Page 23 of Need You To Choose Me

I couldn’t just pick up my things and leave the place that’s been my home.

There is no missing the pity in Mr. Miles’ eyes. “It’ll probably be a few months. Based on the first look, they’ll need to replace the whole piping system in the house before we can fix the damage to the floors and walls. And that takes time and money.”

“B-but…”

He couldn’t be serious.

But he was. I could see it on his face. There was no changing this.

Mr. Miles places his hand on my shoulder and gives me a soft rub. “Did you sell your grandmother’s house?”

“I…” I shake my head. “No.”

“Then, that’d be a perfect solution. I always wondered why you didn’t ask to move out after Poppy died. God rest her soul.”

That knot is back in my throat, tighter than ever.

There was a reason for my decision, but he didn’t need to know that. Nobody did.

“C’mon”—he places his hand on my back and gives me a fatherly pat—“let’s get your things.”

I let him lead me into the place that was my home. They weren’t joking about the damage to the cottage. The place iswrecked. There is water all the way to my ankles, and you can see the hardwood floors already lifting at certain parts.

I direct Mr. Miles to the kitchen to grab some of the stuff I have there, while I make my way to the bedroom, which looks the worst since it’s the closest to the bathroom. The water also entered my closet, destroying some of the stuff I had stashed in boxes on the floor. Thankfully, most of it is salvageable, so I work quickly to pack everything.

It takes us a good hour and a few trips to my car before it’s full.

“That’s it.” Mr. Miles closes the trunk and dusts off his hands.

All my stuff—my whole life—could fit in one car.

I don’t know why, but that realization makes me sad.

“It’s going to be okay.” Mr. Miles shoots me a soft smile. “I’ll keep you updated on the repairs, but if you’d rather stay at your grandma’s house permanently, let me know.”

Did I have a choice?

God only knew how long the repairs would last. It could be months. And I had a baby on the way. A baby that would be here soon and needed a place to call home.

The day I found out I was pregnant I promised myself I’d do better. That I would make sure my baby had everything I didn’t, and that started with a home. I couldn’t go breaking my promises before he or she was even here.

As the reality of the situation dawns on me, the anxiety starts building inside my chest. My heart races faster, the furious thumping echoing in my eardrums as my vision turns blurry, and I sway on my feet.

“Savannah, are you okay?”

I blink a few times, clearing my sight, and nod. “Fine. It’s just been a long day.”

The older man gives me a soft smile. “Try to get some rest. It’s not good that you’re working so hard when you’re pregnant.”

I let out a humorless chuckle. As if I had a choice.

“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry, but I think I won’t be coming back.” My hand settles on my stomach as I look over his shoulder at the house that was my home for the last few years, giving it one final glance. “This baby is coming soon, and I have to prepare everything. Moving back doesn’t make any sense.”

Mr. Miles nods. “I would imagine so.” He lets out a sigh. “It’ll be hard to find a tenant as good as you. I’ll call you the next time I’m here so I can return your deposit since none of this was your fault.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

And I did. Baby stuff was expensive, and I’ve been trying to save as much as possible to order what I’ll need. I guess it was a good thing that I still haven’t bought anything since it would have probably been destroyed today. A small blessing really.

---