Page 177 of Need You To Choose Me

“I love you too.” Her fingers interlock with mine, holding on for dear life. “Don’t leave.”

“Never.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

BLAKE

“You’re up early.” I slide my arms around Savannah, pulling her into my chest, my hands resting just underneath her bump, and I gently lift it up.

“Damn, that feels so good,” she moans softly, her body relaxing against mine.

“I thought we established I have very talented hands,” I tease, my lips brushing against the top of her head.

“Mm-hmm…” She tilts her head back. A small smile plays on her lips, but it’s not reaching her eyes. “Verytalented.”

It’s been a few days since Savannah disappeared on me. She hadn’t brought that day or her mother up since, but I could see it was still bothering her. She was pale, and the circles under her eyes were growing darker by the day because she couldn’t sleep, and what little sleep she did get was interrupted by nightmares. I tried asking her about it, but she brushed me off, so I dropped it. I knew her mother’s reappearance was the cause of it, and the only way things would go back to normal was when Savannah knew her mother was gone for good, unable to reach our kids.

Turning her around, I place a kiss on her lips. “I’m going to check in on the boys, or we’ll be late.” I wiggle my brows at her playfully. “I wouldn’t want my son’s teacher to rip me a new one.”

Savannah chuckles. “You better hurry up. I heard she’s very strict.”

Laughing, I let my hands drop and go toward the stairs. “Boys, if you don’t hurry up, we’ll be late!”

There is some commotion, but soon enough, Levi appears at the top of the stairs, his backpack on his shoulders. “I’m here. I’m here.”

“Daniel ready?”

“He said he’s coming now.”

“Okay.” I slide my hand to his back. “Want some cereal before we go?”

“Yes.” His whole face lights up when he spots Savannah in the kitchen. “Good morning, Sav!”

Savannah’s head snaps up, a guilty expression crossing her face as she looks at us. “Morning. Umm… your phone’s been ringing.”

My gaze falls to the counter, where I left my phone charging last night. “Who’s calling—” I take my phone off the charger and look down, the name on the caller ID making me pause.

Coach Higgins.

Shit.

“Dad, can I have Lucky Charms today?” Levi asks, drawing my attention.

“Yeah, sure. Gimme a sec, buddy.” Silencing the phone, I turn it face down to find Savannah still watching me. She nibbles at her lip, her brows set in a deep frown. “I’ll call him later.”

Before Savannah can say anything, Daniel runs down the stairs, and we get pulled into the craziness of the morning routine with the boys grabbing breakfast and searching for theirthings as we finally get on the road. Daniel drives on his own since he’s picking up one of his friends, and I drive Savannah and Levi to school.

“The doctor’s appointment is today, right?” I ask as I pull in front of the school and put the car in park.

Savannah unbuckles her seat belt. “Yes, at one.”

“Okay. I’ll see you at twelve-thirty then.” I lean forward, pressing my lips against hers. “Have a good day.” I glance over my shoulder, extending my fist for Levi to bump. “You, too, buddy. Be good to your teacher.”

“Sav is my teacher,” Levi giggles. “And I’m always good, right, Sav?”

“Most of the time.”

Saying their goodbyes, the two of them exit the truck, and I wait for them to be safely inside before I continue on my way.

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