by Lynn Landes
“You’re never gonna find her in time!” Fred spits his blood and teeth out on the ground.
“Where is she?” Dayton shouts.
One of the security guards finds an empty rolling cart with blood inside. “She’s not here,” he snaps. Fred laughs manically, and Dayton turns away from him.
“She can’t be far,” Dayton tells Maxwell. “I just passed him on the way down. We need to check every level.”
“Already on it,” Max says, “We’ll find her, Dayton.”
“You’ll find pieces of her,” Fred shouts as Security tries to drag him to the office to wait for the Sheriff.
Dayton closes his eyes, “Lord please cover Savannah with your protective embrace, shelter her in your wings, keep her safe and guide my path,” he prays.
“That’s right, pray, fool, she’ll need it!” Fred grunts as one of the guards knock him accidentally into a doorway.
“Sir! We found something.”
The young maid is crying and holding her head. “He slammed me into the wall,” she weeps.
“The doctor is on the way, Maria, tell me did you see a girl with red hair?” Maxwell asks.
“No just a smelly, drunk, man. I was on the third floor, and he had a cart, when I offered to take it, he slammed past me.”
“What’s on the second floor, Max?” Dayton demands as Max draws a pistol from his safe and turns around.
“Laundry!” They start running for the employee stairs. “It has stairs leading outside, but it’s locked down.”
“He’ll be desperate now,” Dayton grumbles.
Savannah wakes and grabs her head against the pain. She is stuffed inside something moving, and sheets are on top of her. Her face is stinging against the pain of being punched and her head is throbbing. Reaching down for her boot, she grabs the four-inch blade she carries inside and slips it free of the sheath. It’s not much, but she won’t be struck down again without a fight.
She freezes when she hears a man mumbling, and the cart lurches to a sudden stop. “Stupid, Len, stupid. Need a drink,” he snarls and leans back against the wall to drink.
Savannah slowly begins to cut the bag holding her. She can see it! Light, she’s in a hallway, and the man is leaning against the wall, drinking something.
“Can I help you, sir?” a young man calls out.
“No, get back to work!” he grabs the cart and pushes through two large swinging bay doors, and Savannah desperately begins to cut the material on the side away from where the man is. Within a matter of seconds, she slices the large canvas bag from top to bottom.
“Hey, what are you doing in here?” A voice shouts and the cart stops, giving Savannah the chance to escape. She leaps from the cart and runs, ignoring the shouting and screaming behind her.
Maxwell and Dayton run inside just as Savannah runs towards them.
“Stop!” Len shouts and shoots at the yellow blur of silk. Savannah screams and drops to the ground at the same moment Maxwell shoots.
Len drops while Dayton runs for Savannah. “Savannah!”
“He missed me,” Savannah groans and sits up with Dayton’s help. “Good thing he was drunk,” she gasps.
Dayton laughs and wraps her in his arms, peppering her with kisses, “Savannah, I thought,” he presses a kiss to her split lip only to jump when she flinches. “Forgive me,” he pleads.
She smiles in his arms, and wonders, grabbing her head against the pain. What do I do now, she wonders?
The Doctor on staff treats Savannah. “You are one lucky lady,” the Doctor says and snaps his bag shut. “He didn’t break your jaw. It will be sore and bruise, but you’ll be alright. The headache will wear off, just sleep and drink a lot of water.” Dayton argues about the condition of her head, and she has to laugh back hysterical tears. “Could I please sleep now?”
Belinda shoos them from the room and covers her in a large blanket. “Savannah, if you need anything, you pull this chord.” It’s a long velvet chord hanging beside her bed for the concierge.
“I only need Dayton,” she whispers back a yawn, and her eyes close.
“I understand,” Belinda turns and walks into the parlor of the suite.
Dayton sits with Belinda and Max after the Doctor leaves. He explains the truth of Savannah’s promise. They are both silent for a moment, when Dayton is finished with his tale and when Maxwell speaks Dayton is dumbfounded.
