“Feel better?” he asked, amused.
“I will once they are on their way. I’m giving them a bon voyage party in the morning once they sober up.”
“Your momma does like her wines and spirits.”
“Unfortunately. The more she drinks, the more she whines. ‘You ruined my life Savannah. You little ingrate, after all I’ve done for you,’” Savannah said in a high, exaggerated voice. “I spent nine months in her womb, and I’ve been paying the mortgage on it ever since.”
“No worries. My dad thinks my birthday should be a celebration of his terrific aim into my mother’s uterus. Logan sends him a thank you card on his birthday. Ironically, of course.”
Savannah laughed. He loved to hear that laugh. He was getting accustomed to that sound, and it made him feel content and warm inside.
“I am so sorry—” Savannah began, but Austin interrupted her by pulling her into his arms and giving her a kiss.
“Sorry about what?” he murmured when they finally broke apart.
“My nightmare of a family. I will be rescinding your invitation to the ranch. They may scare the horses bringing that wretched film crew with them.”
“No worries. I told you, I am an expert on nutty families.” He kissed her nose. “And plotting ex-boyfriends.”
She frowned. “I’m sorry about him too. Levi loves the camera. I’m sure he didn’t think twice about it being an invasion of my privacy when he helped them find me with a camera crew along. Now half of Harper’s Grove probably knows I’m her daughter.”
“Maybe Levi wanted to score points. It’s obvious he regrets losing you. The celebrity family is just a bonus.”
“He regrets not being part of that circus in there.” She shook her head. “I came to the realization a long time ago that I was not his focal point in the relationship. He wants to be a celebrity doctor with his own show.”
“I think he’s in for a surprise. Alex isn’t going to tolerate grandstanding in his hospital.”
“I know. I didn’t think Levi would remain at Serenity Springs for a long time. It turned out to be much more regimented than he anticipated. Alex wrangles those egos and forces some humility on them. People like Levi find that a hindrance to their career goals.”
“Sooner or later he’ll have to decide if he’s the kind of doctor who cares about his patients or cares only about himself. Maybe he’ll make the right choice.”
“Oh, and thank you for getting rid of those cameras and that stupid light in our faces. You are now among a small minority who can persuade my mother to part with her most intimate lover: the spotlight.” She laced her fingers around his neck. “Tell me the truth, you know magic.”
“You did say I have a way with women.” He raised an eyebrow.
“I did.” She smiled. “I think I’m falling under your spell too.”
“I’m not concerned with other women, just you.” He brushed his lips against hers.
“This isn’t how I wanted the night to end.”
“Oh yeah? You had a finale in mind better than the show at the restaurant?”
“I was seriously considering forgoing my first date rule and doing some really sexy things with you.” She trailed kisses down his neck.
He groaned. “And that is the perfect gut punch to a wacky evening. I think I’ll go home and take an ice cold shower.”
“I had a wonderful time with you.”
“I did too. Let’s say we do it again tomorrow?”
She stopped her sensual assault and looked up at him. “You’re willing to go out with me again after you’ve heard a bunch of my crazy family’s dirty laundry revealed in one evening?”
“You are not your family. You are a beautiful, independent woman who doesn’t let shallow people dictate her being. I must say that is one of your sexiest attributes. And you have several other qualities that are outstanding.”
“I appreciate you saying that.”
“Good night, Savannah.” Austin kissed her again and headed to the car.
Austin waved as he pulled out of her driveway. It was all he could do to not stop the car and take her with him. He wanted to be with her, and the zany events of the evening only made him excited about another date without the reality show antics. She made his heart beat wildly again for the first time in a long while. She made him think that maybe it was time to trust again that relationships didn’t end in abject failure and recriminations. She made him want to believe that true love was possible.
Austin tapped on the wheel and hummed along to the song, thinking about the crazy evening they’d had. He worried that Savannah would think his family nuts. It was nice to know her kin were just as crazy as his clan. Surely T.K. would top anything her mother could do.
He stopped humming when it occurred to him that he was thinking of introducing her to his family. He’d been thinking about having a future with her.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Austin stuffed another shirt into his bag and checked his watch as he went back into his walk-in closet to get a few more things. The last thing he’d expected to hear when he got a call from an old Navy buddy was that Mike, one of their SEAL team members, had passed away. He’d dodged bullets and defended his country only to be taken out in a freak accident by a head-on collision on the highway while riding his motorcycle. The funeral was tomorrow, and his friend would be interred at Arlington cemetery as his final resting place.
He’d called and planned a second date with Savannah now that things were settling down with her family. Her mother and sister had stayed in town an extra day, and she’d been working hard at the paper. But the smoke finally cleared when he called her and asked if they could try again. Hopefully this time it wouldn’t be with a barrage of cameras around them. And then he’d received the call about Mike’s accident and the funeral…
He’d called friends and let them know he’d be out of town. The ranch staff was aware he’d be away. All that was left to do was track Savannah down and get a goodbye kiss to tide him over until he returned.
