Page 163 of The Grumpy Boss Agreement

She sashays over to pack another box and I bite my lower lip. Damn, the woman knows just how to get me to do what she wants. She’s already got me wrapped around her pinky finger and I know it. I heave a sigh.

"I could've hired some movers to help with all this," I say as I pick up the next box.

Savannah shakes her head. Her ponytail swishes. "Nope, I want to do this the old-fashioned way. It's a ritual, like the changing of the seasons. It’s the beginning of a new chapter."

I chuckle. She's always been the poetic one. Me, I just see a mountain of boxes that I'd rather pay someone else to deal with. But this is important to her, so I'll happily go along. Happy not-quite-wife, happy life, I guess.

“Dino smashes monster trucks!” Charlie howls. I manage to move out of the way in time for him to come crashing down the hall.

“Nuh uh! Monster truck wins every TIME!” Dexter screams.

Savannah's grandad wanders over and puts his arms around the boys' shoulders.

"How about you two come with me, and I'll teach you my secret fishing trick for baiting the perfect lure?" He winks conspiratorially.

“What’s a lure?” Charlie asks.

“It’s a cricket! Or a worm!” Dex shouts.

Grandad grins. “I’ve got both. Why don’t you come and see my set up in the garage?”

The boys' faces light up and they eagerly follow Grandad towards the garage, chattering excitedly about what the secret to baiting lures could be. I smile as I watch them go, glad to see our families coming together so seamlessly.

Just then Rex and River arrive. My stepmom and dad huddle around them, glad for any chance to see their family. I greet my brothers and then immediately put them to work moving boxes. There's laughter, and lively conversation as we work together loading up the truck.

Savannah compliments my brother Rex's muscles as he easily hefts a heavy box. He flexes and she laughs. I move over to put my arm around her waist.

“This one?” I point to her. “She’s off the menu.”

“Oh, Cole,” Sav grins. “Please be reasonable.”

I smirk. “Nope. I licked you. Now you’re all mine.”

She dies laughing and I can’t help but pull her close and kiss her. Her lips are addictive, warm and sweet and made for my lips alone. Her charm and sincerity delight me constantly. I feel a rush of warmth when I watch her interact so naturally with my family.

I've never experienced this before. Having a partner who fits in effortlessly with my loved ones is completely new. It's a good feeling, this pride and contentment. Sure, it comes with the occasional rash of insane jealousy that I strive to keep in check. But Savannah never gives me a reason to doubt her. Unlike my relationship with my ex, I never have a reason to second guess the fact that she loves me.

I heave another box into the back of the moving truck, muscles straining. This one is heavier than it looks. As I set it down with a thud, I glance over and see Savannah and her grandad speaking in hushed tones near the porch.

She's holding out an envelope insistently while he waves it away, shaking his head. After a moment, he sighs and takes it from her hands, enveloping her in a tight hug.

Curious, I make my way over. "Everything okay?"

Savannah smiles. "Yeah, I just gave Grandad some of my savings to help with expenses now that I'm moving out. With the money you gave me, I think that we might be able to figure out a way to keep the house in the family."

I nod, impressed by her selflessness. Her grandad has been like a father to her since she lost her parents. She would do anything for him.

I don’t mention the fact that I’ve already approached River and asked him to figure out the nuances of buying her grandad’s house. I want to make sure that Birdie can stay in the home while Grandad can use the money as he wishes.

My own father claps me on the shoulder then, jolting me from my thoughts. "Ready to head over to the new place?"

I nod, and we climb into the truck’s cab, letting the roar of the engine fill the silence between us at first.

After a few moments, Dad clears his throat awkwardly. "Listen, son. I know we've had our rough patches. But I want you to know I'm sorry for not being there for you more after your mom passed."

I grip the steering wheel tightly, shocked. We've never really discussed this.

“It’s… okay…,” I say, not quite knowing how to answer. This isn’t really the time or place for such a conversation.

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