Savannah wanted Liam to have a two-parent home, but at what cost? She was regretting having rushed into marrying Caden without giving enough thought to the consequences. She considered that maybe she was trying to recapture the magic of the past and love they’d once shared.
Whatever the reason, now she was stuck in this new, unfamiliar role with a husband who wasn’t helping make the transition any easier. Instead, Caden left it up to other people, minions, to do his bidding. That seriously ticked Savannah off, but tonight she couldn’t show that. Tonight, she had to put on a happy face and play the role of the supportive wife.
She grabbed a much needed glass of champagne and headed to the terrace for some fresh air. She was going back in when she heard her name and quickly hid behind a large potted plant.
“Can you believe Caden Mitchell married his baby mama?” a female voice said as two women walked outside.
“I can’t! He was such a catch,” the other woman said. “We were all vying for him.”
“But she caught him first, Natalee,” the first woman said.
“Or got pregnant on purpose,” the woman Savannah assumed was Natalee said. “She saw an opportunity when he was young and led around by another member of his anatomy.”
Savannah’s heart lurched. So that’s what all these women thought of her? She’d caught the contemptuous and open stares when she and Caden had arrived arm in arm tonight.
The women laughed. “So true. It’s such a shame because he deserves someone better.”
“Yes, he does. And when she falls flat on her face, he’ll realize his mistake and see who he missed out on.”
“You mean you, Natalee?” The other woman laughed.
“Hell yeah. We come from the same background. We would have been perfect together.”
“Too bad he didn’t see it that way,” the woman joked, and their voices trailed off as they stepped back into the banquet hall.
Savannah stepped out of the shadows.
There it was.
She’d heard for herself exactly what people thought about her. To them, she would never be good enough for Caden. Deep down, Savannah believed that too. She doubted that she would ever be fit to stand by the side of the next governor of Maryland as his wife.
“Savannah, there you are,” Caden said. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I was about to give my speech and need you next to me.”
“Is that all you need me for?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Why did you marry me, Caden?” Savannah asked, her voice rising. “I don’t belong. You should have married one of those women in there,” she said, motioning toward the banquet hall. “They would be better suited for this role you’ve place me in.”
“Savannah, don’t do this. Not now. I have to speak in a few minutes.”
“When should I do it, Caden? You’ve refused to talk about this all week. You must have known how I felt after the press conference, but you put your head in the sand and refused to acknowledge it. I don’t know how to do this. I’m not sure how to be the woman it is you’re looking for, the woman you need.”
“You haven’t even tried, Savannah. You’re so ready to give up at the first sign of the going getting tough. Where’s the fighter I knew when we first met? Don’t be a coward. Why don’t you fight for us instead—for what we have or could have?”
Caden turned on his heel.
“Where are you going? We aren’t done with this conversation.”
When he faced her, his eyes were dark as midnight with fire shooting straight at her. “Yes, we are. I have a speech to give, and you can choose to stay out here and pout or you can come inside and stand by my side like you promised.”
Savannah wanted to argue, but he was right. This wasn’t the time nor the place to have this discussion. So she did what was expected and took his hand and walked with him inside.
The ride home was uncomfortably silent, and Caden blamed himself. He’d been too harsh with Savannah. All she’d wanted was for him to spend some time with her discussing their political life. He couldn’t blame her. Politics made for strange bedfellows, so he was sure she needed help navigating this brand new world. Instead, he’d bitten her head off when she expressed her frustration over his lack of availability.
He considered apologizing in the car but thought better of it. He didn’t want the driver to hear their conversation. Politics had made him paranoid. Caden knew that certain discussions were best held in private.
Once they made it inside their home, Savannah immediately went to the master bedroom without a word to him. Caden decided to head to his wet bar in the living room and pour a nightcap to fortify himself for the conversation. After several sips, he made his way to the bedroom. Savannah was already in the master bath with the door firmly shut.
He considered going in after her but thought better of it. She needed some alone time. He did as well, to figure out how to take his foot out of his mouth.
Savannah emerged fifteen minutes later. Her face had been wiped clean and was bright and glowing. Gone was the incredible blue dress, and in its place was a similar pair of pajamas Caden thought he’d dispensed with the other night when he’d taken her up against the shower wall. He told her then not to wear them to bed again. He suspected she was wearing them in defiance.
“Savannah, I’d like to talk.”
Her eyes narrowed, landing on his. “Do you? So you finally have time to talk to me? And now is the appropriate time?” She didn’t wait for his answer and instead strutted past him to the other side of the bed. She snatched back the covers before sliding in.
“I’m sorry,” Caden said. “I seem to be saying a lot of that lately when it comes to you.”
“Perhaps you need to look in the mirror and figure out why.”
“Touché. I deserve that.”
“And more.” Savannah continued, “You were incredibly rude tonight, and I didn’t deserve that.”
“No, you didn’t. I was very anxious, and I took my frustrations out on you.”
“Yes, you did.”
