small town, no one would ever hear of the agency. Having Brody and Logan steer business our way will help me get started.”
“Have Bri and Sammie made up their minds yet?”
“Not yet. I don’t want to rush them. It’s a huge decision for them to make. If they come on board, they’ll have to go to training in Birmingham for a few weeks.”
He shot her an odd glance. “You’re not going for training?”
“Not for a while.” She shrugged and added, “I’m not sure when Lamont’s and Nesta’s trial will take place. I’ve got a call in to the prosecutor’s office to see if he has any idea. I know they’re really backed up, but whenever it is, I have to be available.”
Savannah didn’t add that there was another reason she wasn’t ready to leave town. For ten years, she had given total focus to her education and career. And while fulfillment in her career was still vitally important to her, she had no problem letting it take a backseat to her personal life. They hadn’t had a chance to talk about marriage or the future. When that happened, she refused to be distracted by anything. She had waited too long for this happiness and she wanted to savor every single moment.
“Reid called again.”
“To ask you to reconsider?”
She laughed softly. Two days ago, when she had called her boss and told him she was resigning, he had been stunned. He had called today, apparently hoping she had changed her mind. She hadn’t and she wouldn’t.
“Yes, but I told him ‘No way’ once again. I think he finally believed me. He also told me that Donny Lee’s sentencing got moved up. He was sentenced this morning to forty-five years. And there have been no more threats from the X-Kings. Looks like that’s over for good.
“Thank God for that.” He caught her gaze and said, “And you’re absolutely sure you have no regrets or second thoughts for giving up your career in Nashville?”
“Absolutely, one hundred percent sure. I’m here to stay.”
The brilliant smile he shot her made her heart leap with joy. Even though it had been her decision, she knew Zach had still worried that regret might set in. But her decision was unequivocal. Midnight was her home once again. As was Zach.
“I understand that Nesta and Lamont refused to see you and your sisters.”
She nodded as a lump of emotion clogged her throat. The knowledge that two people she had loved and trusted all her life had committed such terrible acts cut her deeply. Sammie and Bri were just as shocked and hurt. Today they had gone to the jail, hoping to sit down and have a calm, rational discussion. They had been turned away.
“I guess I can’t blame them. They have no reasonable excuse for what they did. I’m just sorry my grandfather isn’t here to see justice served. I can’t imagine the torture he went through all those years, knowing a murderer was in his midst but having no clue who it was.”
She was surprised when Zach grabbed her hand from her lap and held it to his mouth. “Hey, no more talk of sad stuff. This is a special night. Okay?”
Inhaling deeply, she relaxed contentedly against the car seat. “Deal. Now tell me what this special night entails.”
A wicked grin crossed his face, causing her heart rate to zoom. “It’s a surprise.”
Zach didn’t think he’d been this nervous even on their first date. So far, she seemed to be having a good time. The sad, hollow look on her face when they’d been talking about the Kilgores had disappeared.
Savannah’s trust issues had taken another serious blow. Every time she let her guard down and allowed people into her life and heart, they seemed to let her down. No wonder she was so wary. Zach was more than aware that he was hugely responsible for that lack of trust. And he planned to spend the rest of his life making that up to her.
She settled back into the car seat with a satisfied sigh. “Dinner was delicious. And the violinist was a nice touch. I’ve never heard ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ played on a violin.”
Since Mickey’s Steakhouse no longer existed, he’d opted for a new restaurant out on the bypass. The atmosphere was a little more upscale than Mickey’s butcher-block tables and peanut shells on the floor had been. He had to admit, having a violinist walk through the restaurant playing hometown favorites and love songs worked with the atmosphere