“Is it that obvious?” Both men laughed.
Savannah exhaled a shaky breath. “Thank you, Blade. I really like Lily. I’m glad she’s not…you know, one of them.”
“If she behaves herself, I might even take her to the BBQ this afternoon,” he said more for Lily’s benefit than theirs.
“I hope so. I’d love to give her a big hug,” Savannah said. “Please remember Blade, Lily doesn't deserve any of this. She was so kind to me, even when..." She trailed off, guilt threatening to choke her words. Savage pulled her closer, his warmth anchoring her.
"You both got caught up in something bigger than yourselves," he murmured. "But we're gonna make it right."
Savannah nodded. “If she’s not at the BBQ then when can I talk to her?” The girls had assumed she was guilty when she’d up and disappeared after the ambush. She wanted to reach out to her, knowing Lily likely needed a friend.
“I’ll let you know when Jay has a new phone for her. We don’t want anyone to trace where she’s at.”
"Keep us posted, Blade," Savage said into the phone.
As the call ended, Savannah looked up at Savage. "Do you really think they can help her?"
"We're the Watchmen, sweetheart. Protecting our own is what we do best." Savage's lips brushed her forehead. "Now, we've got a BBQ to get ready for."
A playful glint sparked in Savannah's eyes. "Race you to the shower?" she challenged, already wiggling out of his embrace.
Savage's deep chuckle rumbled through the room. "You better not run in the house, little girl!"
Savannah darted towards the bathroom, her giggles echoing off the walls. Savage's longer strides quickly caught up, his strong arms scooping her up just as she reached the doorway.
"Cheater!" she squealed, half-heartedly squirming in his grasp.
"I said no running," Savage growled playfully, swatting her behind half-heartedly.
As Savage washed her hair in the shower, Savannah marveled at how natural this felt. The easy banter, the tender touches – it was as if they'd known each other for years, not mere days. Everything she’d gone through with The Rejects had been horrific, but finding Savage made surviving it worthwhile.
Wrapped in fluffy towels, they moved to the bedroom to dress. Savannah hesitated, fingering the hem of a pastel sundress.
" Are you sure this is... okay for the BBQ?" she asked, suddenly unsure of herself.
Savage paused, jeans half-buttoned, and crossed to her. "Absolutely. You know the other women who are going to be there and that all the men accept you exactly as you are. You belong with us, Savannah."
Savannah slipped on the dress, twirling once. "How do I look?"
Savage's eyes darkened with appreciation. "Beautiful," he rumbled. "And entirely too tempting. We might be late to this BBQ after all."
Savannah laughed, playfully swatting Savage's reaching hands. "Daddy! We can't be late; I promised Nicole I'd be there on time. She’s not exactly comfortable with everyone, yet."
As they stepped out of the bedroom, Savannah paused in the doorway. Her hand traced the wood frame, and a wave of emotion washed over her. Just days ago, she'd been a frightened, desperate woman, running from a nightmare. Ready to pretend to be in love with Savage just to pay a debt. Now, she stood here, wrapped in the safety of Savage's love, truly committed to him and whatever future may come, surrounded by a community that had embraced her without hesitation, even after everything that had happened. Even after lying and deceiving them. Theyaccepted her and forgave her without hesitation. She was truly blessed.
"You okay, princess?" Savage asked, a concerned frown on his face.
"I'm more than okay," she answered. "I'm... happy. Really, truly happy. I didn’t think I’d ever be happy again."
Savage pulled her close. "It’s a Daddy’s job to make sure his girl is happy, and you deserve every bit of joy that comes your way. I promise, Savannah, I’m going to spend the rest of my life loving you and making sure you are one very happy little girl.”
