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Tate turns to look at his brother. ‘Seriously? How does Annabelle feel about that?’
Shane looks at the ground and takes a breath before he answers. ‘Listen, we shouldn’t have kept you from them like we did. We were trying to protect them and you.’
‘Me?’
‘You know what they’re like, Tate. It would have been non-stop questions. I didn’t want you to feel overwhelmed and... well, they love you to bits. There’s no way they would have been able to give you space. We never had an issue with you spending time with them. I’m sorry if you thought that.’
‘I wasn’t blaming you. Can’t say I was much of a role model for them.’
Shane nudges him in the side. ‘I wouldn’t be so quick to say that. A year ago you were in a very different place. Now look at you. You beat it, Tate. That’s something to be damn proud of. And you demolished Dara’s nose. Also something to be proud of. Fucker deserved a hell of a lot more.’ Shane laughs harshly then takes another drink. ‘Can’t quite believe what he did, what he’s been doing to you. Not surprised Eric and Sandy didn’t show their faces.’
‘Doubt they knew what he was doing.’
Shane grunts but doesn’t say anything else. Tate had a few long talks with his brother while he was on tour. Shane hadn’t taken the news about Dara well. Their father had to talk him down more than once. He’d wanted to get on a plane and personally make sure Dara paid for what he did. His reaction hadn’t surprised anyone. Shane had always been protective of Tate. From the first moment Tate met Shane, his new big brother had taken him under his wing.
‘It’s done. Doubt we’ll be seeing Dara again. I just want to forget about the whole fucking thing and concentrate on getting myself back on track.’
‘Are you okay though?’
Tate nods at his brother. ‘Getting there. I’m remembering more stuff but it’s just snippets. I have to write down whatever I can remember after the dreams. Not exactly a barrel of laughs but I guess it’s helping. I’ve got weekly appointments and yes, I’m talking.’
‘Good. I’m always on the other end of the phone, Tate. You know that right?’
‘I know. Thanks.’
‘We want you and Chloe to come over for a few weeks after Christmas, if you fancy it. I know the girls would love to show their favourite uncle around.’
‘Their only uncle.’
‘Technicality. Have a think about it. Might do you both good to get away from here for a bit. Give yourselves a break.’
‘You sure Annabelle is on board with that?’
‘Of course. As long as you don’t bring any more fucking Lego into the house she’ll be grand.’
‘Sounds amazing. A change of scenery might not be a bad thing. The last eight months with her have been a fucking car crash. Not the bits with her, just everything else. What I really want is a few months with no hospital visits and no crazy relatives kidnapping either of us.’
‘Doesn’t sound like too much to ask.’ Shane slaps him on the shoulder. ‘Talk to Chloe and let me know.’ He places the empty bottle on the counter behind him and rubs his hands together. ‘Well, I think it’s time for the yearly sing-along with Tate Archer. Bria wants to show off her violin skills to Robbie.’
‘He the one we intimidated last year?’
‘Clearly we’re losing our touch. I don’t like the look of the guy so I’m on for trying again if you’re up to it.’
‘I need something to get me through the night.’
‘Let the games begin. I’ll grab a few instruments. You want your guitar?’
‘Yeah. The black one on the left of the stand.’
Tate weaves through his relatives and grabs Chloe’s hand. He holds her against his chest and runs his thumb over her lips.
‘Have I told you that you look stunning tonight?’
‘A few times. Now are you going to let me go? Your family is watching.’
‘I really couldn’t give a fuck who’s watching. I only see you.’
He picks her up, ignoring the cheering and hollering from his family and friends. Chloe squeals but doesn’t fight to get out of his arms. He rests his forehead against hers. ‘I love you.’
