Page 40 of It Happened Back Then (Nilsson Family #3)

I worked a double shift again today, covering for the chef on the lunch shift, and I welcomed it. I need the time to keep my mind busy otherwise I’ll be up Blossom’s ass.

My constant check-ins of how she’s feeling and if she needs anything are important to me, but I know she’s getting annoyed. I don’t care though. I’m going to keep doing it.

“Hey, stranger.”

I pause when I hear her voice. Blossom asked me why I hadn’t told Savannah she and I were officially together.

She reminded me the only reason Savannah came to Bluemoon was to try to get me back.

So, I need to make sure Savannah knows I’m not available.

Ever. I really didn’t think it needed to be said, but her showing up here proves Blossom is right.

Savannah won't ever stop until I put an end to it.

“What are you doing here, Savannah?”

“I haven’t seen you lately, and I figured you’d be done around now. Thought maybe we could go somewhere and talk.” Her eyes linger on my lips then back to my eyes.

“Talk about what? ”

“Bennie, you know what. I’ve been living here for two months. I figured we’d have worked things out by now.”

“Worked what out?”

She giggles, and where it used to be cute, now it just grates on my nerves.

“Us, silly! I know I said I was a friend, but we both know better than that. I wanted to see if there’s still something between us.

” She steps closer to me. “Before you go tying yourself to someone who’s spent the last ten years running from you. ”

I blink. She’s really trying to move in on the life I have here. The life Blossom and I have here. I shouldn't be surprised; she always knew how to use her words and looks to get what she wanted. But it won’t work on me anymore.

“Savannah, there’s always been something between me and Blossom. Even when I tried to say there wasn’t. Even when I was with you.” I say it not to hurt her, but to get my point across. It’s always been Blossom .

She flinches but covers it with a tight smile. “So that’s it? You’re choosing her?”

“My heart chose her a long time ago.”

She just stares at me, then says, “She’s going to break your heart.”

“She already has. That’s how I know it’s real.”

Savannah holds my stare, her jaw tight before slowly nodding.

“Listen, I'm not trying to sound like a jerk here, but you shouldn’t have come to Bluemoon. It wasn’t right for you to just show up here.

I understand you came here thinking we could try again, but we can’t, and I thought I’d already made that clear.

I’m not available for anyone but Blossom.

” I debate whether to tell her we’re pregnant and, in the end, I do, because she needs to know the finality of this conversation.

“Blossom is pregnant, Savannah. We’re having a baby. ”

Her breath catches and she tries to cover it, but I see the jerkiness in her movements. “She’s a lucky woman.”

“I’m the lucky one.”

She still doesn’t move, and for another moment, it's an awkward silence. I don't know if she’s hoping for a hug goodbye or what, but I won’t reach for her. I won't open that door.

“I guess this is goodbye then.”

“It is.”

“I hope you get everything you want, Bennie.”

“I already have it.”

She turns and walks out of the kitchen, and a sense of relief washes over me. I feel more alive right now than I ever have.

My life is just starting, and I can’t wait to live it.