Bags packed, he went into the wine cellar and snagged a bottle of Marco’s pinot grigio. He gave the place a last look as he moved through the house, then put the house alarm on and jumped in his truck. He’d be taking a private plane, so he’d scheduled a late afternoon flight. The boys would be getting together tonight at a hotel for drinks in D.C. and he wanted to be there. He hadn’t seen some of them in quite a while, but it always felt like no time had passed whenever they got together. They’d shared some pretty intense experiences in their line of work, and their bond was tighter than the allegiance they’d pledged to their country.
Austin parked his truck in a parking spot and dashed into the florist shop. “Hey, Molly.”
“Austin.” She rounded the counter and kissed him on the cheek. “Always good to see you.”
“I hate to rush you, but can you put together something awesome in a short time?”
“For you, anything.” She grabbed a bucket and began moving around the store. “What mood are we going for?”
He thought about it for a minute. “To new possibilities.”
“Romantic.” She giggled. “I have just the thing in mind.”
“Spare no expense. I’ll come back in say, fifteen minutes?”
“Sure.”
He left the florist and headed for the bakery. Barbara Jean wasn’t there but her assistant baker Farrah was manning the counter.
“Hey, Austin. Always good to see you. What can I do you for?”
He looked in the display. “How are the lemon cupcakes?”
“Tart with just the right amount of sweet, and it cleanses the palate. It’s very refreshing.”
“I’ll take two dozen.”
“You got it.”
Farrah didn’t waste any time putting the order together. She put a chocolate chip cookie, one of his favorites, in a separate bag. He thanked her and was on to his last stop, the stationery store.
He smiled at the woman behind t
he counter. “India. How are you?”
“I’m better now that you’re here.”
“I’m looking for a card.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“Something that says ‘I’ll miss you like crazy.’”
“Whoa. Big change.” India smiled. “The last time you were in here, you got a ‘sorry you broke your arm’ card for one of your friends in Texas.”
“I guess I’m evolving.”
She rushed over to a section that said romance in spades. She selected a card from the racks. “Here. It’s new. I think it conveys the tone you want and will bring a smile to her face.”
“You are the best, India.” He walked with her to the register and pulled a twenty out of his wallet.
“The only thing that would make this moment better is if you were sending it to me,” India gushed as she handed him his change and the bag.
“I don’t think your new boyfriend appreciate that.” He winked.
He headed back to Molly’s to pick up the floral arrangement and stopped in his tracks when he saw the bouquet. She’d given him a plethora of color and depth. It was gorgeous.
“Thanks Molly,” he said. “This is a wonderful bouquet.”
“You’re welcome. You got lucky. I’ve never put together a bouquet this good-looking in such a short timeframe. That smile of yours could inspire me to build a floral Eiffel Tower.”
“They come in handy from time to time.” He handed her a hundred dollar bill and picked up the flowers. “Have a good day.”
“Wait. Your change,” she called out.
“Keep it. You deserve it.” He waved and got back into his truck.
Now for the best part…and the hardest part. A kiss from Savannah. And then telling her he had to leave town.
He drove the few blocks down the main street and parked in front of city hall. Savannah was inside, holding the committee meeting for Angela’s fundraiser. He knew she’d have an audience, but there was no other way to do this. He couldn’t wait until after the meeting to see her or he’d miss his flight.
He scribbled a message to her in the card, then put it back in the envelope. He gathered the rest of the things and headed inside. As he walked down the hall juggling the items, he could hear her voice coming from the meeting room.
He was already smiling when he reached the doorway and looked inside. He saw Savannah immediately as well as Peyton and a few other ladies he recognized. Lucinda was there. Her eyes lit up a bit when she saw him, but he kept his eyes trained on Savannah.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he said. Everyone in the room turned their attention to him. “Savannah? Can I see you for a moment?”
Her eyes widened. “Sure.”
“These are for you.” He handed her the bouquet, wine, and the card. “The cupcakes are for you and the ladies.”
“Thank you.” Savannah took a good whiff of the bouquet. “They’re beautiful.”
“That’s the prettiest bouquet I’ve ever seen,” Peyton said.
“It is indeed. I’ll get a vase from my office,” Maureen said as she hustled out of the room.
“Cupcakes.” Barbara Jean opened the box. “Oh, these are so good. My latest masterpiece.”
“This is all very lovely and whimsical, but I feel like this is leading somewhere.” Savannah held up the greeting card.
Peyton liberated the wine bottle from Savannah’s hand. “I’ll take that. Ooh, you’re in luck. Marco’s pinot grigio is like drinking from the water fountains of the gods.”
Austin took Savannah’s hand in his own, holding her gaze. “I got a call that a Navy buddy of mine died. I’m on my way to his funeral.”
“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry to hear that. Can I give you a lift to the airport?”
