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“Saylor suggested it when she started working for me since Brinley made it very clear that she didn’t want to do any type of ice skating.” Savannah looked at her oddly. “Tia didn’t tell you?”

“No.” Fallon went back to playing with her napkin. “But I haven’t told her about us yet. Not since Saylor’s birthday party.”

“You might want to do that.”

“Yeah, it’s on my list.” Fallon shot Savannah a glance. “And to talk with Monti. Probably tomorrow since Athena doesn’t want to keep it from her.”

“So you’re telling your family about me. Should I take that as a good sign?” Savannah finished her wine and started plucking at the cheese on the tray. “Does that mean we’re officially a couple now?”

Fallon grinned. “I thought we were officially a couple after last weekend.”

“But now you’re telling everyone. So that makes it more official.”

“More official than saying I want to be with you?” Fallon played with her napkin again. “I love you, Savannah. Is that official enough?”

Savannah’s entire face lit up. “You love me?”

“Yes.” Fallon grabbed her wine and sipped it slowly, not moving her gaze from Savannah’s face. She wanted to see Savannah’s reaction, to understand the full impact of her words. She was so unsure about repeating herself, about saying it again and taking that risk. But it was now or never. She’d come this far, why not go all the way. “I love you.”

“I will honestly say I didn’t expect you to say that in the week you asked for.”

Fallon’s lips twitched. “Why not?”

“Because you don’t move fast.”

“Neither do you,” Fallon pushed back. “Speaking of, that’s a good question. How fast are we taking this?”

“I think our speed has always been slow and bumpy. Hopefully, it’ll be less bumpy from here on out.”

“I can get on board with that.” Fallon smiled sweetly. “But I think since Brinley knows, this is going to go a little faster than either one of us is comfortable with. Especially if she’s asking me to go to her recital.”

“True.” Savannah raised her glass in Fallon’s direction. “I’m okay with that speed. You?”

“Do I have another choice?”

“Yes.”

Fallon had her doubts about that, but she would go with it for now. She was ready to jump in with both feet, especially knowing that Savannah was also willing to keep a pace they were both comfortable with. “I’m ready.”

“Really, really?” Savannah asked.

“Yeah.” Fallon stood up on instinct. She rounded the table and immediately pressed her mouth to Savannah’s. She held on, kissing her deeply and ignoring the fact that they were in the middle of a restaurant, that they had done this a hundred times over by now. It was like they were kissing for the first time.When she finally pulled back, Fallon eased away, unable to wipe the smile from her lips. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Savannah murmured. “But if you’re going to kiss me like that, then we’re going to need to go home. Your place or mine?”

Fallon grinned and winked as she sat back down. “Mine.”

thirty-four

The old theater was a stunning place to hold the recital. Tia had mentioned it a few times when Savannah had picked Brinley up from rehearsals, but she hadn’t quite described its beauty. Savannah had gotten there early with Brinley to make sure that she knew where to go and could warm up properly.

But Savannah waited for Fallon so she wasn’t by herself. Especially when Forrest arrived, since he was supposed to be here tonight.

The worst part about suing him for custody was the fact that now he wanted to be father of the year, so he was coming to all her events, he was playing the role the best he knew how. At least so long as it didn’t interfere with Savannah. If he could make a mess of things for Savannah, then he would—and that, Kevin assured her, would be his downfall.

Savannah could only hope.

“I know I’m early,” Fallon said, sliding her fingers into Savannah’s grasp.