“But you’re not blameless either, Savannah. I agree with you. We should have had a discussion about what to expect as my wife, a man running for public office. But at the same time, I get the feeling you’re ready to take flight at the first sign of trouble. I need to know I can depend on you.”
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
Caden rolled his eyes and threw back the remainder of his drink. He set it on a table. “Reluctantly. I can feel it, and so can everyone else. Would it hurt you to try? You could be capable of great things and have a big impact if you only gave it half the attention you give nursing.”
“So it’s my fault?”
“No, it’s not. Being Mrs. Caden Mitchell isn’t the same as being married to the average Joe. I’m mayor of Baltimore, and with that comes a number of boring engagements and events I must attend. Most I’m able to do alone, but occasionally I need my other half with me. But that’s not what’s bothering you.” Caden interpreted what Savannah wasn’t saying: “You’re afraid of campaigning.”
“Is that so shocking?” Savannah said, tossing back the covers to face him. “Not all of us are as poised and in control as you, Caden. Some of us have fears and insecurities about having our every look or action dissected by the media.”
“I understand.”
“Do you? I don’t think so.” She shook her head. “You threw me to the wolves and let your campaign manager do all the heavy lifting. He made sure I had an assistant to help me figure this all out. What to say, what not to say. How to dress. How to interact with the public and your supporters.”
“I agree. I could have handled this better.”
“Well, you didn’t. But I get it, okay—don’t fuck up.” Savannah turned and plopped her head down on the pillow.
; “Savi.” Caden reached for her shoulder and turned her to face him. “I can’t do this without you, okay? I need you. I admit I didn’t help make this transition easier. What can I do now?”
“Nothing.” She tried to pull her shoulder out of his grasp, but Caden refused to let her go.
“Stop fighting me, Savannah.”
“Everything can’t be your way, Caden. The world doesn’t revolve around you and your needs. Liam and I are here. We moved here to be with you, and we need you to be present. If you wanted to be a part-time father, we could have done that without marrying. Liam and I would have managed just fine on our own. So if you expect our support, you’re going to have to manage your time better and carve out time for us, your family.”
She’s right, Caden thought. He didn’t have any excuse for failing to be a good husband and father. Savannah hadn’t asked for this. He’d come to her with this arrangement, and he wasn’t delivering on the promises he made. That galled him. He was a man of his word.
“I’ll do better. I promise. I’ll figure out this whole work/life balance thing. Will you give me a chance to make this right?”
He searched her eyes and found the answer in those hazel-green depths gazing back at him. Caden couldn’t quite remember any woman looking at him like that with everything in her eyes. Savannah pulled him in for a hug. It wasn’t meant to elicit lust. Was it love? Once again, he felt that strange sensation as if something was thawing inside of him, and when a smile broke across her face, Caden knew he would spend the rest of his days trying to make her happy.
Chapter 21
“We need to adjust my schedule,” Caden told Jack the next day at a Saturday morning strategy session. Caden didn’t mind the weekend meeting because there was still tension between him and Savannah despite their talk last night. Although they appeared to have cleared the air, they hadn’t made love either.
“Problems with the missus?” Jack inquired.
Caden looked up from the speech he’d been reading. “Why would you ask that?”
“Caden, it’s my job to know what’s going on, and it’s evident that Savannah is struggling.”
“Yes, she is. We’re just getting to know each other again. We’re not those twentysomethings with the world at our feet. We have responsibilities, obligations. And I want to be there for my son. Liam needs his father.”
“And you need to campaign.”
“Surely there can be a happy medium,” Caden suggested. “Ensure I have a couple of nights a week free of events, and keep Sunday as a day with my family unless it’s absolutely necessary. Sound good?”
Jack nodded. “I’ll do my best, but you’re tying my hands.”
“It’s unavoidable, but when I hired you I had no idea I was a father. I’ve already missed out on so much with Liam. I don’t want to miss out on more.”
“How bad do you want this, Caden? There will have to be sacrifices.”
“I know that, and I’m prepared to make them.” At Jack’s raised brow, he amended, “Within reason.”
“I doubt your opponent has that caveat.”
“That may be so, but I have to do what I believe is right, win or lose. Can you accept that?”
A smile spread across Jack’s lips. “That’s what I love about you, Caden. You’re a man of conviction, and it’s why I’m going to do my very best to get you elected.”
Savannah pulled her Ford Escape into the driveway of the Mitchell family estate midmorning. She had the day off, and while Liam was visiting a friend, Savannah had intended to run a few errands, but somewhere along the way, her car led her here.
Exiting the vehicle, Savannah walked to the enormous front door. She rang the doorbell and glanced down at her attire. A simple wrap dress with a wide belt and flats were understated and shouldn’t cause Camilla any alarm.
Strangely, the lady of the house opened the door herself. “Savannah?” Shock sprung from Camilla’s caramel features. “What are you doing here?”