“You are a fool!” he hisses. “I’ve been friends with you for years. She’s perfect for you.”
Belinda nods in agreement, “She loves you, Dayton, and if you throw that away, I know a ballroom full of men who would kill to be married to someone with the strength of character she’s shown.”
“I won’t lose her,” Dayton snaps.
“Why?” Max demands. “Ask yourself that question. When you thought she was dead for a fraction of a second, what went through your mind?
“Everything I hoped and wished for means nothing, compared to the promise of Savannah,” Dayton whispers.
Belinda tears up and grips his hand, “Tell her.”
“I will,” he promises, and she hugs him. “Thank you, both.”
Chapter 43
Sunset on Lake Michigan is beautiful. The yachts have started to leave, the races are over, and Savannah stares out over the water, wondering what her future will hold. She slept for five hours before she woke. After a hot bath and dinner of soup, Savannah feels more presentable. The headache is almost gone, leaving her neck and jaw to heal.
Dayton has been busy dealing with the Sheriff and answering questions about Fred and Len. He received the telegram from the U.S. Marshall’s office announcing the arrest of Senator Buren for treason. Fred’s in custody, and that means she’s free. It’s over, truly over now, and her heart is breaking because that means she can set Dayton free.
Savannah swipes away a tear and refuses to look at the reflection staring back her from the window. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this,” she whispers and touches a hand to the cold glass.
“No, it wasn’t.”
Savannah jumps and turns to look at Dayton standing in the doorway.
“May I come in?” he asks even as he steps towards her.
“You’re already in,” she teases.
“So I am,” he reaches for her face and lifts it to look at the swollen cheek and split lip. “I’m sorry I wasn’t with you, again.” His dark eyes show his emotions. “It’s purple.”
Savannah pulls away from him, “It’s not your job to care for me,” she turns to walk away from him.
Dayton frowns and follows her. “I feel like I’ve let you down. Twice now, I’ve failed to protect you.”
“It’s over now. You’re free, and so am I.” She smiles a watery smile and turns her back on him.
“Is that all you want, Savannah, your freedom?” he asks with a sinking heart.
NO, her heart screams, and she’s frozen unable to speak as he moves to her. “I don’t know what to say, Dayton?” she says.
“Then let me say it for you. I love you, Savannah Ward. I love your spirit, your bravery, your courage,” he presses a gentle kiss to her swollen lip, “I love that you fight for what you believe in. I love that you have a strong faith, that you have struggled and overcome your challenges. I need a woman with all of those rare traits, but none of that matters if she isn’t you.”
Savannah is weeping softly when he drops to his knee and pulls out a blue velvet box. “I’m sorry, I can’t,” she says and steps away from him.
Dayton stares at her and stands up. “Why?” he asks softly.
“Just last night you were ready to label me a gold digger, and today you claim to care for me. I don’t trust you, Dayton.” She turns and walks over to grab her handkerchief, hoping he will leave.
“I made a mistake. I’m sorry I hurt you, but can you cast me aside so easily? Do you demand only perfection?”
She sniffs and wipes her eyes with her handkerchief. “Of course not, Dayton. Th
is can’t work. It’ll be nothing but hurt. Don’t you see?”
“No, I don’t!” He growls and moves closer to her.
“We have other lives,” she turns away unable to bear the hurt in his eyes.
Dayton draws in a deep breath, time to fight for her, he tells himself.
“Can you tell me how Oliver earned your loyalty after only two weeks?” His hurt colors his words, and she turns to look at him. “Explain it to me, Savannah!” He shoves the ring box back in his pocket. “Help me understand why you’d give your heart to a dying one, but not a living one?”
“Please, stop, Dayton. It’s for the best,” she starts to weep.
“No, it isn’t.” Dayton grabs her hand and holds it over his heart. “Feel it! It beats stronger when you’re near. If you’d let it, it would be only for you!”
