Page 69 of Need You To Choose Me

Piece by piece.

I was determined to collect them all. I wanted to know every single thing, no matter how small and insignificant, because to me, it wasn’t.

She was slowly becoming everything.

And she didn’t even realize it.

That’s why I couldn’t hurry and would have to let her come to me when she was ready to share more about herself. My boys weren’t the only ones who needed time to adjust to our new normal.

“When you’re ready.” I slide my finger under her chin and turn her to face me. “I’ll be waiting for you. I’m not going anywhere.”

Those big blue eyes stare at me, her throat bobbing visibly.

“C’mon, where did you park your car?”

“Oh, you don’t ha?—”

“I want to.” I stop her before she can even finish, my eyes locking on hers as I tighten my grip on her hand. “I know I don’thaveto. But Iwantto. I want to take care of you and our baby. Do you wanna know why I moved here?”

Savannah blinks, clearly surprised by my subject change and shakes her head.

I let out a shaky breath. I couldn’t expect her to share her past with me if I wasn’t willing to do the same.

“For most of my childhood, it was just my mom and I, and we were scraping by. She got pregnant young and did the best she could, but she was a single mom working a low-paying job. So when I got a chance to play pro, I took it, hoping I could do better for my kids and make their lives easier. But in doing so, I missed so many important moments of their lives, and we got to the point that I didn’t know my kids, and they didn’t know me, and it was all my fault. When Reina left, I knew I had to do something to change that, so I quit football and decided to move here. Iwant to give Daniel and Levi the father they deserve. I want to be there for my family. That’s all I’ve ever wanted, Savannah. And want it or not, you’re also my family, and together, we have to figure out a way to make this work.”

She’s nibbling at her lower lip as she processes my words, a serious expression on her face.

Finally, after what feels like forever, Savannah nods in agreement. “Okay. It’s this way.”

She tries to pull away, but I tighten my grip on her hand and indicate that she can lead the way. With another sigh, she starts walking.

Her Volvo is parked relatively close by. The lights flash as she unlocks the door.

She looks at me, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Could you… Could you not mention this to anybody?”

“My lips are sealed,” I promise and pull open the door for her.

“Thank you.” She lets out a long sigh, her body visibly relaxing. She slides into the driver’s seat, so I take a step back. “Blake?”

“Yes?”

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear as she looks up. “I have a doctor’s appointment next week. Do you…” She lets out a shaky breath. “Do you wanna come?”

Her voice is soft and laced with uncertainty. Seeing her like this breaks something in me.

“I’d love to come.”

“Okay.” She nods, a tentative smile curling her lips, and I have to grip the door, so I don’t lean in and kiss her again. “I’ll text you the details.”

“Sounds perfect. Do you want to write down my numbe?—”

“I have it.” She must see my confused expression because she explains. “The school records.”

Right.

Savannah turns on the engine and glances at me. “I’ll see you later?”

“I… Yeah.”

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