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Grabbing her half-eaten bag of pretzels, she sits back and watches me get to work. The sunlight through the window brings a sheen of moisture to collate on my skin, forcing me to remove my t-shirt. My eyes hood over as Savannah enjoys the new view.
“Looking good, Mr Rivers.”
“Behave yourself, Miss Hayes.”
She hums under her breath. “What are your plans for this evening?”
I’m going to check how my diamond is coming along.
“I have some errands to run. Did you need something?”
She shakes her head. “No. Huxley is coming over to talk. I just wanted to make sure we were alone.”
She looks lost in her thoughts at the mention of her impending conversation. I don’t comment on it and continue putting the dresser together.
“We need to discuss what happens the day the baby is born.”
I keep my face controlled, not wanting to give away my desperation for her to stay. “The contract states that the final payment is released, and we go our separate ways.” I look at her. “It’s up to you whether that happens.”
She rubs her belly. “I think I’m going to miss her.”
I cock my brow. “Her?”
“I think it’s a girl. Would you be happy with a mini-Emery?”
I don’t care for the baby anymore.The baby was only ever useful to keep Emery in line.
“I’d be happy with you.” When Savannah frowns, I quickly add, “And a son or daughter. I don’t have a preference.”
The crease between her eyebrows doesn’t fade. Nevertheless, she nods. “Can I think about it?”
I nod and turn back to the dresser. “I think it would be good for you to move into the house during these last few weeks. How would I know if your water breaks?”
Truthfully, I would know, but Savannah doesn’t need to know that.
I wait for her to fight me on this, but she surprises me by nodding. “You’re right. It’s not like I can run across the garden while in labour. What if I’m alone in the house and you’re not here?”
I circle my finger as a gesture to the room. “There are cameras everywhere. The guesthouse doesn’t have cameras,” I lie.
She gives some thought to my argument before agreeing. “Okay, but I want my own room.”
“I’ll arrange for someone to bring your things into a guest bedroom.”
We fall into silence as I finish what I started. I don’t like her wanting her own space. But she’ll come round soon. I’ve got her in the house. Now, to keep her here.
The carbon extracted from the ashes is perfectly dry and ready for the organic solvent to be added. I remember the first time I did this. My dad scolded me for my lack of patience.
“How much longer do we have to wait?” I moaned.
My dad tusked at me. “You need to learn to have some patience, son. Perfect things don’t come easily. You must take your time. This is hard work which requires discipline.”
He was completely enthralled with the job of sifting through the carbon. His usually dull eyes were bright as he proved how good he was at the job.
“Are you still sad that she’s gone?”
He didn’t look at me when he answered, but he did pause. “Sometimes. I put a lot of work into your mother. When we met, she was a mess. All over the place.” He shook his head. “But I took my time with her. I taught her well.”
I rolled my eyes. “Not well enough.”
