“I was speaking in general, but since you brought it up, I think you squandered your relationship with Savannah.”
“For your information, she divorced me. She ran off to Georgia to her father’s house and didn’t come back!”
“She ran off because you weren’t showing her any attention. You were too occupied with your career and that damn campaign manager of yours. What was her name? Quinn?”
“I’m sorry. How is this any of your business?”
“It’s not.”
“Good. Then let it go.”
Nate waved his beer in the air. “It’s gone. But if I were you, I wouldn’t let her get away a second time. She clearly still loves your ass. I can’t imagine why, but she does.”
“You were letting it go, remember?” asked Edward.
Nate waved his bottle of beer in the air again. “Gone.”
“And what makes you think she still loves me anyway?” Edward pushed. “Did she say something to you?”
“She didn’t have to. The world can see that you both still love each other.” Nate stood. “Anybody want another beer?”
“I’m good,” Jackson said.
“Bring me one,” said Samson.
“None for me,” Denny said. “I have an early flight.”
“You, Pop?” Nate asked.
“No, son, I’m done for the night,” said Paul John.
“Edward?”
“What is it with you and Savannah, anyway? Do you want her?” Edward stood. “You’ve always had this little thing for her. This little crush. So let’s just get it out there in the open. Would you like a roll in the hay with my ex-wife, Nathan Talbot?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about this little obsession you’ve always had for her.”
“Pop, get your son. Please tell him to sit back down before I have to drop him.”
“Nobody’s dropping anybody,” said Paul John.
“Don’t talk to Pop as if I’m not standing here. Talk to me. I’m right here.”
“To answer your question, no, I’m not interested in Savannah or any other woman. As a matter of fact, I’m not interested in women at all, big brother. And it’s been that way for some time. So you have nothing to worry about.”
A disturbed Edward sat back down. “What?”
“There. It’s out there. Nobody has to speculate anymore. It’s right out there in the open,” Nate said.
Every man on the porch was left speechless as Nate went inside. Slammed the screen door behind him.
“I know he’s not saying what I think he’s saying,” Edward said. “What do you do with that information, Pop? How do you deal with that? Aren’t you going to demand that he come back and explain himself?”
“He’s my son, and I love him. That’s how I deal with it,” said Paul John.
“That doesn’t disturb you one bit? He always gets away with stuff. Always has.”
“I don’t necessarily agree with any of your lifestyles. You or your siblings, but I love each of you, in spite of yourselves. Individually. Nothing can change that.”
Edward reclined in his seat. Took a long sip of his beer. Paul John Talbot didn’t get excited about much, Edward knew that, but he wanted his father to get excited this time—to chastise Nate for once. They were Baptists, as his mother was always so quick to remind him. Yet Nate’s revelation had gone unchallenged.
“There was some truth about what he said about you, though. It’s clear that you still love Savannah and that she still loves you. What will you do with that, son? That’s the question.” Paul John stood and then walked into the house.
Chapter 15
Edward’s head bounced against the leather seat. He fought sleep and wanted to be awake to think things through. He needed a plan, and he needed to come up with it long before the wheels of the jet hit the runway. He had to know which direction he was going to take this relationship with Savannah. His plan for romance in the Bahamas had been successful. But he wasn’t sure if he’d romanced her enough to keep her from leaving the country.
When he married Savannah, his mother had insisted that he give her the family ring—the vintage ring with the oval emerald in the center. Tiny diamonds danced around the outer edge of the center stone. It was the ring that his grandfather, Clyde Talbot, had given his bride when they wed. His grandmother had worn it until her death.
“You’re Clyde Talbot’s oldest grandchild,” his mother had told him. “Your father and I want you to give it to Savannah when you propose.”
“Are you sure? It’s an expensive ring, and a family heirloom. That’s a lot of pressure.”
“Your grandfather would want you to have it,” Beverly had insisted.
He’d taken the ring. And when he’d proposed to Savannah, he explained the significance of it. Her tears were an indication that she understood. She had been honored to wear his grandmother’s ring and promised never to take it for granted. She would live up to its legacy, she swore. And she had.
After the divorce, she’d returned it. Placed it in his hand right there at the courthouse. “Thank you for letting me borrow this,” she’d said.
He had returned the ring to his mother, hoped that one of his other brothers would have better luck in love. However, during this visit, he’d built up the nerve to ask for it back.
“You’re going to ask her again?” his mother had asked. “I knew.”
“I should never have left,” he’d told his mother.
“You’re right.” She’d placed her hand against his face. “I told you that.”
“I’m not made of the same stuff my father is made of, Mother. He’s much stronger than I am. Braver.”
“He’s no stronger or braver.”
“I failed her. And my daughter. And I need to make it right.”
His mother placed the emerald in his hand and then closed his fingers around it. “I don’t want this ring back, Edward Talbot. Not unless I outlive Savannah. Which I pray doesn’t happen.”
“I hear you, Mother.”