Savannah pulls away, sobbing once again and his anger grows. “So, the woman who claims to never back down runs like the little mouse when it’s time to live.”
“Dayton, that’s enough!” she shoves at him forcing him to release her.
“You’re right, it is. You gave your word to a dying man because it was safe.”
Savannah stares at him and knows he’s right. Dayton turns to go, and panic fills her heart.
“Dayton,” she calls to him, stopping him before he leaves. “Never, once when I walked amongst the dead and dying was I afraid.” She moves closer to him. “But when I look into your eyes, I’m terrified.”
“Why?” he gentles his touch and pulls her closer to him.
“You have my heart, Dayton. I won’t survive if something happens to you,” she cups his face.
“I won’t carry that burden, Savannah. You’re stronger than that.” She shoves away from him in anger.
“Now who is demanding perfection? I’m human, Dayton! I’ll never be perfect. I don’t know how. I can’t live up to that,” she cries.
“I don’t demand perfection, Savannah.” He grabs her gently by her upper arms again. “I see you. With your impulsiveness, your inability to stay in one place, how drama follows you…” Savannah laughs and covers his mouth and hope flares in his heart.
“That’s enough of that,” she declares. He pulls her hands from his mouth.
“I also see your beauty, Savannah. I see you riding across a field, set fire by the setting Sun and I wonder if the Sun is jealous of the way you shine.”
“Dayton,” she whispers.
“There is no fear in love, Savannah. If you love me, you will take a chance with me. I will never give up on us.” Dayton kisses her softly, tasting the saltiness of her tears and when she shutters in his arms, hope flares.
“Let’s try this again,” Dayton sets her back away from him, and lowers to one knee. This time when he pulls out the blue velvet ring box, she lights up with a smile. He opens it revealing an oval ruby center stone set in a platinum floral filigree. Savannah gasps and covers her mouth.
“Savannah Ward, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” Dayton asks.
“Yes,” she cries as he slips the ring on her finger and kisses her softly.
“Is that a promise, Miss Ward?” he demands.
“I promise, that I will love you, Dayton Patrick, for now, and for all time and I will become your wife,” she says with a clear, strong voice full of love for him.
“Finally!” He swoops her up into his arms. “Tomorrow?” he asks.
“What?” she pushes back and looks at him, “Are you serious?”
“I am.”
The night is spent planning a wedding and speaking of the future. As soon as he can convince her, Savannah goes to bed to sleep to heal, and Dayton goes to share the good news with Maxwell and Belinda.
“Tomorrow!” Belinda shouts. “The courthouse? No, she deserves more than that!”
Max laughs, “Let us help you. Belinda, my love, do you remember the little church on the point overlooking the lake?”
Her eyes grow wide, “It’s perfect! I will go first thing in the morning, but you will have to wait until tomorrow night to be wed.” Belinda stomps away shouting to two of the serving girls. “We can use flowers from the ball…”
“You’re a lucky man Maxwell Fields,” Dayton says with a smile.
“Yes, I am.
Chapter 44
“Wake up, Cherie, we have much to do today!” Belinda throws open the drapes and claps her hands.
Savannah jumps and sits up blocking the sun from her eyes. “What’s wrong?” she shouts.
“Nothing’s wrong. It’s your wedding day!” Belinda rushes to her side and laughs when Savannah flops back down on the pillow.
“You scared ten years off my life!” she grumbles.
“Get up!” she tugs on her hands. “Louis will be here soon and so will your breakfast!”
“Louis?” Savannah sits up suddenly awake. “Why is he coming here?”
“Dayton demanded the best for you, and that’s my Louis, of course,” Belinda smiles when a knock sounds. “They are here. I will set up your breakfast try in the living area.”
“I don’t understand, Belinda. We are just going to the courthouse, I thought,” Savannah murmurs.
“No. You will want to remember this day, and if you trust us, we will make it a beautiful memory for both of you!”
