27
TANNER
“I’m glad you’re enjoying your trip,” I tell my mother after a five-minute monologue of the different places they’ve been to over the last two weeks. “Is Dad there?” I ask, already bracing for the excuse I know is coming.
“He just ran into town. Do you want me to have him call you?” she replies, both of us not saying the quiet part out loud.
He won’t call.
And he’s probably not in town.
Since coming out, my relationship with my father has been strained. I know he loves me, but my divorcing Fallon hit him hard and then telling him I’m gay blindsided him in a way I should have expected.
But I didn’t.I just wanted my dad.
Clearing my throat, I shake my head even though she can’t see me. “No, that’s all right. I’ll catch up with him next time we talk.”
“All right, Tanner. Please give Briggs our love.”
“I will,” I tell her, annoyed that she doesn’t include Fallon in that sentiment. Fallon and I ended on better-than-good termsand she’s supported me and shown me unconditional love, which is more than I can say for either of my parents.
Disconnecting the call, I stare at the device as my life comes into a strange and also very clear focus.
I’d been angsting over everything related to Deacon and Briggs and even Fallon when it really hadn’t been any of those things bothering me.
Grabbing my keys from the table, I let my front door bang shut as I hustle across the porch to my car.How did I miss this?
I’ve already pulled onto the main road by the time that particular question has bounced around my head. There’s an aching hole in my chest that would definitely consume me if not for the flicker of hope that refuses to wane. The flame is barely glowing but it’s there.I feel it.
Turning down the dirt driveway, I slow my speed, not wanting to get yelled at for kicking up dust when I know better.
I already feel lighter as I pull my car up to the porch and put it in park. The farmhouse feels like home in a way I can’t explain. I’ve never had any attachment to a physical place, but this is different—it was different from the first time I came here.
Or maybe it’s just the people who live here that make the difference, the ones who went out of their way to make sure I knew I was welcome in their space.
That I belong.
My steps are muffled as I cross the long wooden planks and knock on the door quickly before opening it and poking my head in. “Flora?”
“Tanner? Oh! Come in, darlin’. It’s been too long!” She beams as she wipes her hands on a towel and closes the distance between us. Her arms wrap me in a hug that is so much stronger than her petite frame suggests, and I hug her back because I need it.
“Thought that was your car,” Vincent Thayer says, his lips twitching up into a smile as he holds out his hand. “Good to see you, son.”
Son.
It’s enough to make me blink back tears. Flora must notice because gentle hands cup my face as she pulls my head down to meet her gaze. “Who do I have to hurt?”
I huff out a laugh because I know she’s as serious as she is trying to provide some levity.
“No one, I just?—”
“This sounds like we’re going to need a snack,” she says, taking my elbow and leading me toward the large table. “Have a seat. Vincent, can you grab the blue and white platter up there?”
Dropping into a seat, I resist the urge to offer to help. She’s inmamamode as she calls it, and honestly, I could use being fussed over right now. So I settle in and look around, taking in the white cabinets and cozy country feel. It’s perfect. Flora’s always in her element here, her shoulder-length auburn hair swaying as she hustles around the room.
When the platter is filled and a glass of sweet tea is placed on the table, I break, the weight of not just today, but so many days falling from my shoulders.
“I’m dating someone,” I start, neither of them saying anything like they know that’s not the end of my declaration, and they’re right. “A man.” Glancing up, Flora is smiling and Vincent’s lips are curved up on one side. “Deacon Rhodes, actually.”
