Page 97 of Home in the Country
Turning in my seat, I cup her cheek in my hand and guide her toward me until our lips are barely touching.
“He’s always going to be Briggs’s dad. But you’re mine and I’ll do anything to make Briggs happy, and there’s no denyin’ that kid loves Tanner.”
“How are you so amazing?” Her tear-filled eyes dart to mine before falling to my lips. I indulge her with a sweet kiss before answering her question.
“I know what I want, Fallon.”
Her hand snakes around the back of my neck as she crushes her mouth against mine. I’d probably chuckle at her eagerness if the kiss wasn’t laced with gratitude and relief and love.
“I love you,” she whispers against my lips, and they curve up in response.
“I love you too.” Pulling back, I let my smile fall into a smirk. “Come on, let’s go welcome Tanner to the family. I even invited Miss Thelma.”
“Otto! You did not.” She gasps and I chuckle as I get out of the truck and round the hood to her side.
“I most certainly did. If he’s gonna live here, he needs to know all the people who reside in our little slice of heaven.” My accent is heavy as I draw out the last few words, and Fallon rolls her eyes as Tanner parks his car next to mine.
“Otto! Is Hank here?”
“Yeah, Big Rigg, probably out back.”
Briggs takes off like a shot, and Fallon stands there with her mouth agape.
“The one he’s attached himself to is Hank?”
I shrug. “Seems that way.” Holding my hand out to Tanner, I say, “Welcome, man.”
“Thanks for uh…having me. I think.” His shake is firm but his words are hesitant.
“Look, Tanner, everyone is going to know who you are, but when I introduce you to the group I’m not going to harp on the ex thing—you’re Briggs’s dad. That simple.” I turn my gaze between the two of them. “Seriously with the s’s?”
Tanner points at Fallon. “Her fault and I appreciate that. And honestly I’m still kind of weirded out by you and how easy this transition has been.”
“If y’all are done gabbin’, I got food to put on the table.”
“Sorry, Mama, we’re comin’.”
She points her wooden spoon at Tanner. “Inside, Tanner. I need you to help with this pasta salad. Otto, go help your daddy. Fallon, we’ll catch up in a bit, sweetheart.”
“Hi, Flora, thanks so much for havin’ us.”
Mama waves her off. “You know I live for havin’ my family close. Now come on, I wanna get everything out before it’s cold.”
I slap Tanner on the shoulder as Mama waits on the porch expectantly.
“Good luck, brother,” I say on a soft chuckle before taking Fallon’s hand and leaving him to fend for himself.
“He’s going to be okay, right?” she whispers as we head into the backyard.
“Of course, you know how Mama is. She’s gonna ease him into the chaos.”
She gives me a side-eye but otherwise doesn’t say anything.
“Hey y’all!” Marlee yells when she sees us before coming over and giving us each a hug.
“Hey Marlee.” I hug my sister-in-law for a beat longer than normal, and she squeezes me in return. Tanner might be a different circumstance, but when Sorren and Marlee landed in Clementine Creek, there was no question they were ours.
In my mind, Tanner is ours too. He’s family, and I’ll make sure everyone knows it.