Savannah tears up, “How did we get so lucky to find such amazing friends?”
“I don’t know, but I’m thankful to know you as well. Now let’s plan a wedding that will make sure Dayton Patrick know how lucky he is.”
Fully awake now, Savannah smiles.
“I don’t have all day!” Louis shouts and Savannah throws back the covers with a laugh.
Dayton spends the day arranging their passage on a first-class sleeper car to Kentucky. He sends a telegram to Savannah’s family and his own informing them of the wedding. His family will demand a large party at the very least. After securing the marriage license, he prays Savannah will not have second thoughts.
The next two days will be spent in the private log cabin on the Lake. His body reacts just thinking about two days, locked away from the world, loving Savannah and making her his.
Belinda hands Savannah a note with some flowers from Dayton when she walks into the living area.
Savannah,
I don’t know how I survived this long without your touch, your smile, your love, and after tonight I hope to never know again. I will live every second for you, with you and with our love as the guiding light.
All my love,
Dayton
Savannah doesn’t try to wipe the tears that stream down her bruised cheeks.
“What happened to your face?” Louis shouts.
“That’s a long story, Louis,” Belinda sighs. “No more tears, Savannah. This is a happy day.”
Savannah holds the note to her chest, “I know, you’re right.” She smells the flowers and turns to Louis.
“I need a wedding dress, Louis. One that will make him proud to call me his wife,” Savannah says.
Louis walks close and lifts her chin and turns her face to look at the bruising before looking into her eyes. “From what my sister tells me, He’s the lucky one, Miss Ward. Never dim you value, nor dull your shine. Mr. Patrick will be the envy of every man, but not because of a dress.”
Savannah is shocked speechless and humbled by his words, “Thank you.”
Belinda sniffs and leans a head on her brothers’ shoulder, “Don’t make her cry again.” Louis kisses Belinda’s forehead and nods to Savannah.
“Enough sentiment, let’s get to work.” He strides to the door, and three ladies come in carrying gowns in varying shades of whites, creams, peaches, pinks, and blues. “I keep samples in different colors and styles. I’m sure you will find one that you love.”
“I can help with the bruise,” Belinda says.
Hours later they leave through the side entrance of the hotel.
Along a narrow country road nestled next to the Lake, the sunset r
eflects off the deep blue water, and Dayton waits for Savannah.
Inside a little white chapel with a beautiful bell-tower, the sun streams through a round window allowing the golden light to dance off the wide wood plank floors and white pews. Dayton waits nervously inside the church for the sound of the carriage and when it finally comes his heart starts pounding with excitement. He strides to the double entry doors and watches the closed carriage roll down the dirt road, towards him.
The moment she steps down his heart stops. Dressed in an ivory brocade two-piece bustle wedding dress with woven paisley motif, trimmed in beige organza bows and pleated frill, Savannah is a dream, in a fitted silk bodice, long skirt and train. Her gorgeous hair is pulled up on the sides, and her curls are left loose down her back with small flowers tucked inside.
Her eyes meet his as she is lifted from the carriage to her feet by Maxwell. The dress is lovely, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the love shining in her eyes. Dayton steps down and walks to her unable to wait any longer. “You look exquisite, Savannah,” he says.
“We’ll meet you two inside,” Belinda says, and Maxwell guides her up the steps and into the church.
“Dayton, are you sure?” His mouth covers her in a determined kiss.
“I can’t wait to make you mine, Miss Ward. The question is, are you ready to begin a new adventure together?”
“I’m ready.” Together they walk inside, between rows of floral lined wooden benches with candles glistening along the floor to a new dream.
Standing in front of the Pastor they join hands, with Belinda and Maxwell as their witnesses, they exchange vows.
I, Dayton Patrick, take you Savannah Ward to be my partner in life,
I will cherish our friendship, I will trust you and honor you,
I will laugh with you, and I will cry with you,
but more importantly, I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst
I will love you through the difficult and the easy