Chapter 65

"Just a minute," he called at the same time I said, "come in,". The door pushed open to reveal Tanner with a shy-looking Calla hiding behind his leg - until she saw me and rushed forward.

"Mommy, you were taking a long, long time," Calla observed while clutching onto the bottom of my t-shirt. I just nodded and stroked the top of her head. Tanner came further into the room, sliding his hand around to my lower back and asking me with his eyes if I was okay. I gave him a tight-lipped smile before turning back to my father. I opened my mouth to say something, but was cut off by one of his other kids bolting into the room.

"Dad, mom's upset and is demanding you come back out and do some damage control." The boy murmured looking extremely apprehensive.

"Tyler, not now. Tell her I'm busy." My father murmured before waving him away. My breathing hitched in my throat at the familiar action.

"She told me to tell you she's not taking no for an answ-"