Oh, Lord, he was going to be so angry she hadn’t called him.
He should be here. More, he’d want to be here.
Her insecurities had cost her big this time, but, worse, they’d robbed Rick of the opportunity to be at his son’s birth.
Gram’s words about trust and faith echoed in Savannah’s head and a new fear enveloped her. What if he couldn’t forgive her?
She could lose him and it would be all her fault.
The nurse would be back in a minute. Savannah glanced toward the door but only saw the curtain guarding her privacy. She needed to act now. Maybe his flight had been delayed. Hands shaking, she dialed his cell. She needed to tell him about the baby, needed to tell him how wrong she’d been.
His voice mail came on. Disappointment crashed through her. Too late. She swiped at tears and almost hung up, but he deserved to hear about the baby from her.
“Rick, oh, Rick, I’m so sorry. I should have called sooner, should have had faith in you, but I was stupid.” The door opened, but Savannah rushed on, hoping the nurse would give her a few minutes to finish. “So stupid. I was afraid you’d leave me to do this alone. But that was my fear talking. In my heart I knew better. Know better. You are the best man I’ve ever known. I love you so much—”
The curtain was pushed back and Rick stood there.
She blinked at him, unable to believe her eyes.
“That better be me you’re talking to.” He stepped over, gently took the phone from her and set it on the bedside table.
“Rick.” She threw herself into his arms. They instantly closed around her and tightened, giving her a sense of wholeness and strength. “Claudia called you. Thank God.”
“It should have been you.” She heard the hurt in his voice and cringed.
“I know.” She pulled back and framed his precious face in her hands. “I’m sorry. You’ve been so patient with me, so giving and all I’ve done is doubt you and hold back. I love you.”
She ran her fingers down his cheeks, but looked at his hair, his lips, his chin, anywhere but his eyes.
“I was afraid to tell you, because it would give you too much power over me. But love isn’t something you can harness or control. Hiding my feelings only weakened me and diminished us.” She smiled through her tears. “I know you don’t love me—”
“But I do.”
She blinked. “What?”
“I love you.” The declaration was all the more powerful for its simplicity. “I wanted to tell you before I left but I ran out of time.”
“You love me?” Hope and joy sent warmth flowing through her. “Really?”
“Savannah.” Rick cradled her hand in his, brought it to his mouth and kissed her palm. “Claudia caught me at the airport, but I’d already exchanged my reservation on the plane with Rett. I kept remembering how pale you looked, how active the baby was and I couldn’t leave you. I love you. I love our child. I want to live the rest of my life with you.”
“So you forgive me?”
“Of course I do. We’re together now, and that’s what matters.” Still holding her hand he shifted so he stood beside the bed. “I’d go down on one knee, but I wouldn’t be able to see you. Savannah Jones, I love you. Will you marry me?”
A contraction hit.
Her breath caught in her throat and she clamped down on his fingers. Before the contraction finished and she could accept his proposal, Rick went into panic mode, which was really interesting to see for the thirty seconds it lasted.
He turned white while his gaze darted wildly around the room as if he might find the doctor hiding in the corner. He barked out questions and concerns that she had no breath to respond to.
Finally he caught himself, inhaled and gathered his control.
“Stay right there. I’m going to find the nurse.”
She nodded between panting breaths. Right. She’d stay right here.
The nurse returned without Rick, declaring he was being prepped to join Savannah in the birthing room. From that point on there was no opportunity to speak to him alone. She was too busy having their baby.
A few hours later Rick stood at Savannah’s bedside, his arm draped over her pillow, their fingers linked near her shoulder, watching his grandmother cradle his son in her arms. It was a sight he’d thought he’d never see.
What a waste it would have been.
The room was packed with people, with more waiting in the lobby for their chance to admire the newest addition to the family.
Savannah pulled on his hand and he looked down. Exhausted but euphoric, she’d never been more beautiful to him. Bending, he kissed her gently.
“You are amazing.” He praised her. “Thank you for my son.”
“Charles Joseph after your grandfathers. Gram is pleased.”
“Gram is ecstatic. Little Joey will be the apple of her eye.” He didn’t know how life could get any better, except maybe being alone with Savannah and his son.
“Yes,” she said softly.
“Yes?”
She smiled into his eyes. “I love you. And yes, I’ll marry you.”
His heart melted. Finally.
Life had just gotten better.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-0202-3
THE BOSS’S SURPRISE SON
First North American Publication 2011
Copyright © 2011 by Teresa Carpenter
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