while. “How do you feel about that?”
If possible, that frown between his brows grows even bigger.
I crouch in front of him and place my hand on his knee, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay if you’re not sure how you feel. If you have any questions, you can ask me anytime, you know that? But this doesn’t change anything. Savannah is still going to be your teacher, and I’m still your dad.”
“And I get a baby brother?”
“Yes, or a baby sister.”
“Are you even sure the baby is yours?” Daniel chimes in. “Maybe she’s trying to dump another guy’s kid on you…”
“The baby is mine,” I grit through clenched teeth, leaving no room for discussion. “Savannah didn’t know me or what I did when we met, and she didn’t bring it up once after she found out. Quite the contrary, actually.”
“Will Miss Parker live here with us?” Levi asks suddenly.
Daniel’s body stiffens at his words, all the color draining from his face at the idea.
I curse inwardly.
“No, Miss Parker will keep living in her house.”
“But then where will the baby live?” His face lights up. “He can sleep in my room! I don’t mind sharing.”
I chuckle softly, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. “That’s really nice of you, buddy. But we’ll have to wait and see what happens. There is still a lot of time before the baby comes.”
“How long?”
I count back to when we first met, which was late March, so that would mean… “Probably sometime around Christmas.”
“Does that mean that Santa will bring us the baby? Like a present?”
“No, Levi,” I chuckle softly. “Santa won’t bring the baby. We’ll take Savannah to the hospital, where she’ll give birth to the baby. Like Becky.”
Levi’s brows furrow in confusion. “How will she give birth?”
“I—” Fuck. I scratch my neck as I try to come up with some kind of explanation. This kid was too curious for his own good. “It’ll come out of Savannah’s belly.”
Levi’s eyes grow wide. “The baby is in Savannah’s belly?”
Before I get a chance to come up with an answer, Daniel pushes to his feet, his knee bumping into the coffee table, as he marches out of the room. I watch the empty doorway for a moment longer, feeling a headache brewing behind my temples.
Before I can do anything, Levi’s arms wrap around my neck. “Don’t worry, Daddy, I love my baby brother.”
“I know you do, buddy.”
He beams at me. “I’ll be the best big brother.”
It’s going to be okay.
It had to be okay.
Daniel would come around.
Eventually.
And we’ll figure this out.
I press my mouth against the top of his head. “I don’t doubt it for a second.”
“I can’t wait to tell my friends at school. They’ll be so?—”
Shit.
“Hey, buddy.” I place my hand on his shoulders. “You can’t tell your friends just yet.”
His smile falls immediately. “Why not?”
Seriously, this kid.
“Because we’re keeping it as our little secret.”
“But I want to tell my friends,” he pouts.
“I know, Levi, and you’ll tell them, just not yet. Soon, I promise. Okay?”
He crosses his arms over his chest and huffs. “I guess.”
He looks so serious; I can’t help but chuckle. “You really are the best big brother.”
“I know; I’m the bestest!” He pulls back. “I’m going to find something me and my baby brother can play with.”
Levi dashes away without a backward glance.
Rubbing my palm over my face, I let out a sigh.
That went well, right?