“I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”
“You never asked.”
“Okay.” I nod, thinking that’s fair. I haven’t, but Keith isn’t someone you talk to about feelings. “What’s her name?”
“Annie.”
“How did you meet?”
He sighs. “She runs the bakery on Mulberry Lane.”
I think for a moment. “Is it serious?”
He actually smiles. “No, Savannah, we’re just having fun.”
“Fun?” I sound like I disapprove, when I really simply find myself feeling protective. I don’t want anyone to hurt Keith.
“Yes.” He nods and takes a step back, pulling me along with him. “She’s just a friend.”
“Okay.”
His eyebrow raises as he peers down at me. “Okay?”
“Yes. As long as she’s good to you, then I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.” He laughs, but I can see that comment hit him deep. He knows I love him.
Daniel interrupts, asking to cut in.
After an hour of dancing, I take a break. The moon is bright, illuminating the thin fabric of the canopy draped above us. Twinkle lights sparkle from the trees, and the lanterns from Cole’s proposal hang throughout the forest. The stars are out in the cloudless sky, scattered around the mountains. I step off the wooden dance floor Daniel made, removing my shoes and walking to the edge of the lawn. The grass is cool, and I shiver slightly. They have a spectacular view of the valley. Dipping my head back, I stare up and try to feel her. I recall all the things I love about her…her smile, the sound of her laugh, the way she loved to sing. “I’m happy,” I whisper, “really,reallyhappy, Mom.” I take a deep breath and gather myself. Taking one last view, I turn on my heel to find him watching me a few feet away. His jaw flexes with a twitch of his lips.
“Come home with me?”
The house is surprisingly quiet. Cole takes my hand and leads me downstairs.
“Where are we going?”
He takes our joined hands and gives my diamond wedding band a kiss. “I want to give you my gift.” He walks to the last room on the left. I’ve been in these offices before. He turns to look at me. “This is your room. No one will bother you. It’s so you’ll never forget.” He opens the door and steps out of the way. I grab the doorframe to stabilize myself as I take in the room. “I picked the colors, but June did the rest. If you don’t—”
“No,” I huff, feeling my voice run off. “It’s perfect.” I cup my mouth as I step forward. The red soundproof room is huge, with a wall full of books, a seating area filled with gold pillows, and a fireplace. Gracing the center is a beautiful black grand piano.
He pushes off the wall and strolls up to me with a swagger. “I told you I’d give you the world if you came back to me.” I want to ask what he means by that, but his hand reaches around my neck while the other slides down my leg, stopping at the garter. “What do we have here?” He drops to his knees to get a better look. He begins to slide his finger under it, but I move his hand to the side.
“Ah-ah, baby, with your teeth.”
His eyes turn dark as night. “God, I love you.”
My name is Savannah Miller,
and this is my happily ever after.
The End