The Durango Affair - Brenda Jackson [29]
“At some point you have to let all that go, Savannah,” Jessica said softly. “You can’t let what Jeff Claiborne did or didn’t do dictate your life or your future.”
Savannah swallowed a lump in her throat. Some things were easier to get past than others. Her father’s mistreatment of his three kids as well as two good women was one of them. “I can’t, Jess, and I honestly don’t understand how you can. You lost your mother because of him.”
“Yes, but I never thought all men were like him, and neither should you.”
When Savannah didn’t say anything for a long time, Jessica said, “Savannah?”
“Yes,” Savannah answered and then sighed.
“Be careful.”
“Be careful of what?”
“Of being surprised by the magnitude of a Westmoreland’s charm and appeal. When they decide to lay it on thick, watch out. Whether you want to believe it or not, it’s easy to fall in love with a Westmoreland man. Trust me, I know. I never intended to fall in love with Chase, remember? He was supposed to be the enemy. And now I can’t imagine living my life without him. I love him so much.”
“And I’m happy for you, Jess. But you and I are different people. I never believed in happy endings—you did. Just accept my decision and know that for me it’s the right one. When I walk away, that will be it. No love lost because there isn’t any. Durango doesn’t love me and I don’t love him, but we’re willing to come together and formulate a relationship for our child.”
There was a lengthy pause and Savannah wasn’t sure she had convinced her sister she had nothing to worry about, but she hoped that she had.
“So, when will the wedding take place?”
“I told Durango that considering the circumstances, I don’t want a lot of fuss. So we’re eloping to Vegas or someplace and then we’ll tell everyone afterward. In a few months, when I begin looking like a blimp, they’ll figure out why we married, anyway.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“Sure, I’m okay with it. And for the time being, be happy for me, Jess.”
“I am happy for you. Have you told Jennifer and Rico yet?”
“No, not yet. I’m not telling either of them until after the marriage takes place. I don’t want anyone to try to talk me out of it. You’re the only one I’ve told. I don’t know if Durango will tell anyone in his family.”
“And when is the trip to Vegas?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure it will be soon. Probably in the next couple of weeks. Durango wants us to get married right away. But he’s warned me that once his family hears about our marriage that his mother will probably want to do a huge reception. I’m okay with that.”
“And knowing Jennifer, she’ll want to do one, as well.”
“And I’ll be fine with that, too. It will be simpler if they combine their efforts and host one party together. Mom met Mrs. Westmoreland at your wedding and they hit it off so I can see them getting together and planning a nice celebration.”
“Yes, I can see them doing that. I’m getting excited just thinking about it.”
Savannah smiled. “Get as excited as you want, as long as you remember the marriage won’t last. I’ll come out of this the same way I’m going into it.”
“And what way is that?”
“With realistic expectations.”
Seven
A s soon as Savannah walked out of the bedroom and saw Durango, their gazes met. The instant attraction that was always there between them began sizzling toward a slow burn.
She would love to photograph him, would definitely appreciate the image she would capture through the lens of her camera and would tuck the developed pictures away to pull out whenever her wild fantasies kicked into gear.
“How was your nap?”
His question snapped her out of her naughty thoughts. Because she’d gone to sleep right after talking with Jessica, she had closed her eyes with Durango on her mind. She had thought about