Savannahs secret, p.25
Savannah’s Secret, page 25
‘And I love you more than I ever imagined possible,’ he whispered back, his voice husky with desire for her. He knew he’d never tire of caressing her skin, or bringing his lips to hers, nor would he tire of hearing her say how in love she was with him. ‘Nobody’s ever known me the way you know me, or loved me like you do.’
She smiled now, dreamily assuring. ‘The best chance I’ve ever been given in my life is to love you, and I’m going to love you like you deserve to be loved, for the rest of our lives.’
* * *
Savannah yawned and stretched before sliding from the rumpled sheets. It had been her first night since becoming Ash’s fiancée that she had slept without him beside her, and she hadn’t liked it one little bit. It would be her last night without him too. Wandering towards the window, she drew the curtains open. It was a beautiful day for what was going to be the most amazing day of her life. Desert flame and kangaroo paw flourished amongst the bottlebrushes. The glow of the sun had the young sunflowers she’d planted along the fence line standing to absolute attention, as if reaching for the warmth. In the sun’s absence, the sunflowers would face east again, anticipating its return, in Mother Nature’s demonstration of an enraptured romance. It was the same for her with Ash. As soon as he was gone, she missed him. She just couldn’t get enough of him and knew, without a doubt, she never would.
Pressing her hand up against the window, she smiled at her engagement ring sparkling in the sunshine. It had been three months since Ash had asked her to be his wife, and it had been the longest three months she’d ever counted down. Blinking back happy tears, she turned to look at her wedding dress, hanging from the hook bedside her dressing table. Ivory and lace with a small, soft train and a V-neck that showed a hint of her cleavage, it was simple, almost bohemian, and her dream dress. In a few hours’ time, she’d be walking down the aisle in it, towards him and their future they’d talked so much about. He wanted three children, she’d be happy with two. Only time would tell how many pitter-patters of tiny feet they’d be hearing.
‘Savannah, are you awake, love?’ A gentle knock at the door had her turning to the voice coming from behind it.
‘Yes, Daisy, I’m wide awake.’
‘Can I come in, sweetheart?’
‘Of course.’
Daisy stepped in, tray in hand. ‘I thought I’d whip you up some breakfast.’ She placed it down on the dresser. ‘Pancakes with maple syrup and a super strong coffee, to get the heart started.’
‘Thank you, Mum.’ A rush of emotion hitting her, Savannah tried to blink her tears away, but failed miserably. It was always overwhelming to feel how much love this woman had to give her. Between Daisy’s endless love and Mike’s endless encouragement and support over the past couple of months, she knew where Ash got his amazing heart from.
Her white hair styled within an inch of its life, Daisy looked at her, and her blue eyes crinkled at the corners. ‘Oh, love, what’s wrong?’ She placed a hand on Savannah’s arm.
‘I just feel so lucky, marrying such an amazing man like your son, and being able to call you and Mike my mum and dad.’ She smiled through her tears. ‘I’ve never had a loving family, but now I do.’
‘Aww, you sweet girl. You’re the daughter Mike and I never had.’ Daisy placed a gentle hand on her cheek. ‘We love you like our own, and we adore how happy you make our son. I just know you two are going to love each other to death.’
‘That won’t be difficult. He’s real easy to love.’ Savannah sniffled and wiped at her eyes.
‘And harder to hold, like the famous country song says, but you won him over. And that makes you one in a bazillion, Savannah, so don’t you ever forget it.’ The crunch of tyres had Daisy looking past her and out the window. ‘Oooh, that will be the hairdresser and make-up artist.’ She clapped, her smile wide. ‘You’re going to make the most beautiful of brides.’ She brushed a kiss over Savannah’s cheek, then shuffled out of the room. ‘See you downstairs. I’m going to pop the bubbly.’
Two hours later and another knock at the bedroom door had Savannah turning away from her reflection, one she never dreamed she’d bear witness to. ‘Coming,’ she called before opening it and looking into eyes the same colour as Ash’s. ‘Hi, Dad.’
Mike Sullivan’s eyes widened as he stepped back, arms held out. ‘Wow, Daisy said you looked amazing but I wasn’t ready for this.’ He plucked a handkerchief from the top pocket of his tuxedo and dabbed at his glistening eyes. ‘You look like a princess. I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful, or more loving, daughter-in-law.’
‘Oh, stop.’ Smiling tenderly, Savannah blinked back happy tears. ‘Or I’m going to ruin my make-up.’
‘Sorry, sweetheart. I’m becoming such a big sook in my old age.’ Mike sniffed hard, squared his shoulders and offered the crook of his arm. ‘Come on then, let’s get this show on the road.’
‘Ha, that’s one of Ash’s favourite sayings,’ Savannah said as she linked her arm in his.
‘And mine,’ he said with a wink.
