We walked up and down the aisles in the store. Savannah pushed the cart and Alana hung onto the end, riding on the barbetween the wheels under the basket. She didn’t get down or try to trip up the buggy, nor did she ask for every pretty thing she saw.
She was the most obedient child I’d ever seen. I figured it was good that she was an obedient child. I’d never been a father before. I didn’t know if I’d ever have children of my own but Alana was great practice.
I glanced at Savannah, who was looking over utensils, trying to decide what color scheme she wanted for her kitchen. How could I tell her I wanted her to buy what she wanted but bring it all over to my house? I wanted her to stay with me. I didn’t want her to go home.
Of course she would have to. It was her home. She clearly wanted to go back. She stared out that window at it so much it was more than obvious.
Still, I wished she wanted to stay with me as much as I wanted her there. The house would be lonely and quiet without her and Alana there. I’d have to buy a surround sound system and install it all around the house and play nature sounds or something.
I laughed at myself, shaking my head. I couldn’t feel more pathetic. But it was also amusing.
“What you laughing about?” Savannah asked, looking up at me from her forks and spoons.
I lifted my shoulders. “Nothin’. Just random thoughts.”
Savannah debated between two sets of utensils, holding them up for my opinion. “Which one do you like better?”
“They’re both forks,” I joked, earning an exaggerated eye roll.
“I’m serious!”
I picked one randomly, and to my surprise, she chose it without question. Watching her focus on even the smallest details made my chest tighten, wondering how it was that I'd never met a woman who made me feel like that before. How was it possible that she and I could be so compatible?
The kiss had been inspiring but I had to wonder if her feelings for me were as strong as what I felt for her. I thought about her day and night. I wanted her opinion on everything. I cooked food she liked to eat and bought little snacks I knew she liked on my way home from the station.
I didn’t want them to leave.
The solution was clear.
I needed to buy a ring.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Savannah
It wasn’t quite ready for us to move back into yet, but my house was nearly done. The walls were rebuilt, the kitchen remodeled, and Alana’s room, along with the bathroom that had been destroyed looked like they’d never even been scratched.
It was hard to believe this was the same house.
I absolutely loved it. I walked through the foyer, pausing to admire the gleaming floors and the soft gray paint that felt so fresh, so new.
Stepping into the kitchen, I ran my hand over the smooth surface of the counter, marveling at how perfect it all looked. A new table and set of chairs stood in the center of the room, still smelling faintly of wood polish.
They were the only pieces of furniture so far, but two large boxes sat atop the table, filled with my carefully chosen décor.
Shopping for those things had been a joy—an indulgent reminder of the life I was rebuilding. My mind wandered back to that shopping trip a few days ago.
Jackson had been there with me, but he’d seemed distracted. It might have been because of that kiss. It had certainly distracted me, popping into my mind at the oddest moments.
The memory alone was enough to set my body alight with glorious warmth. It left me breathless and tingling, the need for more kisses simmering just beneath the surface.
There had only been two more kisses since then, each a tender goodnight that never ventured further. I’d told myself it was for the best—for Alana’s sake and my own values.
But deep down, I knew it wasn’t just about my daughter. It was the fear of giving in, of letting myself want more than the safety I’d worked so hard to rebuild.
“Well, this is absolutely gorgeous, Savvy!”
I turned, smiling as Mya stepped into the kitchen. She’d texted to say she was stopping by, so I’d left the door open for her.
