by Brie Paisley
Shaking my head, I let out a small laugh. “You prepared a speech for me?”
“Well yeah. I thought since I’m here in person, I would just tell you what my note would’ve said.” He seems nervous when I don’t say anything in return, and I wait patiently for him to start. “I had everythin’ I wanted to say perfectly in my mind, but now that I’m seein’ you, I can’t remember a damn thing.” He pauses for a moment before adding, “You make me forget everythin’ but you, Savannah.” Watching him with wide eyes, he takes a deep breath before brushing my hair behind my ear. When he drops his hand, I will him to bring it back. I’ve missed his sweet and tender touch. “There’s so much I need to say to you, but the first thing I want to say is how sorry I am for what I did. It wasn’t right or fair of me to keep somethin’ that meant so much to you from you.” Caden looks away, and I know he’s sorry. It’s hard not to believe him with the look of regret on his face. He glances back then says, “I don’t expect you to forgive me easily, but I want you to know I don’t care how long it takes, I’ll be right here fightin’ for your forgiveness. I won’t stop until you’re mine again. Meetin’ you has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I can’t make it another day without you by my side. You’re everythin’ to me, Savannah. Your beauty, wit, and everythin’ about you makes you special. It makes you perfect for me.” Swallowing down the lump in my throat, he steps closer to me. My eyes land on his lips when he licks them, and my gaze finds his as he caresses my face with both hands. “If you give me another chance, I swear I’ll never hurt you again. I promise to love you with all that I am, make you feel like a fuckin’ princess, and give you everythin’ you’ve ever wanted. I can’t promise there won’t be bumps in the road because I’m me, but I know you’ll be right there to put me back in line. I need you, Savannah.” When he pulls back, I frown wondering what he’s doing. My eyes widen when he pulls out plane tickets from his back pocket, and my heart races as I wait for him to explain. “I bought this ticket for you. It’s a one-way ticket to London, England.”
My eyes fill with tears as I say, “You bought me a plane ticket to go with the backpack and camera.”
“I did, small fry. I want to be the one to give you all your hopes and dreams. I want to be the one to give you that gorgeous fuckin’ smile knowin’ I gave you everythin’ you’ve wanted. But most of all,” he says and pauses as he grabs my hand. “I want to be there to see you spread those wings and be free. I’ve never seen anythin’ quite like it when you let yourself go, Savannah. It’s a sight to see, and I hope you’ll give me the chance to witness it every single time.” A tear rolls down my face, but it isn’t because I’m sad. No, it’s because he’s giving me everything I’ve ever wanted. Traveling and capturing it on camera has been my dream since I was a child, and I know he’s offering me this because he loves me. Gazing into his bright blue eyes, he wipes the tear away and asks, “What do you say, small fry? Will you give me another chance to make it up to you?”
Thinking about it for only a second, I claim, “I have one condition.”
“Of course. I’ll do anythin’ you want, small fry.”
Smiling, I sweetly say, “You have to come with me, and you have to stay with me.”
He lets out a sigh, and his shoulders sag. It’s as if what I said lifted a weight off him. “I plan on bein’ with you forever, small fry.” He pulls me to him, and I instantly wrap my arms around his neck. “Plus I bought two tickets, so I’m goin’ wherever you go.”
Laughing loudly, I ask, “Cocky much?”
His eyes never leave mine as he says, “No. I just was hopin’ you’d want me to go with you, so I came prepared.”
“Good because I don’t want to go anywhere without you.”
“I promise you’re never leavin’ me again. I’ll chain your fine ass to me if I have to.” Letting out another laugh, I close the distance between us and take his lips. It’s a sweet and gentle kiss, but I feel every emotion he’s trying to show me. One of his hands caresses my face tenderly as the other pulls me closer even though I can’t. It’s almost as if he’s trying to merge our souls into one, but he doesn’t need to even try.
Our souls have been intertwined since the first day we met.
“It’s about damn time,” Shelby loudly states, and I pull away from Caden.
Standing by him, I take his hand as I ask her, “Have you been listening this whole time?”
“I told her not to,” Carter says as he walks up behind Shelby.
“Well I had to make sure she said yes. I mean come on, even I was swoonin’ just listenin’ in.”
Shaking my head, I can’t even think about being mad she was eavesdropping. “Thanks for the support I guess,” Caden says.
“I got your back,” she declares with a wink.
