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Tanner patted her arm. How could he leave her behind with the danger of Sanchigo on the loose, knowing that he had already caused the deaths of the only two people she had ever loved—her birth parents? How would that be fair to Savannah? She had already been through so much. How could he cause her more pain by letting Sanchigo ruin yet another life?
A deep sigh of regret eased past Tanner’s lips as he closed his eyes. No matter what path he chose, he felt as though the decisions would rob him of his sanity and life. With her mother taken from her and her father now determined to avenge her murder, he feared the weighty burdens would be too great for a girl her age to cope with.
Savannah’s tear-filled eyes bore into him, breaking his heart as he realized the difficult and terrifying position his actions would plunge her into.
Sera was right to name her Savannah. Savannah in Greek means safe. How ironic that it was Sera’s murder that left her daughter vulnerable—an existence that was the very antithesis of the name Savannah.
Suddenly, Sera’s face floated into view, and in his vision, she smiled warmly, her expression peaceful and hopeful. A calmness settled inside him and his eyes locked on the grave in which the woman he had loved now laid.
“I can’t tell you that I’m not angry, Savannah,” Tanner whispered. “That would be the ultimate deception. To survive and give you what Sera was unable to, my strength and support, will require vengeance. I can’t let that bastard get away with just a jail sentence.”
A choked sob of despair was swallowed in a jagged inhale of breath. Savannah clung desperately to him, her little fists pummeling his chest. He caught her hands.
“I know that a broken heart hurts so much worse than a bullet, Savannah. Sometimes, you think that not breathing or existing anymore might be the lesser pain. But life will bring you such incredible experiences that you will never know if you give up too soon, the life God created you to live.” He lifted his daughter’s chin until her glistening eyes found his gaze. A small smile creased his lips.
“Today is not a day to speak of loss, nor is it the time for sad endings. We will remember the wondrous memories and vow to cherish them like they were only meant to be treasured. A child’s lifetime, filled with laughter, wonder, and love—precious memories and blessings for us to share.” He squeezed her hands gently and lovingly. “It’s what your mother wanted for us.”
Fueled by the encouragement in his words, Savannah’s determination to emerge from the shroud of darkness and return to a world of the living glowed on her face. Tanner gently wiped away the tears and cleared his throat.
“Today is for the celebration of a precious and cherished life. Let’s live up to Sera’s name and remember her as our source of comfort, warmth, and security.”
With his words of wisdom floating on the breeze, Tanner carried his wife and his daughter’s name into the sunlight and turned his face heavenward. It would take a little time, but he would make good on his word. Today, the nightmare was ending, but danger still awaited the day the tides changed and the determination turned on him. That day would be the day Sanchigo would breathe his last breath, and Savannah’s future would be secure.
Until then, Tanner would bide his time, work in politics, raise his daughter, and... wait.
The loss of his only love cut through his heart once again with an abysmal chill. All around him was a whirlpool of sorrow and heartache, swirling emotions he battled to keep under control. Today, he stood at a pivotal point where one door had closed and another stood waiting.
He hugged his daughter. “I hope one day you will understand but know this, my darling. Life holds surprises—hidden promises that make it worth living, but sometimes, even the most wonderful surprise can turn sour.” He smiled sadly.
“Murders, betrayal, and revenge. Three events are set to collide, changing not only your life but also mine... forever.”
“I understand, but I can’t lose you too, Dad!”
He cupped her cheeks. His breath caught as he stared at her and saw his beloved Sera in every line of her face. They looked so much alike; it made his heart bleed.
“You’re not going to lose me, poppet. For now, I’m not going anywhere.”
Locked in an embrace of equal pain and compassion, they stood on the hill overlooking the fresh grave.
“Sera will always be with us, Savannah. In our hearts and living in our souls. We will never be alone.”
A lone tear slipped from his eye as the melodious sound of Sera’s voice floated toward him over the rolling hills.
“I love you, Tanner. I always will. Take care of our beautiful daughter... until we meet again.”
The End.
