46. Tanner
TANNER
Despite my insistence that a private jet and car service were unnecessary for this little trip, I’m happy that I won’t have to be here longer than is required.
Sorren had snorted out a laugh when I told him I was booking a ticket to see my parents, and before the conversation was even finished, I had a message from Hank saying that his wife had everything handled.
Handled.
Like picking up milk on your way home from work.
It’s absurd, but their generosity means I’ll have all of this behind me before the day is over.
Finally.
I wish I was surprised that it’s all come down to this, but on some level, I’ve known this would be how it ends. Deacon wanted to come with me and so did Fallon. Hell, even Otto, Sorren, the rest of the family, and everyone in Blackstone Falls once word got around.
They showed up for me with their words and affirmations and in Ellison’s case, a healthy dose of low-key violence to round things out.
Unconditional love and support.
The way it should be.
And it’s the reason I’m sitting at the curb in this town car outside my parents’ house. I hoped I’d never have to do this.
But Briggs deserves better.
And so do I.
Pulling my phone from the pocket of my jacket, I type out a message and smile when one comes back immediately.
TANNER: I’m here.
DEACON: I love you.
DEACON: You can do this.
TANNER: I love you. I’ll let you know when I’m on the way back to the airport.
DEACON: I’ll be waiting to bring you home.
Home.
The place where he and Briggs are, along with the people of two neighboring towns that have helped me become the man I am today.
Steeling myself, I tell the driver I’ll be back and open the door and take in the home that I’ve only been to once before. The white siding and black shutters are pristine as is the landscaping even though it’s December and winter will be here before we know it.
My footsteps are unhurried as I follow the pathway to the front door, rapping twice on the painted wood before stepping back.
Muffled voices precede my father as he opens the door, surprise on his face, his hair freshly cut and pristine, face shaven, and his clothes wrinkle free.
He looks the same as he always has.
“Tanner, what are you doing here?”
“Can I come in?”
He grunts but steps aside and allows me entry into the house that has minimal personal touches and looks ready for a house showing at a moment’s notice.
“Tanner, what a surprise.” My mother’s voice is lukewarm, her smile not reaching her brown eyes as her gaze bounces between my father and me. Her hair is neatly pulled back, and she looks like she’s ready for a charity luncheon, not even casual in her own home.
“How are you feeling?” I ask, not sitting or bothering to remove my coat.
“Oh, you know, I’m just fine. Your father has been taking me to physical therapy, and we’ve been keeping as busy as we can. Are you staying close? We weren’t expecting company.”
Company.
Her only son demoted to company.
It’s fitting, and I’m thankful there’s no doubt in my mind that the choices I’ve made are the right ones.
“I’m not staying,” I say, looking to each of them before continuing. “I needed to do this in person so there’s no question going forward where I stand. After I leave this house, there will be no further contact between us. You will not contact my son or Fallon.”
“Tanner,” my mother gasps but I keep going.
“You’ve both made it clear in your actions and your silence that your love is contingent on who I choose to love. Your grandson has suffered and that alone is unforgiveable.”
“We haven’t—” Red creeps up my father’s neck, but I slash my hand through the air in a gesture of enough.
“I’ve found a man who loves me and has taken time and exhibited more patience and care for me in the months we’ve been together than either of you have shown me in the last several years.
His love comes with no conditions and he loves Briggs.
I’ve had to relearn what a family is—what it’s supposed to look like—and you know what?
It’s messy and incredible and sadly, nothing you’ll ever get to experience. ”
“We gave you a roof over your head and I taught you—” my father barks but I shake my head.
“You taught me the kind of father I don’t want to be. You’re unable to accept who I am, and you decided that I didn’t belong here when Mom was in surgery.”
“I told him to call,” my mother tries but it’s too late.
“I’m your only child, and you’ll never know how much it hurts that you don’t want to know the man I’ve become.
” Pulling the manila envelope from my jacket, I hand it to my mother.
“If you need to get in touch with me, you can contact my lawyer. His information is inside. Any and all requests will go through him, and if necessary he’ll get in touch with me. ”
“Tanner, this is ridiculous,” my father chides, his hands on his hips as he paces across the hardwood.
“Any future arrangement will be handled according to your wishes should you choose to keep me on as executor.”
“Get out,” he growls and I nod, uninterested in staying now that I’ve said my piece.
“I wish you both the best.”
And with that, I turn for the door and step out into the frigid air, the bite of it stinging my heated skin as I follow the same path back to the car with my phone in hand.
TANNER: It’s done. I’m coming home.