Cole: Yes, thanks for the heads up, Frank. I’ll see you in Washington.
He thinks for a moment then types.
Cole: What has she been eating these past two weeks?
Not even a moment later, he feels a vibration.
Jake: You don’t even wanna know.
Cole: Try me.
Jake: You asked. Mustard-ketchup combo, mustard and potato chips, ketchup and potato chips. Oh! And her favorite right now is mustard, chips, and pickles all combined. Your baby likes some f’d up foods, dude. I’m actually gagging right now.
Cole: Thanks for the visual. Appreciate it.
He changes quickly and heads outside.
“Savi,” Cole whispers in her ear, but she doesn’t move. “Baby, you need to get up.” He kisses her cheek. “I have something you might like,” he adds, but still nothing. “I went to the market and got pickles and mustard.” One of her eyes opens, and he grins. “I got all kinds of nasty food for you and Fritter.”
“So, we’re back to Fritter?”
“Yes, it sounds cuter.” She gives him an adorable smile. “Now, get up. There’s a pile of pickles with your name on it.”
“Really? Are you playing me?” She raises an eyebrow.
“No, I promise.”
“How?”
“Jake.” He squeezes her tight little bottom, enjoying the resulting moan.
“God, love a bestie who never sleeps.” She stretches and rolls over, letting the sheet fall behind her. Her hand runs along her bare leg and up her side while she stares at him through those long lashes.
He tosses her a shirt. “As much as I want to roll around with you in this bed all day, you have a flight to catch in,” he looks at her clock, “two hours.”
Her face falls, and she pulls the covers over her body again, not hiding from him, but from the idea of what’s to come. He climbs in next to her, tucking her into his side.
“I know you’re scared, but I’ll be there with you every step of the way.” She nods then slides off the bed, grabbing her robe and heading for the shower. She stops at the last minute, her hand holding onto the doorframe for a beat before she turns to look over her shoulder.
“I love you, Cole.” She leaves before he can say anything.
On the drive to the airport and through the flight, Savannah is very quiet. Her fingers flip the pages to her book,The Beach Houseby James Patterson, but she’s yet to open it. Cole understands her need for quiet and just keeps a firm grip on her thigh to comfort her. When they touch down in Washington, Frank is there to greet them at the gate, and he drives them directly to the base.
Frank’s glance flickers to Savi’s in the rearview mirror. “We’re going to be briefing you on the case so you’re up to speed on everything.” He clears his throat when she doesn’t respond, continuing to watch the countryside fly by. Cole reaches for her hand, but she doesn’t turn. She tilts her head and traces a fallen raindrop on the glass. “So,” Frank moves on, “after that, we’ll have dinner and—”
“I want to speak to Lynn,” she says softly, cutting him off. Cole feels the hairs on his neck rise. “Alone.”
Frank’s eyes jump to his. “Savannah, that’s not something I can—”
“If you want me to testify,” she turns for the first time to look directly at Frank, “you’ll make it happen.”
“Savannah…” Cole lowers his voice.
“Cole,” she counters, and he realizes she’s in a feisty mood right now. He reluctantly bites his tongue, pressing his back into the cool leather seat. She is closing herself off from them, he knows. She’s most likely experiencing all the anger and hurt she has after so many years of loving this woman like a sister. He feels sick putting himself in her shoes. If Mark ever betrayed him like that, he’d be broken by it too. His hand finds its way to their baby, surprising hers, which is already there. He covers her hand, and she uses the other to wipe a tear. His body twitches to comfort her, but he knows she’s on the brink of losing it.
Chapter Ten
Savannah