Chapter 23 #2
“Before we run out of money, do you want to tell us any other wrongs you’ve committed against this woman? It seems she has a good memory,” Owen growled at his brother.
Dillon seemed embarrassed as he put his hands in his pockets. “How could I possibly know she’d remember everything from high school?” he exclaimed. “She’s always got her head in books. I didn’t think she’d remember me.”
“Don’t even get near her. She drained me of all my cash,” Owen said.
“I’ll stay with Leslie. Cade, you and Wyatt start the fight at the bar.
He’s jumping out of his skin. We’ll be addressing this soon, brother, and if you don’t find a way to deal with your problem, you won’t like my idea of detox,” he threatened.
“What about Mr. Williby?” Cade asked. “I can’t stay here permanently. I need to return to my job.”
“Yeah, I can imagine how much more important it must be to have all the women on the East Coast vying to see the outline of your shlong,” Elias said, laughing. “You’re performing a real community service these days.”
“Shut up before I pound you,” Cade threatened.
“I bet you say that to all the women,” Dillon joined in.
“Have you seen him sashaying on the runway? He might be saying it to some of the men, too.” Elias said, pulling out his phone.
Cade leaped over the chair to strangle his little brother as Owen and Dillon laughed and pulled them back from one another.
“Come on,” Owen said in his parent voice. “We have someone who needs some reassurance. He’s a bit upset about Leslie. Give me a minute while I talk to Tucker, and then it’s time you meet our brother.”
The men shuffled out and he found Charlotte playing cards with the boys.
“May I see you in the office?” he asked Tucker.
The young boy rose, wiped his hands on his pants, and followed Owen into the room.
“Your mom has an infection, but we have her on antibiotics. She’ll feel better soon,” he assured him as he took the seat opposite Tucker.
The young man sighed in relief. “Can I see her?”
“Yes, you can see her. She’ll probably sleep for a while. I wanted to ask you about what your mom told you about me,” he said gently.
“She told me you’re my dad,” Tucker said hesitantly. “She said you served our country, and Grandpa made a mistake, and it made it harder for you to come home,” Tucker’s gaze went from his feet to Owen. “She said you didn’t know.”
“No, I didn’t,” Owen admitted. “I’m sorry, Tucker.
If I’d known about you, I’d have found a way to come home.
I can’t make up for all the years I missed, no matter how hard I try.
I can promise you things will be different from here on out.
When your mom wakes up, we can talk to her.
In the meantime, you can call me Owen or Dad when you’re comfortable.
If it’s all right with your mom, I can take you camping or on a few trips. We can get to know one another.”
Tucker licked his lips. “It’ll be nice to have a dad. The kids tease me at school about it. Will you make me live with you? Conner’s like my brother, and he’ll be scared if I leave him all alone. It’ll make Mom sad, too.”
“I don’t know how we will work it out yet, but we will,” he assured him. “Your mom says you and your Grandpa shared some fun times together. My brothers and I used to play on the mountain as kids. It’s a fun place to explore, but we must respect it, too.”
“Yes, sir,” Tucker said, seeming uncomfortable.
“I’m introducing my brothers to Conner, and I want you to know them, too. Despite us not seeing each other all this time, they’ll come when you need them. It’s the best thing about having brothers.”
“Like I have Conner,” Tucker said. “I’m the oldest, and I watch over him.”
“Exactly. Let’s go find them, and then we’ll eat Mason’s burnt chicken,” he said, putting his hand on his son’s shoulder. His son. Owen almost teared up. His life seemed forever changed by his son’s existence. Tucker became his priority, and he vowed to become the father his son needed.
“Do we have to eat it? Conner cooks better than him,” Tucker said, glancing into the smoky kitchen.
“We’ll take a peek after we talk with Conner and then order pizza,” he whispered.
Tucker glanced up at him and grinned.
Walking into the living room, he watched as Charlotte excused herself to check on Leslie. He grasped Tucker’s shoulder and motioned for Conner to come forward.