Her veil now in place, and carefully descending the back steps, Savannah let Mike lead her towards where her soon-to-be-husband would be waiting amid a small gathering of guests. Intimate and down to earth, that’s how she and Ash had wanted their wedding to be – a relaxed day shared with those they were closest to. Fairy lights had been draped between the gum trees, and in the corner of the backyard the band were setting up, ready for the night’s festivities. The catering crew had the spit roast going already, the scent of beef making her belly rumble. Wine barrels were placed strategically around a metal fire pit, and two long tables had been set up, dressed with white linen and tiny cowboy hats filled with chocolate-coated coffee beans. Rustic had been their word of choice for the wedding planners, and they’d certainly done a magnificent job of encompassing that.
Savannah and Mike reached the summit, where the uninterrupted view was jaw-dropping, the silhouettes of horses and the soft bellow of cattle only adding to the country ambience. Bales of hay had been draped with turquoise silk, and old milk urns held striking displays of flowers. Daisy sat up front. Jessie was wedged between her and her own mother, Sasha, the hippie woman with the dangly peace earrings who had been on the bus with Savannah the day she’d arrived in Blackwater. It was such a small world. Beside Sasha was Jacko – he and his ex wife were still good friends. Bluey and his motley crew sat a row back, along with a few of the regulars from the pub and a handful of locals Ash was close to. A few of Ash’s aunts and uncles had made it too, along with a couple of his cousins. Savannah had met them all at a pre-wedding dinner Jacko had put on at the pub two nights before. Pork Chop hadn’t been forgotten, seated at Daisy’s heeled feet, a tiara perched on her leathery pink head.
Then Ash’s handsome face came into view, his smile so big and so tender. Butterflies stormed Savannah’s stomach, her heart beating wildly, as if impatient to reach Ash’s. Blinking back tears, she briefly looked to the blue expanse of sky to calm herself.
‘You right to walk down the aisle, sweetheart?’ Mike offered her the kind of smile a proud father would and in that moment, with everyone looking to her, and clearly so happy for her and Ash, Savannah realised just how much she was gaining, having a man like Ash, and his family and friends, loving her like they did.
‘I sure am.’ She sucked in a big breath and then, somewhat composed, turned her gaze back to her tall, dark, handsome man, his black hat matching his tuxedo, waiting patiently for her at the end of the rose-petal aisle. It was mind-blowing how he held her heart so lovingly in his hands – never would she have believed she’d ever feel so safe to give it to a man.
Their chosen song started – ‘It’s Your Love’ by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. The intimate gathering stood and turned to her. It was time. Arm in arm, she walked down the aisle with Mike. Step by step, she closed the distance to Ash. Meeting him under the flowered arch, Savannah searched his eyes, finding herself lost within the depths of them, more so than ever.
Mike stepped back and sat down beside Daisy, taking his hand in hers.
Ash lifted the lace veil from Savannah’s face, his expression one of undying love. ‘My god, Savannah, you look absolutely stunning, baby.’ His voice was low and sexy.
All Savannah’s nerves vanished. ‘Thanks, handsome. You look pretty amazing yourself.’
Officiating the ceremony, the marriage celebrant got the show underway. The first part went by in a blur. Savannah couldn’t drag her gaze from Ash’s for a second, nor did she want to. Then, it was time for her vows.
Clearing her throat, she held the cards with her vows in her trembling hands. ‘Ash, my gorgeous, amazing, loving man. I’ve travelled the longest road to arrive at my forever home, but every step has been worth it, to lead me to here, to you, the love of my life. Some days, I still have to pinch myself because my life with you is a dream come true. I know, by your side, I will forever have a best friend, a shoulder to lean on, arms to hold me tight, and a man who will love and respect me. You have made me the happiest woman alive by asking me to be your wife, and I will do my very best to make you the happiest man alive, each and every day, for the rest of my life. I love you so much.’
As she blinked back tears, Ash gave her hands a squeeze. Then it was his turn. He took a moment, to gather himself. ‘My sweet, sexy, savvy Savannah, like the soothing sound good leather makes when I shift my weight in my saddle, and the melody of the bushland surrounding me as I travel through its heart, you, my beautiful soulmate, soothe my heart and soul. You make me want to live each day to the full, you have taught me how to trust in love, and in you. I couldn’t imagine waking up a day without you to share it with. Thank you for coming into my life and making it the greatest it’s ever been. And with you by my side, I know it’s only going to get better. I promise I will make you feel loved and treasured every single day. I love you so very much.’
Savannah was having trouble holding herself together. The huskiness of Ash’s voice and the intensity of his words sent a rush of deep love throughout her. She wanted, needed, ached for him to be at one with her, like only he knew how.
What felt like only moments later, and with the rings slipped on each other’s fingers, and hands now held, the celebrant smiled. ‘By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.’ He turned to Ash. ‘You may now kiss your beautiful wife.’
