Her Filthy Cowboy (Fit Mountain Cowboys #2)

8. Savannah

Chapter Eight

SAVANNAH

I smile and nod as my sister Haley passes the mashed potatoes, but my thoughts are a million miles away.

Or more precisely, in the barn earlier today, wrapped in Brody’s strong arms.

“Savannah? Did you hear what I said?”

My eyes snap open to find Dad frowning at me from the head of the table. “Sorry, what was that?”

He exchanges a look with Liam. “I was asking your opinion on selling those fifty acres to the Gibsons. Reckon it’s a good deal or should we hold out for more?”

I scramble to gather my wits, pushing thoughts of Brody aside. “Um, well, land prices have been rising. It might be smart to wait.”

Dad gives an approving nod. “My thought exactly. No need to be hasty.”

As the conversation shifts to preparations for the upcoming cattle auction, I try to focus. But my mind keeps wandering back to Brody like a compass seeking north.

I cut into my steak, determined to act normal, but I can feel Liam’s eyes boring into me from across the table. He knows something is up. I avoid his gaze, my heart hammering in my chest.

I should be grateful he hasn’t ratted me out to Mom and Dad about Brody yet. If they knew their daughter was sneaking around with a Clayton, all hell would break loose. I’d be in for the lecture of a lifetime. Or worse, they might try to stop me from seeing him altogether.

But I can tell from the tight set of Liam’s jaw and the accusatory arch of his brow that he’s just itching to tattle on me. It’s only a matter of time before he opens his big mouth. I need to get my story straight before that happens.

A sharp knock at the front door cuts into my thoughts.

My mother’s chair scrapes against the hardwood floor as she rises to answer the door. I take a sip of water, trying to calm my nerves. But then I hear a familiar deep voice rumbling from the entryway and my heart leaps into my throat.

“Good evening, Mrs. Sullivan. I need to speak with your husband. It’s important.”

Brody. He’s here.

“I think you’d better come inside, dear,” she replies.

Footsteps echo down the hall as my mother leads Brody into the dining room. I keep my eyes glued to my plate, afraid to look up. Afraid of what I might see in his eyes. Afraid of what my family will see in mine.

“What’s he doing here?” Liam demands, his chair clattering back as he shoots to his feet.

I risk a glance at Brody. He stands tall and proud in the doorway, his broad shoulders filling out a crisp white button-down shirt. The sleeves are rolled up, revealing his tanned, muscular forearms. His dark hair is tousled, like he’s been running his fingers through it. And his blue eyes blaze with determination as they lock onto mine.

Liam takes an aggressive step toward him, hands balling into fists at his sides. “I asked you a question, Clayton. What the hell are you doing in our house?”

Brody doesn’t even spare him a glance, his gaze still fixed on me. “I’m here to speak with your father. It’s a personal matter.”

“Personal?” Liam scoffs. “Since when do you have personal matters with anyone in this family?”

Dad holds up a hand, silencing Liam’s tirade. “Let the man speak, son.” He turns to Brody, his expression guarded but not entirely hostile. “How can I help you, Mr. Clayton?”

Brody finally tears his gaze away from mine to address my father directly.

“Mr. Sullivan, I’m here to tell you that I’m in love with your daughter.”

My heart feels like it might burst out of my chest. Is he really doing this?

“Savannah is the most incredible woman I’ve ever known. She’s smart, passionate, kind... and I can’t imagine my life without her.” Brody takes a step closer to my father, his gaze unwavering. “I know there’s been bad blood between our families. But I’m willing to do whatever it takes to put that feud to rest. Because your daughter means everything to me.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I never dared to dream that Brody would be so bold and so honest about his feelings.

“I want to build a future with her. A life together.” Brody’s voice roughens with emotion. “And I’m asking for your blessing, sir.”

Liam lunges forward, his face contorted with rage. “Are you out of your mind, Clayton? You think you can just waltz in here and?—”

“Enough, Liam!” Dad’s booming voice cuts him off mid-sentence. Liam’s mouth snaps shut, but his eyes still blaze with fury. “I won’t have you disrespecting a guest in my home.”

Dad turns back to Brody, his weathered face inscrutable. He studies him for a long moment, the seconds ticking by with agonizing slowness.

Then, miraculously, the hard lines of his face soften. The scowl that’s been etched into his features for as long as I can remember slowly transforms into something else.

Something that looks suspiciously like... understanding.

He nods once, a curt jerk of his head. “Well, Mr. Clayton, I can’t say this is a conversation I ever expected to have.” He rubs a hand over his stubbled jaw. “But I also can’t deny the conviction in your words. It’s plain to see that your feelings for my daughter are genuine.”

He gestures to the empty chair beside me. “Why don’t you have a seat and join us for dinner, son? It seems we have a lot to discuss.”

I gape at my father, hardly able to believe my ears. Did he really just invite Brody to sit down with us? To break bread at our family table like he belongs here?

Brody looks equally stunned, his eyes widening a fraction before he quickly composes himself. “Thank you, sir. I’d be honored.”

Brody crosses the room to stand beside me, finding my hand and lacing our fingers together. “I love you, Savannah Sullivan.” His eyes shine with adoration.

“I love you too, Brody Clayton.” My heart soars with happiness. “Now and always.”

Unable to resist a moment longer, I turn into Brody’s embrace, my lips finding his in a kiss that sets my whole body on fire. He pulls me close, one hand tangling in my hair while the other splays possessively across my lower back.

Dimly, I’m aware of my family watching us, but I can’t bring myself to care. Let them see how much this man means to me. How much I need him.

We finally break apart, both of us breathing hard. As I gaze up at Brody, I feel a profound shift inside me. It’s as if the last of the shadows clouding my heart have finally been chased away, replaced by the radiant light of our love.

Brody keeps my hand clasped firmly in his as he turns to face my family again. “I appreciate you hearing me out, Mr. Sullivan. I know this isn’t easy, putting the past behind us. But I promise I will do everything in my power to make your daughter happy and to be the man she deserves.”

Dad clears his throat gruffly, but I catch the glimmer of respect in his eye. “See that you do, son. Savannah’s happiness is what matters most.”

I can’t help the surge of giddy excitement that bubbles up inside me.

Looking around the room, I realize that the same transformation seems to be reflected on the faces of my family members. Where there was once bitterness and hostility, I now see tentative smiles and misty eyes. The old wounds are beginning to heal. Hope is taking root where hatred once grew. Whatever challenges the future holds, I know we’ll face them together.

Our love has built a bridge between two warring families. And standing hand in hand with my cowboy, I’ve never felt more ready to cross it.

The End