Conner glanced at Tucker, who signaled for him to stand beside him.
“Conner, you haven’t met everyone. It’s time you met your brothers. Over there sits Cade, and beside him, you have Mason, Dillon, Wyatt, and you know Elias. Guys, here’s your brother, Conner,” Owen introduced them.
Cade rose and shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, little bro.”
Mason smiled and gave him a nod as he wrestled Nathan from throwing the cards on the floor. Dillon tipped his hat and grinned. Wyatt gave a chin lift, not appearing happy about getting dethroned, but Owen chalked it up to needing something to take the edge off.
Squeezing Tucker, Owen glanced at his family. “We have another addition. Everyone, meet my son, Tucker.”
Tucker bit his lip, waiting for acceptance from his brothers. Owen wondered how much he got teased at school. With the Wolfe family’s grey eyes, he imagined the gossip Leslie and his son endured.
“What’s up, nephew?” Cade greeted.
Mason glanced at him and said, “Welcome, Tucker. Your cousins have given me trouble all day. Once they go to bed, I’d like to get to know both of you.”
Dillon grinned. “You’re not too far off in age from Conner. I’m the cool one of the brothers. I’ll show you two a good time.”
Wyatt nodded, acting as if he didn’t care.
Conner leaned over and grinned. “See. Dad said you belonged on this mountain as much as me. You’re a Wolfe, too.”
“In celebration, I think we deserve kinda of a party. How about pizza and wings?” Owen suggested. “Cade, if you can run into town and pick it up and get a bowl of soup and crackers for Leslie. Dillon, go with him. Mason, can the boys eat pizza?”
“Sure,” he replied, pulling the card away from Nathan. “I made chicken. I guess we can put it in the fridge for tomorrow.”
“Or we can throw it away and pretend you don’t know how to cook,” Elias suggested, making everyone laugh.
“If you want to run up and see your mom while we order, she might like the company. If she’s still sleeping, let her rest. It’ll help her recover,” Owen told the boys.
Once they left, he turned to the men. “Wyatt, you’re no longer the youngest child.
You’re a grown ass man and responsible for your actions.
Your welcome seemed lackluster. The boys don’t deserve it.
Take your anger out on us if you have to, but I expect you to make them feel like part of this family. ”
“You can’t tell me how to feel,” Wyatt growled. “I didn’t want to come in the first place. When do you plan to have the attorney read the will?”
“I’ll call him in the morning. Tonight, you and Cade will go to the bar, and you’ll make everyone believe you want the private autopsy done,” Owen instructed.
Elias interrupted. “Gunny called. He and a couple of his men, and Rucker will arrive tomorrow with the security equipment. He said he has something he wants to talk to us about.”
“Great, we’ll get a lecture from our old man’s military buddy,” Wyatt said. “I’m thrilled you brought me here for a lesson on how I’m ruining my life. The Wolfe men can kiss my ass.” Rising from his seat, he stomped from the room.
“What do you plan to do about him, Owen?” Cade asked.
“No,” Mason interjected. “We relied on Owen for most of our lives. It’s not fair to ask him to keep caring for us. We’re adults. Yeah, we got dealt a shitty hand, but it’s time we take responsibility for ourselves.”
“I’m checking on Leslie,” Owen said. “Dillon, go to the ATM and take out enough cash to cover your little blackmailer. She seems to know what she’s doing.”
Elias waved his hand to get Owen’s attention. “I’ve recovered the notes on Dad’s autopsy. I’m searching for the rest of them. Pages appear missing, and I’m digging farther back.”
“Good job, Elias. We’ll review them once I’m assured Leslie’s out of the woods.”
Owen turned and went upstairs. It felt right for Leslie to occupy his parents’ room.
She belonged here as much as they did. From Conner’s remark, it sounded like his dad tried to convince Leslie to move from the dilapidated house.
Did she turn him down because of pride or for another reason?
Somehow, he suspected Leslie refused because of him.