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“Yes.”

The “no” rose up in him straight away. Too fast. Too soon. Not enough time. He swallowed it and looked toward the doorway where Savannah’s voice drifted in from the living room.

Miles spoke before Tanner could say anything. “It’s better.”

Tanner looked at him sharply. “For who?”

“For you.”

Tanner let out a short laugh. “Doesn’t feel that way.”

“No, because you’re scared.”

Cody cut in. “You can be scared and still go.”

Tanner looked at him.

Cody turned then and folded his arms. “You’re already in it. Dragging it out won’t make it any better.”

There it was again. Tanner looked at TJ. “Where?”

“The office downtown. Private room, not the front desk.” TJ kept his voice even. “I can meet you there or pick you up. Your choice.”

Tanner’s hand tightened around the edge of the table. “I’m not going in there on my own.”

“You’re not,” Miles said. The answer came so fast Tanner turned to him. Miles held his gaze. “I’m going with you.”

Tanner looked between him and TJ, then back down at the table. He hated this part. No one was shouting. No one was forcing his hand. They were just standing there waiting for him to do the hard thing instead of the stupid one he’d already tried.

“What do I say?” he asked finally.

TJ pushed the pad of paper across the counter. “The truth. That Savannah’s been with you. That you’ve been caring for her. That you panicked yesterday, and it won’t happen again. That you want the legal process started now.”

The page had a name, a number, a time, and an address written on it.

Tanner stared at it. Yesterday had been movement. Today was forms, and meetings, and rooms where decisions got made.

Savannah wandered back in clutching the rabbit by one ear and leaned against his leg. He put a hand on her shoulder.

He looked at Miles. “You’re staying?”

“Yeah.”

He looked at TJ. “You too?”

“For the meeting,” TJ said. “If you want me there.”

Tanner answered before he could think about it too much. “Yeah.”

Cody reached over, took Tanner’s untouched second piece of toast off the plate, and pointed it at him. “Eat that.” Tanner stared at him. “You’re no use to anybody at two o’clock if you pass out from coffee and nerves.”

That got a small chuckle from him. He took the toast back and ate it while Savannah leaned against his leg and muttered to her rabbit.

Miles picked up his keys. “I’m heading home to shower and grab a change of clothes.”

Tanner looked up too fast. “What?”

Miles’ expression didn’t change. “I said I’m going with you, but I’m not wearing yesterday’s shirt to do it.”