I introduced him to River, and we all sat down. He talked a mile a minute, and he told me about his school, sports, and friends. I loved hearing everything. We ate and laughed. We shared memories from when we lived together.
“I’m sorry my father is such an asshole.” He looked at me. “You were the best guy he was ever with, and I wanted to return to you. I even told him I wanted to be with you instead of him because you liked me more than he did.”
Douglas was surprised by this information. I realized then why Stephen didn’t want to let Tanner and I stay connected.
“I was told you made us leave because you didn’t want a little brat around anymore. I asked for at least a year if I could write you a letter or if we could visit you. He showed me an envelope that had your company logo on it. He said you had sent him a letter that said you had a new son and didn’t want me anymore. I was eight, and of course, Ibelieved my father.” Tears streamed down his face. “I am so sorry that I believed him. I knew you wouldn’t leave me. I knew that you loved me.”
My heart broke for the boy he was then. His father gaslighted him and didn’t care about the damage he was doing to his kid.
“Grandpa, I am sorry for this part.” They looked at each other.
“Go ahead, son, say what you need to say.”
“About two years ago, I found a box full of papers. They were the letters you sent to my father about me. It included all the documents from the lawyers, your pleading with my dad to let you see me, your offering him money, and all the letters you sent me. I steamed them all open and read them. My grandparents wouldn’t be thrilled with my snooping, and I didn’t want to go behind their backs. When I turned sixteen, I figured I was getting old enough to explain how I felt. I guess that’s how we ended up here.”
“I can’t tell you how glad I am that you went to your grandparents, and they were willing to call me.” I looked at Douglas. “I’d like to get to know you better and maybe attend some sports events. I want to be part of your life.”
He looked at his grandpa. I could see a smile on his face and a tiny nod. “Yes! I want to do that. I’m on summer vacation now. I start my senior year of high school in October.”
“Why don’t you exchange numbers, and you can contact each other whenever you want? Tanner has his license and can drive here when you two decide to do something. If you both keep me filled in, you can build your relationship as you want.” I was relieved that Douglas had signed off.
We talked for another hour about all kinds of things. Of course, both were impressed that River owned Hot Shots. When River saw Tanner next, he promised to send tons of swag with him. It was gettinglate, and we needed to wrap up for the night. Fortunately, it wasn’t much of a drive for them, only about twenty minutes from here. It was unbelievable to think about it, but I felt like I got my son back in my life.
We said good night, and Douglas gave me a handshake. “Aaron, I want to say again how sorry I am that you missed so much of his life. If I had known.” He put a hand on my shoulder.
“It’s okay. We have from now on. I’ll make the most of it.”
Tanner and River bumped shoulders while shaking hands. Douglas and River walked away. Tanner walked over to me and grabbed my arm.
“I’ve missed you, Dad.”
“I thought I was Daddy-o.” I smiled at him.
“I’d like to call you Dad if that’s okay with you. After we left and even after my grandparents adopted me, I would think about what it would be like to have a dad who cared. You were always the one I thought about. I know my father’s flaws and accept that he is who he is. We don’t talk, and I don’t care. It’s good to have you back in my life.” He gave me another hug. “Thank you for coming tonight.”
“I love you, Tanner. You couldn’t keep me away.”
While we walked out, he told me how much he liked River. I was happy he liked him. I thought about River’s giant family. I had to take Tanner to a family dinner. He’d love it.
Chapter twenty-nine
River
Aaron was quiet the entire drive home. We went upstairs. In the elevator, he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. When we arrived, Rodney was ready to head out. Daisy was out of the sleep box and on Aaron’s shoulder as soon as we walked in.
“Thanks for coming over.” I shook his hand.
Aaron hugged Rodney. “Tomorrow.” That was the only word he said, and Rodney left.
He petted Daisy, who nuzzled in his neck. She made a soft coo noise. He kissed me on the forehead. “I’m going to shower before bed.”
“Okay. I’ll lock up here.”
I heard the shower running while I got ready for bed. I decided to grab my toothbrush and go into the other bathroom before I settled for the night. I was tired after a long day.
I opened the door. “Just grabbing my toothbrush.” I couldn’t help but look at him in the shower. He was so gorgeous that it was impossible not to enjoy the view. When I looked, he wasn’t standing there, and it appeared he was sitting.
“Aaron?” He didn’t respond, and then I heard a sob. “Aaron, I am opening this door to check on you.” The bottom half of the shower was frosted, and it was hard to tell what was happening. I pulled on the handle. My powerful and beautiful man was in the corner, balledup as tightly as a guy his size could be. His shoulders were shaking, the water beating down on his head.
