Page 24 of Home in the Country
“He was an angel. He’s outside paintin’ a birdhouse with your daddy.”
My heart squeezes because I’d been so worried my son would miss out on this. Tanner’s father had a lengthy military career and retired only a few years before Briggs was born. He and Tanner’s mom weren’t unkind, but they were far from loving.
I could never figure out how someone as gentle and sweet as Tanner came from those two, but it didn’t matter. I refused to let them bully their son. They’d been shocked the first time I’d pushed back at their disregard for his feelings, and I vowed to never let him feel undermined if I could help it.
“Thank you.”
“You don’t need to thank us for lovin’ our grandbaby.”
“I know. I’m just grateful, that’s all.” Mama nods as she reads between the lines.
“When is Tanner comin’ here?”
“We think in a couple of months, but it’s not definite.”
“He doin’ okay bein’ away from the both of you?” Tanner and I are officially divorced, but I made sure my parents knew he was still family.
“Yes and no. We’re managing and trying to be as transparent as possible with Briggs.”
“He seems like he’s adjustin’ all right.”
“He’s amazing—exhausting but amazing.”
She gives me a wry grin before her expression falters. Mama straightens a stack of magazines on the table and doesn’t look up as she says, “Be careful with that Thayer boy.”
“Excuse me?” I ask, careful to keep the accusation from my voice.
“Word travels fast in this town.” Mama meets my gaze. “Your father ran into someone that saw you and Otto havin’ a dance and then saw you chasin’ after him.”
I cross my arms over my chest defensively. “It’s no one’s business,” I hiss.
She holds up her hands. “I’m just sayin’ you should be careful. Those twins have a reputation around town, and you have a child to think about.”
“You’re saying Otto Thayer is what? A bad guy? I assure you he’s not.”
She sighs. “I’m sayin’ be careful is all. The Thayers are good people. All those kids work hard and the twins are no different, but they are also all havin’ a good time if you know what I mean.”
I blink as my mouth opens and closes without forming words, and suddenly I just want to get my son and go home.
“Mommy!” The whirlwind in question crashes into me and wraps his little arms around my waist.
“Hi baby, I missed you.”
“I missed you! Can we paint my room today?”
I ruffle his shaggy blond hair and nod. “Yeah, baby. Go clean up and get your bag, and we’ll head over to the store and you can pick out your paint.”
He pumps his fist and takes off down the hall.
“Hey Pumpkin.”
“Hi, Daddy.” My father gives me a tight side hug and kisses my hair.
“I’m gonna need a nap now.” He chuckles and it’s low and familiar and instantly brings a smile to my face.
“I miss when he used to nap,” I say wistfully.
“You’re doin’ good with that boy. He’s a great kid, Fallon.” He looks over at my mother and then back at me.