“Don’t go back for the wrong reasons, either. Go back because you love her, and only that. And if you love her, then Edward, give it everything you have to make it work this time.”
“I will.”
* * *
He glanced over at Savannah as the plane soared to new heights. Her head rested against the window and light snores crept from her lips. He stared for a moment. Wondered what her dreams were made of. When the time was right, he was going to ask her to be his wife again. He was ready to start anew, give their family a chance. He could see himself loving Savannah again. They’d connected in the Bahamas, and his family already loved her to death. Her father might not be so welcoming, but he would deal with him. Edward would respect the man regardless.
He’d even forgiven Savannah for attempting to get a passport for Chloe under false pretenses and without his consent. He’d also forgiven her for filing the petition for relocation and having him served at his downtown office. None of it would matter once they were married.
* * *
He pulled into the driveway of the home that used to be his and turned off the engine. He got out, reached for a sleeping Chloe and pulled her out of the backseat, then followed Savannah to the door as she unlocked it. He took Chloe to her room and placed her in bed. He tramped back down the hardwood staircase and then unloaded their luggage from the trunk, placed it next to the stairwell.
“You need me to take it upstairs?” he asked.
“No, I think I can manage from here,” said Savannah. “Thank you for a lovely weekend.”
“Thank you for coming along.”
“Chloe and I both had a wonderful time with your family,” she said. “And the beach. I particu
larly enjoyed the private island and the beach.”
“Hmm. I’m glad.” He smiled. “Let’s get together this week. I’d like to take you out to dinner, talk about some things. You think you can get a sitter for Chloe...maybe Friday?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Good.” He kissed her cheek and then gently kissed her lips. He held on to her hand. “I’ll give you a call later.”
“Okay.”
Their hands lingered together for a moment. He looked at her ring finger, caressed it. It looked like it needed a little bling. The beautiful stone would look good there, just as it had before. He let her go and almost skipped to his car. He’d give it a week. Be sure he was making the right decision. With all things considered, he would be an engaged man by Friday night.
Edward hit his garage door opener as he pulled into his subdivision. The first thing he noticed was the red Mercedes with the top dropped, parked in front of his house. Quinn stepped out when she saw him pull into the driveway.
“I just took a chance and picked up your favorite!” She held a white plastic bag in the air. “Thai.”
“How did you know what time I’d be here?”
“I just said I took a chance.” She giggled. “I got Thai basil shrimp, spicy curry chicken, green curry tofu for the weird guy who prefers to not eat meat.”
“The weird guy, huh?”
He decided to leave his bags in the trunk. He’d grab them later. Instead he walked in through the garage with Quinn close on his heels. She wasn’t hesitant about going straight to his kitchen. She pulled two plates from the shelf and grabbed two forks and two wineglasses.
“Don’t be shy. Make yourself at home,” he said sarcastically.
“Don’t mind if I do.” Quinn prepared a plate of green curry tofu for Edward. “So how was the trip?”
“Nice.”
“Your parents’ anniversary party was spectacular?”
“Wonderful,” said Edward, “and it was great seeing my family. All my sisters and brothers were there. I took Chloe and Savannah, too.”
“Really? I didn’t know that Savannah went.” Quinn’s demeanor changed a bit. “Something I need to know?”
“No.”
“Wow, you took her to the Bahamas. That’s different,” Quinn said as she made herself a plate. She walked over to Edward’s wine rack, grabbed a bottle of Chardonnay. “Where’s the corkscrew?”
“Top drawer.” Edward sat at the island in the kitchen, a plate of Thai food in front of him. He grabbed a fork and dug in. “This is good.”
“I know it is. The best damn Thai food in Florida.” She found the corkscrew and opened the bottle of wine. Poured two glasses.
“I’m thinking about asking Savannah to marry me again,” he stated.
“Yeah?” She pretended not to be alarmed by the news. “What makes you think she wants to remarry your behind?”
“Because I’m a good man. And I’m her baby’s daddy—” he rubbed his chin “—and I’m fine as hell.”
“You are all of those things,” she said, “but that doesn’t necessarily warrant a marriage proposal, Casanova.”
“No, it doesn’t. But love does. I realized that I still love her, and I think we can make this work.” He pulled the emerald out of the pocket of his shirt and showed Quinn. “My mother gave me the ring back, and I’m going to propose.”
“Wow! That’s, uh...” She cleared her throat, took a drink of her wine. “That’s deep. A lot must’ve happened on that trip.”
“A lot did.” Edward finished the helping of food and took a gulp of wine. “I’m going up and hop in the shower. I’m really tired and want to just unwind.”
“Sure, I will—I’ll just finish up here and clean up my mess,” said Quinn. “I’ll let myself out.”
“You sure?” he asked.
“Of course. No worries. Go take a shower.”
“Okay, cool. Maybe I’ll see you at the office tomorrow,” Edward said as he headed to his bedroom. “Or maybe I won’t.”
“You will! Because you’re a workaholic!”
“I’ll be there,” he replied.