Grinning as Carter pulls Shelby back in the house, I turn back to Caden. My heart swells with so much love seeing him smiling back at me, and I have to suck in a breath when he caresses my cheek. Leaning into his touch, I gaze into his blue eyes. “What is it, small fry?”
“I just realized I never told you something very important.”
His eyebrow raises as he asks, “Really? What’s on your mind?”
“Oh nothing much. Just that I love you.”
I wish I had my new camera to capture the look on his face. It’s absolutely priceless. Shock, surprise, and then happiness shine in his eyes as he asks, “You love me?”
Wrapping my arms around his waist, I look up at him. “I do. I’ve loved you for a long time now.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“Honestly,” I start. Taking a deep breath, I confess, “I was scared. The way you make me feel isn’t like anything I’ve felt before. It’s powerful, consuming, and utterly breathtaking. But now, I realize I can’t be afraid to love you. I can’t be afraid to give you my heart.”
“You have no idea how good it feels to hear to finally say that.”
“I think I have an idea.” And I do. Knowing he loves me in return, well it’s unlike anything I can explain.
He places a finger on my lips as he huskily says, “I love you too, Savannah. And I’m never lettin’ you go ever again.”
I know he won’t either. I see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice, and most of all I know without a doubt, I can finally let him in. He’s always been here for me, even when I didn’t want to admit it. He’s always had a place in my fragile heart, even when I fought against it. But now I realize there’s no fighting what we have. I never had a chance really. Caden Harlow had my heart before I knew he did, and I know he’ll protect it.
He’ll keep it safe and give me all the love I’ve ever wanted.
Sitting on the couch across from Savannah’s dad, I feel a bit out of place. It’s mainly because I’ve never met the parents before, and because Phillip is glaring at me. Savannah thought it would be a good idea to make a pit stop to see her parents before we head to London, but now I’m not so sure. Miranda was just a peach when Savannah introduced us, Phillip on the other hand, not so much.
Glancing over my shoulder, I smile seeing my small fry in the kitchen with her mom. They’re making pies or something. Whatever it is, it smells amazing. Feeling his eyes on me, I slowly turn back around and take a glance at Savannah’s dad. God this is so awkward. Not to mention, Phillip is very intimidating. He’s a bulky man, and I’m sure he could take me if he tried. It’s kind of scary to think about. He leans forward, and I just know he’s about to say something that’ll make me shit my pants. “I’m only going to say this once,” he starts, and I hold my breath. “If you hurt my little girl, I promise you no one will find your body.”
I can tell he’s going to be a tough cookie to crack. Which is why I do what I do best. Put my foot in my mouth. “With all due respect, sir. You do know I’m a cop right?”
“You think that’ll stop me?”
Pushing out a breath, I glance back to the kitchen. Seeing Savannah laughing with her mom m
akes me smile, and knowing she’s out of earshot, I turn back to her dad. “No. I think you love Savannah just as much as I do.” Phillip doesn’t even blink as I add, “But I also think you know I would never hurt her.” I want to say again, but I keep that part to myself. “One day, I intend on marryin’ her and tyin’ her to me forever.”
“Is that so?” He asks with a serious tone.
“Yes, sir. She’s my world, and I’d be stupid not to marry her.”
He nods, and I relax some. “That’s good to hear. I’m glad we’re on the same page then.”
He leans back in his recliner, and before I can respond, Savannah walks over by him. “Dad, are you giving Caden a hard time?” She sits on the arm of the chair, and he wraps his arm around her. “Don’t let him scare you, Caden. He’s all talk.”
“I don’t know about that, small fry. He kind of scares me.”
She laughs, and to my surprise, Phillip grins. “See, pumpkin,” he says to Savannah. “I knew this one was smart.”
“Phil, I told you to be nice,” Miranda scolds.
“I’m being nice.” He turns to me and asks, “Isn’t that right, Caden?”
Feeling everyone’s gaze on me, I quickly say, “Oh yeah. We’re like besties now.”
Savannah shakes her head as Miranda laughs and says, “I like this one. He’s funny.” I’m glad I at least have Savannah’s mom’s approval. I can tell Phillip is going to take a bit more work, but I decide that’s alright.
The day I won Savannah back, I was prepared to do anything to keep her. I know Phillip is just looking out for his little girl, and I can respect that. It means he cares about her and loves her. The thing is I hope he realizes that I love her just as much, if not more, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Savannah.
Not one thing.
