“Jared,” my mother said and pressed her lips together as the asshole glared at her.
Natalie stood frozen at my side, her hand lying protectively over our baby.
“Let’s get out of here,” I whispered and met Cody’s gaze. “Come on.”
Cody moved forward, but Jared held on tight. “Let’s all talk out near the cars.”
He turned then, forcibly moving Cody and my mother, and I wanted to hit the bastard for touching them, but we were in public. And Jared would press charges.
“Tanner,” Mom whispered.
“Not now,” I snapped.
I hated myself. I didn’t want Natalie to see this, but I couldn’t hold back. I couldn’t do anything right.
She didn’t say anything more, but she did follow me outside. I swallowed hard, wondering what the fuck we were supposed to do.
“Mom, as I said, this is Natalie.” I let out a breath. “And, as you can probably guess, we’re having a baby.”
Natalie and I hadn’t practiced what we’d say when we met with others and this came up, so we might as well get through it now. Natalie had been the one to blurt it out to our friends. Apparently, it was my turn now.
My mother’s hand went to her mouth before she smiled widely. “A baby. I’m going to be a grandmother.”
I smiled then as Natalie leaned into me.
“I’m sorry you’re finding out this way,” Natalie whispered. “We were going to tell our parents this week. Tonight was just our date before we gave everybody the news. I’m showing a lot earlier than planned.”
I knew Natalie was rambling because I wasn’t saying anything. I needed to say something.
“So, yes, we’re having a baby.”
“Knocked her up, and you’re not even going to marry her? What the fuck is wrong with you, boy?”
“You’re going to want to watch your tone,” I said softly as Natalie squeezed my biceps. “Especially in front of my mother, my brother, and Natalie.”
“Can’t even call her your girlfriend? Or is she…what? Your baby’s mama or whatever the fuck they call it these days? Jesus Christ, I thought your dad raised you better than that.”
“Don’t talk about my dad,” I spat.
“You going to give it a go, son? You’re just some punk kid who can’t even put on a rubber. You think you can take me? Come at me.”
“Tanner,” Natalie whispered, and I nodded tightly.
“You’re not going to get a rise out of me.” I looked over at Cody. “You mind heading to the car? You safe there?”
“Don’t give him orders.”
“You’re not our dad, so you can just shut the fuck up right now,” I barked, and my mother pressed her lips together. I wasn’t helping things, but Jared didn’t get to talk to us this way. Only, once they left, they would be alone with him. I would be the one who started shit and didn’t follow through.
Like always.
Cody went off to the car, leaving the four of us alone. They’d parked two spots over, so we could still see him, but hopefully, he wouldn’t be able to hear us.
“I’m not going to respond to what you just said because we’re in a public place, and I’m trying to have a date with my girl here. Yes, we’re having a baby. We’re going to raise our baby together, and we wanted to tell you guys together. I’m sorry it came out this way, but don’t talk about my mother that way. Don’t talk about Natalie that way. Don’t talk about anyone in my family that way. We’re having a baby. Mom, you’re going to be a grandma. We’ll talk soon. I love you.” I took a step forward, ignoring Jared’s warning gaze, and kissed Mom on the cheek. “Call me if you need me.”
“She’s not going to fucking need you.”
“We’ll see.”
I turned on my heel, giving him my back, knowing that it probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do. But Jared wouldn’t hit me here. He was good at taunting and not following through. Jared wanted me to attack. That way, he could kick me out of the family forever, and he would have complete control. I had to be the strong one.
I pulled Natalie with me gently so she wouldn’t hurt herself in those heels, and we made our way to the truck.
“Tanner, the way he spoke...”
“Not right now,” I whispered.
She pressed her lips together and nodded. We got into my truck. Jared and my mother piled into the car with Cody and sped out of there before I’d even started the engine. I let out a breath, gripping the steering wheel.
“That’s my family,” I said after a moment.
“Your mother seemed nice. And your brother looks just like you. But that man? He’s not your family. You told me he’s not your family. I just wish there was a way we could get your mother and brother out of there.”
I looked at her then. “I don’t know how. But you’re going into the right line of work for it, aren’t you?”
She bit her lip. “Eventually, yes. I’m so sorry. I wish there were something I could do right now.”
She reached for me, and I flinched, ignoring the hurt in her gaze. “You shouldn’t touch me. Not when you saw where I came from.”
“Stop it. You don’t come from that. Your dad was a hero.”
“They called Jared a hero, too, for fighting over there.”
“Then he came back an asshole. He probably always was an asshole.”
“You call me an asshole,” I whispered.
“Sometimes you act like one, but not like that. He was cruel. You’re never cruel, Tanner.” She leaned forward and ran her fingers through my beard. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for what he said and what he’s doing. I wish there was a way we could help your mom, and maybe there is. They know about this now.” She rubbed her belly. “And even if we don’t have labels for each other, we’re going to be parents. You’re going to protect this baby just like you’re trying to protect those in your family. You’re going to be a great father, Tanner.”
I knew she was saying all the right words, but I couldn’t see them as truth. Shame crept over me, and I tried to ignore it. Instead, Natalie leaned forward and kissed me, gripping my hand. “Let’s go home. We’ll pick up a burger on the way and watch a movie.”
“So much for our date.”
“Our date is whatever and wherever we want it to be. Plus, I just want to cuddle with you and get out of these shoes.”
I snorted. “Told you the shoes were a mistake.”
“That’s not what you said the last time when I had them wrapped around your neck,” she teased, and I groaned, knowing she was joking just to lighten the mood. But it wasn’t going to work completely.
She had seen the truth of who I was. Had seen where I came from.
Now, she would leave. I wouldn’t be able to keep her.
Fourteen
Natalie
Why was I so nervous? Oh, right. Because I was bringing Tanner to my parents’. It was a scheduled dinner with my family, and I had told them that I was bringing someone. My mother had been so intrigued and delighted that I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I would crush her dreams by not bringing someone she would approve of. I hated that I could guess what would happen with Tanner, and I knew I needed to protect him no matter what. I kept telling myself that I loved my parents, but I knew they would not be kind to him. I didn’t even know if they would be kind to me.