Be with Me (Return to Haven 2)

Tanner found himself enveloped in his mother’s tight embrace. The next second she sniffed and the slight sound pierced his heart. Tanner patted her back.

“Are those happy tears, I assume?” he asked.

His mom eased back and gripped his shoulders. “I’m so happy for you. Are you . . . is this okay? I mean, how are you dealing with everything?”

Tanner smiled and glanced at Melanie. “We’re over the shock for the most part.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

His mother’s eyes searched his and he gave her shoulder a slight squeeze. “I know what you meant, Mom. I’m okay.”

“The baby and I are both healthy,” Melanie was quick to add. “I’m sure this is scary for you, Mrs. Bailey.”

“Oh, please. Call me Teresa. We’re family now.”

Tanner caught Melanie’s slight cringe. That word terrified her, and knowing what she’d come from, he couldn’t blame her for being overly cautious. This entire pregnancy had thrust them both into a territory neither of them had been ready for, but they were going to get through it together.

“This is the best Thanksgiving ever,” his mother said, beaming. “I can’t think of anything to be more thankful for than family and the promise of new life.”

The chime of a cell went off, penetrating the moment. Melanie’s eyes darted toward her purse on the accent table by the front door.

“Go ahead, dear,” his mom said.

Melanie shook her head. “It’s fine. I’ll get it later.”

This was the second time it had gone off and she wasn’t concerned. Or maybe she was and that’s why she wasn’t answering. Was she worried her ex or one of his minions was calling again? Every part of Tanner wanted to get ahold of her phone and check, but he wouldn’t disrespect her that way. She wanted to handle things, and that was fine, but if there was even an inkling of danger or any stress for her, he’d step in without hesitation.

Tanner’s cell vibrated in his pocket and he groaned. “Sorry,” he said, pulling out his phone. “I actually do have to get this.”

“I guess I can’t complain,” his mom stated. “I had you over for dinner and you’re making me a grandma. Go ahead and work.”

No doubt it was work. The extraction going down this evening had been on his mind all day. This was the first one he’d requested to sit out on.

Tanner stepped outside on the front porch and answered. “Roark.”

“I know you’re at your mother’s, but is there any chance you can come back?”

Considering his captain was calling, there must be a damn good reason. Tanner glanced at his watch and sighed as he watched a couple kids running down the opposite side of the street. Their laughter carried through the tiny neighborhood. This is what he wanted for his life. Something simple, something pure. Which is why he had to be the one to consistently keep the evil away.

“I can be there in just over an hour.” He needed to get Melanie home and get back to his house to change. “Text me the details.”

“I appreciate it,” his captain said. “You know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t an emergency. We’ve just received some intel that this is also a drug house. We are looking at a full bust.”

Damn. There was no way he would sit this one out.

“I’m leaving now.”

He disconnected the call and turned toward the house. The image through the wide window was one that would stay forever in his memory bank. His mother and Melanie were on the sofa flipping through what was no doubt his embarrassing youth pictures. Right now, though, Tanner didn’t care. These two women held a place in his heart. Melanie had come to be so much more than a quick hookup or even the mother of his child. She was a remarkably strong woman and his mother had been through hell, coming out on top. These two shared a parallel history and Tanner wondered just how strong their bond would grow over the years.

Yes, years. Tanner knew he wanted Melanie to be part of his life, and now he just had to mold this relationship so she could see the same future together.

He was used to saving abused women from their homes and abusers, but that had been the extent of his involvement with them. He recalled what his mother had gone through to rebuild her life, but being involved with Melanie was completely different. No matter what it took, he’d make sure she knew he cared and that he wasn’t going anywhere.

Tanner let himself back in and both women looked up at him; they both had the same expression on their faces.

“Can’t be helped,” he stated with a shrug. “There’s an emergency.”

“I understand.” His mother closed the album and smiled. “I’m glad we at least got to enjoy dinner together. Why don’t I package some things for you to take?”