Roping The Cowgirl's Heart

Chapter 24

Wyatt

I held the phone tight. "How about this Saturday around 7 PM?" I asked Savannah, trying to keep my voice steady.

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. "Well, Wyatt, I already have plans for that evening." Savannah's voice was apologetic, but firm. "I'm... I'm meeting someone then.

"Someone? Who?"

"A guy named Micheal... it's a blind date... Maggie set it up for me..."

"Savannah... don't go... Please don't do that..." This couldn't be happening. I had to find a way to stop her. "Please, don't go, babe..." I pleaded.

Even though I knew about Savannah's blind date since I overheard it at the feed store, it still hurt to hear her say it.

"I'm sorry, Wyatt, but I already committed to it. We're gonna have to meet at another time..." Her tone was slightly strained. I could practically hear the conflict in her voice.

"Savannah, this can't be happening. We love each other. I need to talk to you, face to face. We need to fix things between us..."

There was another pause, and I held my breath, hoping she would relent. "Wyatt, I'm sorry, but I really can't change my plans. This blind date is... it's something I need to do. You know that..."

I felt a surge of panic. I couldn't let her go through with it, not when there was still a chance for us. "Savannah, please, just hear me out. I know things have been complicated, but I need you to understand. I love you, and I know you love me..."

"Wyatt, I can't do this right now... I have to go. I'll talk to you soon, okay?" Savannah's voice was upset, and before I could protest further, the line went dead.

I stared at the phone in my hand, my mind racing. I couldn't let her go through with this date, not when there was still a chance for us. I had to find a way to stop her, to make her see that we belonged together.

Casting a glance around the room, my eyes landed on the calendar hanging on the wall. Saturday, 7 PM. What should I do? Should I crush her date? I needed a plan...

I was lost in thought when my phone rang and I saw "Mayor Summer" lighting up my screen. Amber's father? What the hell does he want now?

"Hello?"

"Jameson," the mayor's gruff voice came through the line. "My daughter, your 'wife' just told me you paid her a visit."

I gripped the phone tighter, my knuckles turning white. "'Wife?' I wouldn't call her that. But yes, I went to see your daughter. Why? Is that a problem?"

"Don't play dumb with me, boy. Amber told me all about it. She was very upset."

I clenched my jaw, anger rising in my chest. "Look, Mayor Summer, I don't know what Amber's been telling you, but—"

"I'll cut right to the chase," he interrupted. "You need to call off this nonsense about a paternity test and drop the case. If you don't, you're going to be real sorry."

My blood boiled at his thinly veiled threat. "Sorry? Is that a threat, Mr. Mayor?"

"Take it however you want, Jameson. All I know is, you need to back off and let my family be. This is your last warning."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my temper in check. "With all due respect, sir, this isn't just your family's business. I have a right to know if Lilian is my daughter. And I'm not going to back down, no matter how much you try to intimidate me."

"Jameson, you're playing a dangerous game here. Trust me, you do not want to cross me."

"Oh, I think I do," I shot back, a plan forming in my mind. "Listen up, Mayor Summer. If you and Amber try to stop or delay these court proceedings in any way, I'm going public. I'll tell the press everything I know. About our 'relationship', about the paternity issue, everything."