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Diesel smirked. “How aboutyoustop pretendin’ your heart ain’t big enough for another man in your life, andIwon’t pretend to have any intentions of ever trying to replace that man right there. Comprende-o?”
Damn. I had mad respect for Diesel, ticking my chin at him. We’d get through this and figure it out. I didn’t doubt it.
“I’d like to know what you’re thinkin’,” Diesel announced.
“That I don’t like him in pain.” He thumbed in my direction.
“That’s what dads do. They hurt for their boys,” I choked out.
Thunder turned to Diesel. “Yeah. And just like you want a choice, he does, too.”
Thunder blinked, turning to me. “I took that from you when I decided to go back.”
I fought tears. “It’s okay, little man.”
“My heart says I have to go back.”
A heavy, weighted breath blew out of my mouth. Resignation. “I know.”
Hours later, I pulled my stool up to a chair in the tent, preparing to ink my boy for the first time. A moment I would never forget. Of all the people I’d inked, he meant the most to me—even more than Ani.
“Today belongs to Thunder,” I announced, giving Diesel a grin.
Significant life moment. Right there.
I turned the tattoo gun on . . .then touched it to Thunder’s skin. Beginning with a set of blue eyes known well to Thunder and me. One on each of his pecs, Ani could watch over him. Then, disguised behind wings I once tattooed on her skin, I started the design.
What a profound moment.
Handing over the gun, I placed it in Diesel’s hand. Another artist? Yes, nothing happened by chance.
He finished the wings, letting them stretch over Thunder’s chest and shoulders.
Once the tattoo was finished, the three of us made secret promises to see this ordeal through to the end, then come back together. Forever intertwined, our stories would merge, separate, and merge again. Such were the rivers of life.
Letting Thunder walk away afterward proved to be one of the most challenging moments of my life. I never wanted to alter the plan. Hell, I didn’t foresee Thunder wanting to stay. Unprepared for that, I didn’t have a backup plan. I didn’t want to leave empty-handed. Seemed so wrong.
I figured all parents must feel that way at some point, giving up control to let their kids thrive and grow.
Hard as fuck, but I could proudly say I did it.