Walking hand in hand with Savannah inside the airport, we take our time as we look for our gate. I can’t help but smile seeing how her eyes are lit up like a kid at Christmas. Those blue-green eyes take in everything around her, and knowing I’m the reason she’s so excited sends a rush of pride through me. Finally finding our gate, I lead Savannah toward the seats by the counter. She sits down beside me, and I notice her legs won’t stop bouncing. “Are you nervous, small fry?”
Her head whips to mine as she says, “Not really. I’m more excited than anything.”
“And a bit impatient?”
She rolls her eyes, but I see that smile. “Maybe just a little.”
“You do realize this flight is goin’ to be long right?”
“I know, Caden. I’m just ready to get there and see everything there is to see.”
Letting out a chuckle, I have to admire her spunk. “I promise we’ll see everythin’ there. Did you bring your camera?”
She gives me a look like I’m crazy as she states, “Of course I did. It was the first thing I packed.” Grinning, I should’ve known. Since I bought her that camera, she takes it everywhere with her. I mean everywhere. I’m surprised she hasn’t tried to capture me on the toilet or something really embarrassing. “You know,” she says as she turns toward me. “I never thanked you for doing this for me.”
“Doin’ what exactly?” I ask.
“You know? Buying our tickets to go visit London, for fighting for me, and for you just being you.”
Taking her hand, I place a kiss on the back of her hand. “There’s no need to thank me, small fry. I told you I would give you everythin’ you’ve ever wanted, and I make good on my promises.”
“I’m beginning to see that.”
“Good. Because trust me when I say, this won’t be our last trip abroad. I’m goin’ to show you the world, small fry.”
She smiles brightly at me, and my chest warms seeing it and knowing I’m the reason for it. “I’d like that very much.”
“You keep smilin’ at me like that, and I might think you love me.” Now I’m just messing with her.
She shakes her head before leaning in closer. “You know I love you very much.”
God I wish she could feel what I do when she says those words. It makes me that happiest man on the planet knowing how she finally feels about me. Every time she utters those three words, my heart beats rapidly in my chest, and I swear there’s nothing better than hearing them. Brushing a strand of hair out of her face, I cup her cheek. “I love you too, small fry. I just love hearin’ you say it.”
She leans into my touch, and I grin knowing how much she loves it. “I know you do. Which is why I tell you all the time.”
“I know. And you better keep tellin’ me. You know? Just in case I forget.” She smiles, and I don’t care that we’re in an airport full of people. Leaning over the arm rest, I take her lips. Giving her a tender kiss, I savor this moment. I commit every single bit of it to memory because these precious moments cannot be taken for granted.
When she pulls away, she’s the only one I see. I know there are a lot of people around us, but it’s her I see. It’s almost like tunnel vision, except without the light headiness. Gazing into her eyes, I feel like I’ve just won the most beautiful thing in this world. It’s a powerful feeling knowing she’s mine again. I won’t lie, I was worried I’d lost her forever and I didn’t think she would give me another chance.
But she did.
And knowing she’s giving me all of her, every single piece, makes me the luckiest man alive. She’s my everything, my soulmate, and my other half.
I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure she knows it, and just how much I love her.
Brie Paisley is a small town gal from Mississippi. She always wanted to write at a young age and was always filling journals with her thoughts and short stories. Brie started with the idea of Worshipped a year ago and with the encouragement of her husband and sister in law, she was able to write her first book. When she is not writing, you can find her reading a good book, painting, scrapbooking, or watching a good movie with her husband and her boxer.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbriepaisley
Twitter: @author_brie
Instagram:@authorbrie_paisley
Table of Contents
Prologue: Savannah
Chapter One: Savannah
Chapter Two: Caden
Chapter Three: Savannah
Chapter Four: Caden
Chapter Five: Savannah
Chapter Six: Caden
Chapter Seven: Savannah
Chapter Eight: Caden
Chapter Nine: Savannah
Chapter Ten: Caden
Chapter Eleven: Savannah
Chapter Twelve: Caden
Chapter Thirteen: Savannah
Chapter Fourteen: Caden
Chapter Fifteen: Savannah
Chapter Sixteen: Caden
Chapter Seventeen: Savannah
Chapter Eighteen: Caden
Chapter Nineteen: Savannah
Chapter Twenty: Caden
Chapter Twenty-One: Savannah
Chapter Twenty-Two: Caden
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Epilogue: Caden