He knew that Quinn would be bothered by his news about Savannah, which was why he gave it to her straight, no chaser. She needed to know sooner rather than later. Plus he needed to hear himself say it to her. Somehow that made it real. In addition, he knew that it was necessary for their friendship to change if he had any hopes of a future with Savannah. He would slowly disconnect from her. She would chafe at it, but he had to do it. He couldn’t risk losing Savannah again. He had to fight for them with all of his might this time.
Chapter 16
The moment Savannah lifted the black suitcase to carry it upstairs, she knew that it wasn’t hers. It was too heavy. Edward had gotten their luggage mixed up again. She had his suitcase, and he had hers. They’d had matching luggage for years, and she’d sworn that she was going to buy something brighter in color, not the drab black leather bag that she’d owned for too long. She needed her bag—her toiletries, makeup and other unmentionables were inside. She called his cell phone. It went straight to his voice mail.
“Shoot,” she whispered.
She slipped a pair of sandals onto her feet and loaded a sleepy Chloe into the backseat of her car.
“We have to go see Daddy,” she explained to her five-year-old. “He took the wrong luggage. I promise we’ll be back soon, and you can get back into your comfy bed. Are you hungry?”
“Yes,” said Chloe.
“Maybe we’ll grab a pizza on the way back.”
“With pepperoni?”
“Whatever you want, sweetie. Now buckle up.”
Savannah drove across town to Edward’s neighborhood. She hoped he would answer his phone—save her the trouble of unloading Chloe and coming inside. He could just bring the luggage out to the car, and make the switch without her having to lift a finger. She was drained, and wanted nothing more than a long, hot shower and to hop into a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. She had a long day ahead of her. It was time to pack up her office and prepare for her future. She’d decided to put London on hold for a bit, at least until she determined what it was that she and Edward were doing. She felt as if they’d reconnected, bonded, and perhaps they had a chance at a real future. She owed it to herself and Chloe to at least find out.
She pulled up in front of his house and noticed the red Mercedes parked out front. He had company. She dialed his number again. It rang this time.
“Hello,” said the female voice on the other end.
“I’m sorry, I must have the wrong number.”
“Who are you looking for?”
“Edward Talbot.”
“You have the right number.”
Her hands shook, and her heart beat rapidly. “May I ask who this is?”
“It’s Quinn.”
She’d suspected that it was. “Is Edward available? He mixed up our luggage again, and I just need to get my bag.”
“He’s showering right now,” she said. “We were about to turn in for the night. Can I give him a message?”
She was enjoying this. Savannah could hear the satisfaction in her voice.
“No. None.” She quickly hung up. Sat there for a moment to gather her emotions.
She hated him at that moment. They’d been in town for less than a few hours and Quinn was already in his home, and obviously in his bed, too. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes, but she willed them not to. She wouldn’t cry over Edward again. She had no more tears for him. She couldn’t for the life of her figure out why he would drag her all the way to the Bahamas, seduce her and then break her heart again. And she didn’t want to know. She just wanted to forget that Edward Talbot existed.
She pulled into her driveway and
sat there for a moment, a pepperoni pizza in the passenger seat next to her and Chloe asleep in the backseat. Those tears that she’d willed not to fall earlier were much stronger than she thought. They had a mind of their own, and slowly crept down the side of her face and burned her cheeks. She turned her head and looked out the window. Here she was feeling this way again. She pulled her cell phone out again. Pulled up the text message from Maia’s friend at the State Department. Responded.
Change of heart. I will need that passport for my daughter after all.
ASAP! When can we meet?
She wiped tears from her eyes, got herself together and then stepped out of the car. She reached into the backseat of the car.
“Let’s go inside, baby,” she said to Chloe and lifted her out of her car seat. “Mommy’s got pizza.”
After eating and putting Chloe to bed, she cleaned the kitchen. Her cell phone buzzed and she looked at the screen. Edward had the nerve to call. Had he finished loving his girlfriend and now wanted a conversation with her? She ignored the call and poured herself a glass of wine instead. She started the dishwasher and then climbed the stairs to her bedroom. She turned on her stereo and listened to Jill Scott serenade her with an appropriate song, a remake of Billie Holiday’s “Good Morning Heartache,” while Chris Botti accompanied her with his horn. She drew a hot bath, climbed in and relaxed her head against the tub.
She tossed and turned all night, and even when the sunlight flashed across her face in the morning, she wanted to lie there just a little longer. Unfortunately, she needed to get Chloe dressed and ready for school, so wallowing in her misery was not an option. She needed to drop Chloe off and then head over to her office to pack up her things. Staying in West Palm Beach was no longer in the cards. She needed a one-way ticket to London by week’s end. She pulled herself out of bed.
“Let’s go, sweetheart. In the shower you go,” Savannah told Chloe.
“Can I stay home today, Mommy?”
“Are you sick?”
“I’m really tired.”
Savannah felt her head for a fever. They’d had a long weekend, and Savannah concluded that she was just tired from their trip to the Bahamas.
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