“Tommy’s lucky to have you. We both are.”
“I'm the lucky one.”
I look up at Griffin and nod, accepting his offer and his obvious feelings for me. Pushing away my insecurities.
“Okay. We’ll come home with you,” I tell him, and he leans forward, kissing my forehead, staying close and not leaving my side at the hospital again.
29
Griffin
I don’t think I’ve ever driven these roads so slowly. Although I’ve never had the precious cargo that I do now.
“We’re here.” I keep my eyes on the road, but I notice Savannah sitting forward and looking out the window.
“You weren’t kidding about the privacy…” she murmurs, seeing my house surrounded by high stone fences. As the solid timber gates open, I roll past, making our way down the long driveway lined with large oak trees on each side.
“I like to remain unseen,” I tell her, and her gaze swings to me.
“But you’re so pretty to look at.” She grins, and I huff a laugh.
“Hmmm… pretty isn’t something I’ve been called before.”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything,” she quips as I pull up to the front of my place. She’s still tired, but I’m starting to see her confidence shining through. I witnessed it before Tommy arrived, but it’s almost like the baby has given her an extra boost. Like she knows her place in the world and is stepping into it.
I haven’t been here at home for days. Either at the bakery or in the hospital with Savannah, but I’ve had people here, setting up the nursery, stocking the fridge and pantry, and Mother Maven delivered so many baby things, I could probably open my own store and become one of her new franchisees.
“It’s so pretty here,” she says as she starts to open her door.
“Wait,” I whisper-bark, then jump out and run around to her side. She’s getting around okay, but my truck is big, and her body went through one of the most traumatic things it probably can. I don’t want her falling on my watch.
“I’m fine.” She might want to deny my help, but she’s smiling anyway. Looking at the car seat, I notice Tommy stirring. My voice obviously wasn’t quiet enough.
“He woke up?” I place her on her feet in front of me, my hands not wanting to leave her.
She pats my chest, leaning up to kiss my cheek. “Babies tend to do that…” She’s relaxed. Her eyes shine, and her smile is warm. I move my hands around her waist, wanting to hold her for a moment. The past couple of days have been a whirlwind.
“Are you feeling alright… after the drive?” I look over her. Beautiful, as always.
“I’m feeling good. Not one hundred percent, but good. Being with you makes me happy,” she says, humming against my chest, and I defrost a little before we hear Tommy again. “Are you ready for this?” Pulling back, she looks up at me expectantly.
“For what?” I rub my hand up and down her back, keeping her close.
“For Tommy and me to be here. In your space…”
“I can handle it.” I nod, my lips quirking a little, and her grin widens. “I want it. I want you.”
Her hands run up my arms, and her fingers curl slightly around my shoulders, like she’s anchoring herself. Or maybe anchoring me.
“You sure?” Her voice is softer now. “It’s not just about the nursery or the fridge being full.”
“I know.” I meet her gaze. “It’s about you. Him. Us. I’m ready. I want it.”
Her breath catches, just a flicker, and I feel it like a punch to the chest.
I cup her face. “I know the minute you walk in, the walls will stop echoing.”
She swallows, eyes glinting with something I can’t name. “That’s dangerously poetic for a man who claims he likes to remain unseen.”
