Page 90 of Need You To Choose Me

A woman who I barely knew bits and pieces of. I wanted to know more. I wanted to know everything there was to know about her, but I was afraid if I pushed too hard too fast, she’d close off, and I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to scare her away.

I slide my thumb over the underside of her lip.

What is your story, Savannah Parker?

Her lips part, cheeks turning rosy under my watchful gaze. “Maybe.”

“There is no maybe about it. You’re a softy.” I tilt my head to the side. “What did you want to buy?”

“I was planning to window shop, really. Trying to see what I’ll need for when the baby comes. I’ve been pushing it off so far, but now that we’re already halfway there…” She shrugs, her free hand going to her bump. “It feels more real, I guess. Or maybe I’m in the early stages of nesting.”

“Nesting?” My throat grows tight as I watch her rub at the swell that’s grown bigger in the last few weeks. Her stomach popped, and now there was no longer mistaking her for anything but pregnant.

With my baby.

A possessiveness unlike anything I’ve felt in a long time rises inside of me. There is this need to wrap her into my arms and make sure that she’s happy and safe. To see her smile like this.

“You know when women prepare for the arrival of the baby? Buying clothes, putting together the nursery, cleaning, things like that…”

I could see it. Watching Savannah go through all the tiny clothes that barely cover my palm. Fighting with her over who’ll put up the furniture because there is no way she’d just let me do it. Savannah, sitting in a chair, a small bundle in her arms.

I could see it so clearly in my head.

Her. Me. Us.

She looks up, those crystal blue eyes fixing on mine. She must see something on my face because her lips part, “Blake…”

I lean down, my hand going to the back of her neck.

I needed to kiss her.

I didn’t care who saw us or what they said.

I would go crazy if I didn’t kiss her.

It’s been the only thing on my mind since that day in the hospital.

My fingers tighten on her neck.

The blue of Savannah’s irises goes darker as I pull her closer, with only inches separating us…

“Dad! Miss Parker!”

Cursing silently, I close my eyes and press my forehead against Savannah’s. The sound of pounding feet coming closer matches the pounding of blood echoing in my eardrums. Savannah chuckles, her body leaning into mine.

“Later,” I breathe out, a silent promise.

Blinking my eyes open, I grip her neck in warning. Her eyes flare, and I can see heat flash in her irises as I pull back, just as Levi comes to a stop and lifts a toy in the air. “Look! I got this for my baby brother.” I open my mouth, but he’s faster. “Or sister.” He turns to Savannah, and I can see a little bit of uncertainty flash on his face. “Do you like it, Miss Parker?”

Savannah takes the stuffed elephant from Levi. I’m pretty sure I can see her lip wobble before she presses them together and inhales deeply.

I wrap my arm around her middle, pulling her to me. “Softy,” I whisper into her ear, as I lean down and press my mouth against the top of her head, rubbing her arm.

She nudges me with her elbow, her attention on my son. “It’s beautiful, Levi. I love it, and I’m sure the baby will love it, too.”

Levi’s smile grows bigger. “You think?”

“Yes.” She ruffles his hair. “Thank you.”

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