“Everything’s been arranged.” He caressed her arms. “I just wanted you to know I’d be gone for a few days, and I’ll be ready for our second date when I get back.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her on the lips. “Nothing could stop me from being with you. Not even a scripted reality show. I’ll call you when I’m on my way home.”
“I-I hope everything goes well,” Savannah stammered. “Give your friend’s family my condolences.”
“Will do,” he said and walked out of the room.
He caught the menacing look coming from Lucinda. He’d been avoiding her since she’d dropped by his ranch that day. He had a feeling today she’d finally get the hint that he wasn’t interested and she’d let things lie. After all, he was pretty sure by the end of the day the entire town would know what his intentions were with Savannah. But more importantly, Savannah knew he was serious about having a relationship with her. And that’s what he wanted. Someone to take that leap he’d been petrified to take for so many years, afraid he’d get his heart broken.
It was time to be brave and fight the good fight for love. That had a good ring to it.
* * *
Savannah knew she must have been grinning like an idiot, but what the hell. Austin had just done something so romantic it was all the ladies talked about for the rest of the meeting. Angela’s event was on schedule, and it was certain to have a good turnout. The only person not basking in the glow of Austin’s romantic gesture was Lucinda. If looks could kill, Lucinda’s eyes would have been registered as weapons of mass destruction.
Despite the evil looks from her rival, they did have a productive meeting. In addition to the Night of Romance event, the community had come together again. They were going to do an auction of goods and services of local business owners that would be sure to bring in money for the restaurant as well.
Peyton seemed even more excited about Austin’s display of affection than Savannah was. The whole time Savannah had known her, she’d never gotten that vibe that Peyton was secretly in love with Austin like Lucinda bitched about on air. Austin wasn’t hung up on Peyton; he loved her like a sister. She was touched when Peyton told her that Austin had helped her shop for her wedding dress. Which kicked up his endearing factor mega fold.
Once the meeting was wrapped up, Peyton stayed behind to help her clean up the room. “I think we had a good meeting. Don’t you?”
“The heck with the meeting, my bucket of popcorn came out of my purse when Austin charged in here with those romantic trinkets.”
“That was amazing,” Savannah replied.
“Just when you think you know the man, he does something even more awesome than usual.”
“I kind of get why he has a fan club around town.”
“Would you believe he doesn’t get his own appeal? Which makes him all the more attractive.” Peyton shook her head.
“You two are close.” She grinned. “A girl could get jealous.”
“Yeah. But we’ve always been just friends. You know that right? Despite the anonymous cheap shots Lucinda tries to make when she’s on the air.”
“I know. She’s a paranoid windbag. I think she knows you and Austin have a good friendship. I just don’t think she wanted to share him for any reason.”
“Which speaks to her insecurity, and it’s clear she hates your guts for edging her out of the picture.”
“Which makes me wonder why she wanted to be on the committee in the first place?”
“I know.” Peyton gave her an exasperated nod. “She had the nerve to tell me her wedding invitation must have been overlooked otherwise there was no good reason why she wasn’t invited to my wedding.”
Savannah laughed. “The nerve of you only inviting family and friends to your special day.”
“I’m starved. I know I scarfed down the salad and a couple of cupcakes, but I still feel peckish.”
“What do you say we order a pizza and crack open this wine? I know it’s not one of Angela’s pies, but we can pick one up from this nice spot in Palo Verde.” Savannah stacked the chairs against the wall.
“It sounds like a fabulous idea.” Peyton cleaned off the dry erase board.
Once they’d finished tidying up, they drove over
to the pizza place and ordered a pie. She and Peyton were both adventurous. They ordered a wide variety of toppings on it. She’d stopped obsessing so much about what she ate. The showdown with her mom and sister made her realize that she wouldn’t let her eating habits take over her life. She’d made good life changes and exercised. There was no reason to obsess about packing on the weight again.
She fed Blue as soon as they entered the house. As soon as he settled down, she grabbed some plates and wine glasses and she and Peyton hunkered down in the living room.
“Want to watch something on the tube?” Savannah asked.
“I don’t watch much television, but I do like the occasional movie.”
“Any particular genre?”
“I like action.”
“Decade?”
“The 80s is my favorite genre. It was before movies became all about box office receipts. Do you know what I mean?” Peyton scrunched her nose.
“Exactly.” Austin flashed in her head. She knew the perfect 80s movie. “How about we watch Top Gun?”
Peyton laughed. “I think Austin would approve.”
“I have that somewhere.” She rifled through her DVDs. “What’s your favorite 90s movie?”
“Point Break,” they both said at the same time and burst into a fit of laughter.
“Which I have in my collection, by the way. I think we have the makings of a movie marathon.”
“Let’s go for it.”
They continued to eat and talk while they watched the movie. Savannah checked her phone a few times. Austin texted that he’d landed and was getting ready to have dinner with his buddies and he’d call her later. She hoped he was doing OK.
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