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Tanner looked my way.
I nodded, trying to give him all the encouragement he needed. Truth was, I had no idea what was going to come of this. I didn’t know Tanner’s past but my family sure as hell seemed to.
He took a breath and then another and I knew he was on the verge of losing it. Knowing he wouldn’t want anyone seeing that side of him, I stepped between him and Meadow.
“What the hell?” she whispered, a laugh escaping her. “There’s something going on. Isn’t there?”
The back of my neck heated.
“I think we need to chat.” Uncle Greyson headed to the meeting room. “Now. I won’t ask again.” He entered the room, not waiting for the guys to follow him.
Shade grabbed Meadow’s upper arm and pulled her to the other side of the room, but I could still hear their voices. It wasn’t like they were being discreet about it.
“She’s fucking him,” Meadow cried.
“No, I’m not,” I argued. “And even if I was, it’s none of your business.”
Meadow’s head whipped around. Her cheeks turned red. She shoved out of Shade’s grip and stomped up to me.
We were about the same height, but she was a little bigger than I was. Also, I had never gone toe-to-toe with a woman before. Or anyone for that matter. But defending Tanner seemed to be my new thing ever since I met him.
“What are you doing?” she asked, her voice thick, “He’s the reason we lost Sunny. He was your family too.”
“I know that,” I said gently. “But Tanner didn’t shoot him.”
“Do you know that for sure? Can you honestly stand there and tell me that you are absolutely positive that Tanner didn’t kill my boyfriend? Shade’s boyfriend. Our partner. The father of our baby.”
My chest tightened. “Can you tell me that hedid?”
“I…” She scowled. “I love you like a little sister, Bee. But right now, I’m so disappointed. I just…” Her eyes welled.
The back of my throat burned.
“Shade,” Uncle Greyson barked from the other side of the room. “I need you in here.”
Shade went up to Meadow and kissed her temple, muttering low enough to her that only she could hear what he was saying. Both of them cupped her stomach, talking amongst themselves.
My chest pained, knowing the baby she was carrying was a result of their love but also a constant reminder that Sunny would never meet his child.
“I’ll go sit in the corner like a good little girl. I have a book to finish reading anyway,” she mumbled, spun on her heel, and went to one of the tables sitting by the far wall.
“I really hope you know what you’re getting yourself into,” Shade said, cupping my shoulder. “I also hope you’re right.” He gave my shoulder a squeeze before joining the guys in the room.
At that moment, I was truly alone. I was stuck between wanting to be loyal to my family and following my heart.
***
(Tanner)
“You need to tell us what the fuck is going on and why the hell he’s here, so I can go back and give my wife something,” Shade said, his voice rough.
“You need to remember who you’re talking to.” Greyson went around to the head of the table.
“Grey, I need fucking answers,” Shade demanded.
Greyson’s head whipped around.
I almost wished I had popcorn.
