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Gunshots hit the ground in front of my truck, and I reached for Tawni, tugging her close.
“Hey, we don’t want any trouble. I don’t have much money if that’s what you’re after, but you can take my wallet. Just leave us alone.”
Another gunshot hit the back tire of my truck, and I cursed.
No one answered as the other truck’s engine revved, the vehicle lurching back and forth as if someone was priming the engine for a race. Only there wasn’t anywhere to go. We were parked at the top of a hill, overlooking the rest of the city and all the lights. Up here in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, there wasn’t much to view besides the stars.
That was why I brought Tawni here tonight. I wanted her first time to be special. Under the stars, I made her mine, and my heart swelled with the knowledge.
Until I realized something about this night wasn’t right.
“Get out of the truck,” a deep voice ordered.
I didn’t want to listen. The moment we stepped out, there was no barrier between their lifted double cab dually and my little Ford Ranger. This was bad.
Tawni squeezed my hand, and I squeezed back. “It’ll be fine,” I promised. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
BLINKING, I RECALLEDthe past and the lie that followed. I wasn’t able to protect Tawni from a damn thing.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered, shaking my head. “I don’t remember everything that happened that night, but I know I left you all alone with those animals. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Jasper, I —”
Her words were cut off when Zane opened the door and charged in, shoving me in the chest as I stood, lifting my hands.
“What are you saying to my mom? She’s crying!”
“I know, bud, and I’m sorry for that.”
“You promised!” he shouted, his face flushing with anger.
“Let me explain,” I pleaded, hating that my first few conversations with my son were such a disaster.
“Zane,” Tawni pleaded, sniffling, “Listen.”
“No, mom. What’s going on? I don’t get why this guy is here.”
She lifted her head and inhaled a calming breath. “I’m about to tell you if you’ll calm down.”
Zane narrowed his eyes. “What’s happening?”
“Look at him,” she begged. “I mean, really look.”
Zane huffed a breath and then turned, facing me for the first time. His gaze roamed my face and then widened. “You look different. All that scruff is gone.”
“Is that all you notice?” she asked softly.
He took a step back, staring into my eyes. I knew the moment recognition sank in because he stumbled backward, shaking his head. “No way.”
“Zane.”
“No! I don’t know what kind of game this is, but it’s fucked up!”
“Zane,” Tawni scolded.
“He’s right,” I agreed, “It is fucked up because I didn’t get to be there,” I shouted, pounding a hand against my chest. “I didn’t get to see your mom pregnant and be amazed at how beautiful she looked. I didn’t get to hold you in my arms when you were born.”
“Stop,” Zane begged, shaking his head.