Ash clearly didn’t need any more of an invitation. Taking Savannah in his arms, he arched her back and kissed her, long and deep, fanning the flames already within her heart and soul.
‘Get a room, would you?’ Jessie yelled.
Laughter followed.
Their lips still pressed together, but both of them now smiling, Ash took his sweet time returning her to her feet, and the guests hollered and cheered.
The night flashed by in what felt like a heartbeat, and suddenly, Savannah was right where she wanted to be, feeling Ash’s heartbeat beneath her cheek as she pressed it against his chest. With his arms wrapped tightly around her, she felt happy, loved and at peace. Untangling and looking up at him, she cradled his jaw in her hands, savouring the feeling of his smooth skin. Their eyes locked and held, and the desire he always evoked from deep within intensified.
With fathomless love in his eyes, he covered her hand with his. Then, moving closer, he erased the distance until his chest pressed against hers, to the point she could feel his wild heart beating in perfect rhythm with her own. He lowered his head, his first kiss gentle, tender, filled with the promise of all he was about to bestow upon her. He lingered, teasing her, his tongue dancing with hers. His fingers traced her sides. She rose on tiptoes and laced her hands around his neck. He brought his hands to grip her waist, his touch possessive, tantalising. She clung to him as he lifted her from the ground and carried her down the hallway, returning each of his devouring kisses greedily. She simple couldn’t get enough of him – not now, not ever.
She feathered kisses along his collarbone. ‘Make love to me, Ash.’
Both of them tumbling into their bed, he filled her with one long deep stroke, and every thrust thereafter was breath-stealing. Their kisses became carnal, unrestrained, as they moved in union with one another. Skilfully, unhurriedly, he urged her closer to the edge. She gripped him, shuddering. His jaw clenched and he groaned in pleasure. Wave after wave, she rode the rush of ecstasy with him, at one with him.
Then the room slowed and eventually went still as they clung to one another while trying to catch their breaths. The sensual haze slowly cleared and she rested her head against his chest, loving being able to feel and hear his heartbeat. The homestead was her home, but within Ash’s arms and heart, that was her safe haven. She’d never felt so much love, joy and peace in all of her life. And this was only the beginning of their beautiful love story, one she was sure would be filled with pages of treasured moments, just like this one.
Tipping her head, she eyed him beneath her lashes. ‘I love you, Ash, more than I ever thought I could possibly love.’
He stroked her hair, his trademark sexy smile all for her. ‘I love you, too, baby, more than yesterday, but not as much as I know I will tomorrow.’
Savannah’s heart swelled. She was no longer running from her past, but instead looking forward to her future with this amazing man. He’d been her destiny all along. Finally, she’d found her place in this world, her reason for living. Without knowing it at first, she’d arrived home the minute she’d met Ashley Sullivan. And now, she was safe, loved and complete. She was finally free.
Dear you, yes YOU, reading this letter. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me along this journey, whether right back at the beginning, or at a T-junction along the way. Writing has become what I breathe, each and every day. If I’m not writing, I’m rubbing shoulders with my muse (or begging it to be quiet at 3am!), finding inspiration in the people and nature around me, or having epiphanies which send me catapulting into a new escapade with wonderfully strong heroines, hunky spunky heroes, and the odd crazy feathery, leathery or furry friend to make things all the more adventurous. I treasure creating each and every story, in the hope I may touch your heart and take you away from the responsibilities and stresses of life. This is my ultimate goal!
Twelve years ago, I sat down at my desk, and wrote, from my heart, about all my adventures in the outback, in the form of a fictional story. I was Sarah, you see, and her Rosalee Station was formed from my time spent as camp cook out at Tobermorey Station, Central Australia (or what I lovingly refer to as Woop Woop). I met some extremely memorable characters, all of which were, and still are, the inspiration behind the many stockmen and kind-hearted women who’ve graced the pages of my books over the years.
Each and every story comes from a place deep within me, and each and every time a book hits the shelf I’m awed and honoured to know my readers are gaining strength, hope and courage from my stories, as well as laughing and crying along with my characters. If you haven’t already guessed, I love LOVE (I reckon being a romance author gives it away!), and believe in happily-ever-afters. I try to keep it real, too, writing about the struggles of falling in love, and all the ups and downs in between the swoon-worthy moments. After all, true, soul-deep love is worth the fight, right?
So, enough yabbering from me — I need to get cracking with the next story. But before I go, I have to let you know I truly can’t thank you enough! I appreciate you, and am sending you an enormous hug in thanks for supporting my dream of writing. I can only hope I give you joy, as you read each of my books — eighteen of them and counting.
Until the next book, keep smiling and dreaming.
Mandy xo
ISBN: 9781489298836
TITLE: SAVANNAH’S SECRET
First Australian Publication 2021
Copyright © 2021 by Mandy Magro
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Mandy Magro, Savannah’s Secret
