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“It was tough for all of us. Especially for my mom. She’d never trusted the man to begin with and she’d begged my daddy not to invest with him.”
“Did Grandpa Gus ever get his money back?”
“No. And I used to dream about tracking down that man and making him pay for what he did to my father. And to us.” She leaned back in her chair, her eyes steely. “I’d have done just about anything to bring him peace again.”
“I can’t believe you and Gramps admire what Savannah did, as if she’s some modern-day Robin Hood. Don’t forget that would make us the villains in this story.”
“I do admire her. Look, honey, I know this isn’t what you want to hear. She deceived us and she hurt you, even if she didn’t intend to. But from what I hear, she’s hurting, too. You know Grandpa Joe already gave Martin his money and his stake in the company. If that’s all Savannah cared about, would she still be walking around looking miserable?”
“How do you know that?”
“It’s Magnolia Lake, darlin’,” his mother said matter-of-factly. “I know everything that goes on around here.”
“Maybe she should’ve considered that before she put herself in this position. Before she put us all in a compromising position.”
“Maybe so. But let me ask you a question. And I want you to be completely honest, if not with me, then at least with yourself.”
“Shoot.”
“If the shoe had been on the other foot, how far would you have gone to get justice for your grandpa Joe?”
Blake’s attention snapped to hers. His mother knew how much he loved and admired his grandfather. He would’ve gone to hell and back to protect the old man, if he believed someone had wronged him.
Apparently, Savannah had the same level of love and affection for her grandfather. Unfortunately, he hadn’t told her the whole truth. But then again, neither had his.
“What does Parker think about giving Savannah her job back?”
When their family had met to discuss the situation, they’d all been angry at first. But when his grandfather explained the history between him and Martin McDowell, most of them had softened their stance. Only Parker had objected to giving McDowell a stake in the company.
Surely, Parker would be Blake’s one ally.
“Your brother says that if you can deal with Savannah coming back here, he can, too.” A slow smile lit his mother’s eyes. “Parker says that for him, it’s about the bottom line. And she’s certainly proven she’s good for that.”
“It would be awkward, us working together and having a child together, but not actually being together.”
“It’s important that you two get along. There’s my grandchild to consider, after all. So perhaps this is a good way to force your hand.” Her voice softened. “Of course, there is another option.”
Blake raised an eyebrow. “Which is?”
“Things wouldn’t be so awkward if you two were actually together.”
“Mother…”
“I know you love her, son. You’re just being stubborn, because your feelings and your pride were hurt.”
“You make it sound as if I’m being unreasonable. Aren’t you the one who always told us that honesty is the very least we should expect in a relationship?”
“True.” She nodded gravely. “But then I also told you that we sometimes do the wrong thing for all the right reasons. Can’t you see that’s what Savannah has done?”
“I appreciate what you’re doing, Mother, but it’s not that simple.” Blake tapped his thumb lightly on the desk. “Parker is right, though. This is about the bottom line. Savannah’s impact in her short time with the company is undeniable. I’ll consider it, I promise.”
Blake loved Savannah. He honestly did. But he didn’t know if he’d ever be able to trust her again.
He ruminated on the question for the rest of the day. It was still spinning in his head when he approached his driveway and found Savannah, parked there, waiting for him.
* * *
Savannah climbed out of her car as Blake pulled into the drive. She’d been parked there for an hour, determined not to leave until she’d said what she came to say.
“Hello, Blake.” She was undeterred by his frown.
“Savannah.” The iciness of his tone made her shudder. “Surprised you’re still in town. After all, you got everything you came for.”
His words sawed through her like a jagged blade.
“I needed to thank you and Mr. Abbott for everything you’ve done for my grandfather.” Her mouth was dry and there was a fluttering in her belly. “You couldn’t possibly know how much what you’ve done means to him and to our family.”
