Briggs’s movements are slower as he falls into me, so much of my heart breaking for both of us. But it’s only momentary, the mourning of this one singular event overshadowed by love that follows.
By Fallon wrapping her arms around both of us and crying too. Of whispered words of apology and promises that we won’t settle for less than we all deserve.
Of new beginnings and realizations that we’ve all grown up and we’re so thankful to be here.
Together.
I know the moment Deacon’s hand grips the back of my neck while Otto’s falls to my shoulder, their stance only changing to protect the three of us now instead of just Briggs.
“I love you.”
I tell them because those three words belong to every person in the room today.
And always.
DEACON
“You knew?”Tanner asks quietly long after we can no longer hear Otto’s truck in the distance.
“Briggs and I were playing horseshoes. He’s really good, by the way.”
Tanner gives me a tired smile. “He is.”
“I think he just wanted to test it out on someone that wasn’t tied so tightly to everything. He told Otto when he came outside and then I ended up having a conversation with Otto and…”
“And now we’re here.”
“And now we’re here.”
Tanner runs his fingers through his short blonde hair as he sags against the sink. “Am I a terrible father for not knowing?”
“Absolutely not. He wanted to protect you the same way you’ve tried to protect him. Tonight he had the courage to say the words out loud, and I happened to be in the right place at the right time.”
“Thank you for that—for protecting him.”
“He’s a brave little boy.”
“He is. And I want that with you.”
My heart stutters in my chest, and I have to swallow twice before I can find the words to speak. “You want…”
“A baby.”
“Tanner, look?—”
“I heard you talking to Jude, him saying you’ve always wanted to be a dad, and I heard you saying all the things you think I’d want to hear. But the truth is something happened tonight, and I don’t know if it’s divine intervention or karma or just the biggest God damn set of coincidences to ever align, but I’m done letting any of the bullshit I’ve been carrying interfere with the things and people I love the most.”
“A baby, huh?” I grin because I can’t help it, and I watch as the sexiest smile spreads over his lips.
“Maybe not right this second, but yeah, we should have a baby. I don’t know if that’s adoption or a surrogate or something else, but I want to enjoy my life with you. I want what you wantand I want our kids to be as loved as Briggs is—as loved as any of the kids on your side or mine.”
“Are you sure? I forget it’s only been a few months… We don’t have to rush. There’s plenty of time to talk about the future.”
“I’d rather know we’ve done everything to ensure our future.”
“Like kids.”
“And marrying you.”
