Page 107 of Rebellious

I raise my head, confused at his reaction. “I don’t want to love her,” I admit sadly. “If things were to go bad and Theo—”

“What does Theo have to do with anything?” A shadow of a grin emerges.

“I never want to risk ruining our relationship with the Von Bremens,” I finally admit after a moment.

Dad’s jaw clenches, his eyes narrow and firm. “Nothing will ever ruin my relationship with Anniston and Theo. Not that you ever need to be concerned about me.”

This is going terrible. “You know that’s not true,” I argue.

I knew immediately when his cheek twitched and his forearm flexed, my words had an unintended effect.

“What exactly are you saying, Bennett? That somehow you became the parent and sole caretaker for this family?” Great, he’s being sarcastic now.

“No, sir. I—”

“Wanted to tiptoe around me like I’m some delicate child on the verge of a tantrum?”

I shake my head. “No. That’s not what I mean at all.” I rake a hand through my hair. “I know your relationship with Theo and Anniston is important to you—” I hesitate, “—to your mental health.”

My father laughs and I don’t miss that it’s void of humor. “You did this all for me then?”

My head drops to my chest. “Is it wrong that I wanted you to be happy?”

“And you think I wouldn’t if I, somehow, lost Theo and the foundation?”

I nod. “They are the ones who changed your life.”

My father sighs, mimicking my habit of raking his hands through his hair. “It’s true, the Von Bremens and the foundation have been very good to me. They saved my life and helped me create a new one. But the happiness came when I met your mother—” He taps my shoulder, “—when I had you boys. Nothing in this world will ever bring me as much joy as my family.”

“But Theo—”

“—is a great friend,” my dad interrupts firmly. “But not the key to my happiness.” He sits back on the couch. “Bennett, did you know that your mother had never met me when she packed up her life in New York and moved to Georgia to find me?”

I shake my head.

“She was insanity wrapped in a petite package.”

I smile, watching as his face changes when he talks of my mother. “Like you, she worried about her brother’s commanding officer.” He sighs. “She had recognized me in the paper. I was homeless, resting in front of a building that was soon to be renovated. Your mother’s brother had died, under my watch. She still mourned, yet she was more worried about where my life was headed.” Inhaling, he levels me with a sad look. “I’m not perfect. I have demons I may never slay. I didn’t want to love your mother. Hell, I did everything I could to drive her away. But you know what?” He chuckles. “She was fucking relentless in her pursuit.”

Leaning back, I relax. “What made you change your mind about her?”

He shrugs. “I realized I was a miserable bastard without her.” His eyes drift further away before he blinks and finds my gaze. “Since I was thirty years old, people I love have been putting me first. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by selfless friends and family. However, my children will never put me first. That’s not your job. It’s mine. You, your brother, and mother are my priority. Your happiness matters to me.”

“But sir.” He’s not understanding. “If I could prevent causing you grief, then—”

“Bennett!” He snaps. “I am a grown ass man. I do not need you worrying. Nothing will ever come between what’s important to me. If you love Aspen, then love her, son. I’ll deal with Theo and his drama.”

“And what if it ends badly?” I worry.

He shrugs. “Then at least you went after what you wanted.”

“But—”

I can tell his patience is waning. “But nothing, Bennett. Nothing, not even you and Aspen fighting will drive me and Von Bremen apart.”

It’s basically the same thing Theo said.

“Son,” he claps a hand on my knee, “from the time you were born, I’ve known you would be the last string to tie our families together. Theo knew it; your mother knew it. We all watched you and Aspen love one another more and more with each passing day. The only one fighting this is you.”

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