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“I didn’t think…” Savannah stopped herself. “Do you really?”

“Without a doubt.” Fallon’s lips pulled upward into a smile. “I think you’re stunning, not just physically but as a human being. You’re so much stronger than you think you are, so much stronger than I am.”

“Don’t say something you don’t mean.”

“I never do.” Fallon touched Savannah’s arm lightly before backing away. It was clear she’d shaken Savannah, and she wanted to give them each as much time as possible to navigate this.

Savannah drew in a deep breath and held it tightly in her chest. Eventually she let it out slowly and raised her gaze to meet Fallon’s. That incredibly curious gaze, the one that wanted answers. “Why now?”

“Now or then doesn’t make any difference. The answer’s the same.”

“What answer?”

Fallon folded her arms over her chest and steadied herself. Were they finally at the breaking point? “I’m not looking for a relationship. At least I wasn’t.”

“Are you now?”

“No, not really.” Fallon gave her a weak smile, hoping that it would ease some of the anxiety that Savannah was no doubt feeling.

“Oh. Okay.”

Fallon wanted to touch her. She wanted to hold Savannah, kiss her, embrace her. She wanted to make sure that the two of them were connected in a way that would be difficult to separate from. If they were able to accomplish that, then perhaps they’d make it through this conversation and this shift after all. “But I’m not unwilling to be in a relationship. With you, anyway. Anyone else wouldn’t even stand a chance.”

Savannah jerked with a start. “What did you say?”

“I’m willing to be in a relationship with you,” Fallon repeated, making sure that she had been as clear as possible. “But you’re the only exception to the rule.”

“Exception?” Savannah raised an eyebrow. “What happens if I fail you?”

“The rule is still in place.” Fallon tightened her arms against her chest, making sure that she didn’t overstep her bounds or what Savannah might want.

“Why an exception?” Savannah asked, turning her body to face Fallon more fully.

“Because I think you might be worth it.” Fallon smiled. “Not think—I know you will be.”

“You know?” Disbelief filled her voice.

“Yes. I know.” Fallon nodded toward the fridge. “But that doesn’t mean a relationship is going to happen.”

“What? Why wouldn’t it?”

Fallon sighed heavily, knowing that this part was going to be the hardest for them to walk through. She was going to have to be very clear and very precise with her words. And she was going to have to be sure that Savannah understood exactly what she was saying.

“Because Forrest worries me.” Fallon chewed on the inside of her cheek.

“Worries or scares?”

“A little of both, honestly. And it’s not really because of what he’s capable of, it’s because of how often I’m going to be reminded of my past.” Fallon’s shoulders tightened to the point of hurt. She wasn’t going to manage to keep herself from hurting throughout this, she did know that. But that didn’t mean it had to hurt a ton either. And if Savannah understood where she was coming from, then this would be easier. “He reminds me so much of my father.”

Savannah nodded, compassion in her gaze. Pity was nowhere in sight. “That’s completely understandable. I can see how he would remind you of that.”

“So to be in a relationship with you, which I would like to do, means that I have to suffer through that.” Fallon straightened up. “And that’s been a difficult decision.”

“But you’ve made it?”

“I think I have. Have you?”

Savannah grinned, the smile lighting up her entire face. Fallon wasn’t going to forget that look. If she could make Savannah so happy with just one smile, with one look, with a few words, then she wanted to do that every day. She wanted to be with Savannah every moment if she could receive this happiness in response.