“Hello, Camilla. I was hoping I could have a word, if you’re free.”
“Of course.” Camilla swept open the door, and Savannah entered the marble foyer.
“Please follow me. I was on my way to my garden when I heard the doorbell.” Camilla was dressed casually in jean capris and a tunic with flowers adorning it. Her normally chic hair was encased under a head wrap. “What brings you by?”
“Well …” Savannah didn’t relish having to ask, but she needed help. “My role as Caden’s wife is much more than I envisioned or thought about when I accepted his proposal. I was hoping you could give me some pointers, maybe even help me throw a fundraiser for him. Isn’t that what wives do?”
Camilla chuckled, but her brown eyes were wary as they rested on Savannah. “I’m surprised you would come to me. I would imagine I’m the last person on earth you would trust to help you.”
“Although you may not be my first choice, you’ve lived in this arena longer than me and know many of the players in town. I’m woman enough to admit when I’m out of my depth and need help, albeit from an unlikely source.”
“I respect your honesty. Does Caden know you’re here?”
Savannah shook her head fervently. “I would prefer he didn’t.”
“Why not? I’m sure he would appreciate you trying to endear yourself to his world.”
“I want to do this on my own terms, if you don’t mind. I don’t want his interference.”
“As you wish. Come out with me to my garden. We’ll talk as I plant some gardenias.”
“Sounds great.” Savannah was determined to prove to Caden, but more importantly to herself, that she could be an asset to him and not an albatross.
True to his word, Jack adjusted Caden’s schedule to ensure he could be home to share some evenings with Savannah and Liam. Tonight was one such night. His wife’s shocked expression told him she’d thought he’d been telling her what she wanted to hear instead of making meaningful changes.
“What’s for dinner?” Caden asked, taking off his jacket. He tossed it on the couch before walking over and planting a searing kiss on Savannah’s face.
“I’m afraid I’m not making anything terribly fancy,” Savannah replied, somewhat breathless several moments later. “After visiting my abuela, Liam and I were late getting home, so I was making grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. I know it’s not much for a Saturday night.”
“Fine with me.” Caden rolled up his sleeves. “I make a mean grilled cheese.” He stepped from around her to start assembling the ingredients, a loaf of thick brioche bread and gourmet cheeses.
“Caden.” Savannah reached from behind him. “You don’t have to cook. I’ve got this.”
“Nonsense. I’m capable and happy to help.” He bumped her with his hip, pushing her aside.
She smiled. “I know that, but you had a long day while I had the day off.”
“Doesn’t mean your contribution was less meaningful or less than mine.”
“Alright, well, I’m heating up the soup now, and I’ll get the bowls.”
And that is how Caden, Savannah, and Liam spent the evening: eating grilled cheese sandwiches made by him along with steaming bowls of tomato soup. Afterward, they converged on the sofa to watch a baseball game, Liam’s pick for the evening’s entertainment.
Caden was learning more about what was important to his son, along with his quirks. He’d had no idea Liam was a baseball fanatic. Or that Liam hated that Caden put away the dishes in the wrong order and that they weren’t perfectly lined up in the cabinet. Or that Caden installed the toilet paper in the wrong direction in the powder room. Liam had had to show him the proper way to do it.
“I’m glad you were here tonight,” Savannah told Caden later that evening when they climbed into bed. “Liam appreciated having you here.”
“How can you tell?”
/> “It usually takes him time to allow anyone close enough to sit beside him. With you, he didn’t seem to mind.”
Caden had thought Liam hadn’t wanted to be near him. He had so much to learn about Liam’s condition.
“Don’t be discouraged,” Savannah said, turning off the lamp beside her. “He likes you.”
Likes me, Caden thought. He wanted his son to love him. In his head, he understood it took time, but in his heart, it still hurt that he was so behind the eight ball in Liam’s affections. He would have to keep working on their relationship and hope one day love would bloom.
“Don’t worry,” Savannah said, reaching for him in the dark and pulling him into her arms. “Liam is a tough nut to crack, but in time, he’ll come around. Trust me.”
Despite their past, Caden did trust her. Is that why when they were together it felt as if she’d reached down inside his heart and rearranged things so he couldn’t find his balance? Was love blooming in his marriage?
“How’s married life treating you?” Cameron asked Caden when they met up during some rare down time a couple of days later.
Caden had a city council meeting end early and had asked Cameron if he was interested in joining him for a drink at a local pub downtown. The drinks were strong, the cost fair, and they had a pool table and darts. It was a real man’s hangout.
“It’s alright,” Caden said, tossing a dart at the bullseye and missing completely.
“Are you sure about that?” Cameron asked, skepticism evident in his tone. “You’re usually quite good at darts.”
“I’ve had a couple of missteps.” Caden fired another dart and missed. So he tried again and again, and missed every single time.
“Something on your mind?” Cameron asked.
Caden shrugged. “Marriage is proving a bit more difficult than I anticipated, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Claimed by the Hero Page 18