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“Were Savannah and her stepbrother separated?” Will asked, his face full of concern.
“Unfortunately, yes. Savannah was lucky and a wealthy family was interested in fostering her, thanks to Mrs. Johnston, my guardian. Their daughter died in a car accident six months before Savannah went to live with them. In my opinion, Savannah looked like their daughter, and that’s why they took her in. But her stepbrother wasn’t as lucky. He bounced from one awful foster family to another until he finally ran away, never to be heard from again. Savannah wanted her foster family to look for him, but they refused, wanting her to move on with her life.” I squeeze Will’s hand. “Part of me understands why she wanted to know what happened to him. But the other…” I suck in a breath, trying to control the anger that races through my veins, making my blood boil. “He never tried to stop his stepfather. Then to hold her down…” Her eyes filled with tears. “I mean, I know he was beaten, but still.”
“Her stepbrother should have his balls put in a vise and ripped off for allowing the assaults to happen without doing anything. He’s not blameless. Not by a long shot.” I gently stroke Everleigh’s hand, hoping to calm her. “Has her stepfather or stepbrother made any attempt to contact her that you know of?”
She shakes her head. “She hasn’t mentioned anything until today.”
Frowning, I lose myself in my thoughts, wondering why he’d make an appearance now. I feel certain by the way Everleigh described Savannah’s reaction that it was her stepfather.
But why now?
Everleigh’s phone beeps, indicating she has a text. Her gaze meets mine and I nod for her to read it.
“It’s from Savannah. She heard a noise and she’s scared.”
“Let me make a phone call. I’ll handle it. Why don’t you call her and talk to her? Make sure she’s okay?”
Everleigh gives me a grateful look, her face softening. “I’m sorry this is occurring during our date night.”
My finger goes to her lips. “Don’t apologize, love. It’s important that she’s safe.” Removing my finger, I lean across the table, kissing her. “I’ll make a call and be right back. Call her and make sure she’s okay.”
She nods, and I get up, heading towards the balcony. It’s reserved for me and Everleigh, so I know it’s vacant. I planned to bring her out here after we had dessert so we can dance.
Pressing Bryan’s name, I put my phone to my ear. When he answers, I hear the alarm in his voice. “What I’m about to tell you is confidential.”
“Always, Will. You know that.”
I nod, though he can’t see me. “It’s about Savannah.” Feeling his tension through the phone, I quickly relay Savannah’s past, leading up to her being frightened when she saw him at the boutique.
Before I’ve even finished speaking, I hear Bryan’s door slam. “Tell Everleigh I’m on my way to Savannah’s cabin. I can either stay with her or she can come to my cabin. Whatever she’s most comfortable with.”
“Thanks man.” Heading back inside, I say, “Hold on while I tell Everleigh to let Savannah know you are on your way.” When I reach the table, Everleigh looks up at me. I tell her to let Savannah know that Bryan is en route to her cabin. I see the relief in Everleigh’s eyes as she relays the information to Savannah. “Okay, Bryan. Savannah knows you’re heading over.”
“Good. I’ll be at her cabin in five minutes.”
We hang up and I sit down at the table.
When Everleigh hangs up the phone, she gives me a smile. “Thank you, Will. I appreciate what you did.”
I wink at her. “Bryan’s a good guy. He’ll make sure Savannah is safe. The guy is a helluva shot and always carries.”
She nods. “I told Savannah he’s a good guy. In her heart, I think she knows that. She’s just… been through a lot.”
Clasping Everleigh’s hands in mine, I lean toward her. “It’s not surprising she has trust issues.”
Everleigh nods. “She told me she’ll text me when Bryan arrives.”
“He said he’ll either stay at her cabin or take her to his. Whatever she’s more comfortable with.”
Her eyes twinkle. “She needs a nice guy in her life. I wonder—”
I burst into laughter. “Stop meddling, love. Just let whatever is going to happen between them occur without your involvement.”
She leans forward, a determined glint in her eyes. “I was only going to nudge them.”
Chuckling, I lift one of her hands to my lips. “How about we go outside and dance and you can nudge me any way you want to?”
A huge smile blooms across her face as she laughs. “How can I resist an offer like that?” Her phone beeps and she immediately picks it up, reading the text, her tense posture relaxing. “Oh, good. She said she’s going to Bryan’s cabin with him.” Her eyes gleam as she says, “Text Bryan and let him know she loves action movies.”
