Page 22 of Deadly Daddy

Kyson couldn’t help but smile. Before Banks, he had felt so small and useless. With him, Kyson was strong and had a purpose. “I’ve been thinking.”

Banks kissed the shell of his ear. “About?”

Kyson shrugged. “Maybe we didn’t stay gone long enough. I mean, there’re lots of other places I’ve never seen.”

He felt Banks smile against his ear. “Maybe we should do that.”

Beau stood.

Kyson held his breath.

He headed for the door without looking their way. Kyson didn’t know if that was worse. It was possible, eventually, Banks might feel like he lost both his parents. It was possible he already felt that way. It was equally possible he had.

Jarek crossed the room and joined them. He held out a stack of papers. “Your mom’s estate.”

Banks didn’t reach for them. “Thank you.” He simply held Kyson tighter.

Kyson accepted on his behalf. To his surprise, on top, there was an envelope for him. He shot Jarek a questioning look. “What’s this?”

A sad smile touched Jarek’s lips. “Something Tabitha asked me to give to you.”

Kyson plucked the envelope from the paper clip. He was too curious to have a modicum of patience. Under the envelope wasa check to Banks for an ungodly amount. Kyson set the papers on his lap and opened the envelope. He unfolded the pages inside.

Kyson,

I told you there was only one way out.

Tears immediately filled Kyson’s eyes. He had to look away to compose himself before reading farther.

It won’t be the same for you. Banks will choose you and you’ll be happy until the day you pass away holding hands.

Kyson’s heart squeezed as the meaning of her words sank in. The next lines confirmed his thoughts.

Yes, I’ve always known what Beau is playing at, but still. Whether he ever admits it to himself or not, he does love Adan. He wouldn’t have kept up this act for ten long years if he didn’t. Oh, God, they’ve been so long. My life has been such a wild swing from addiction to wanting to stop for Beau, to needing the escape from Beau. Then the kids grew up, and it was just us. The three of us.

Kyson practically felt her hatred and sadness in that one sentence.

Still, I hung on for Boone and Banks’ sake as long as I could. But I know they’re going to be okay without me. I told you Banks has a little too much of me inside him. Maybe that’s true, buthe’s also nothing like me. He’ll be strong for you. He looks at you with so much love. You have no idea how much I love you for that alone.

Kyson swiped at his eyes. He had to keep reading.

Even without that, though, I love you so very much. Thank you for all the times you saw me, sat with me, and did your damnedest to bring me comfort. But, baby, there just isn’t enough handholding or alcohol in the world to fix what broke in me. Please keep my baby safe. I know he’ll marry you the second he thinks he can convince you, so I asked Jarek to give you this after your wedding. I’ll be gone before then and I’m sorry for that. This is the only comfort I can give you in return. Please use it to give Banks a normal life. Please help him make some happy memories.

I will love you always,

Tabitha

Kyson moved to the next page. It was a check with several zeros. The next page was a deed to a cabin in Colorado. Kyson couldn’t keep his tears at bay or silent any longer. Banks kept one arm wrapped around him while Kyson fell apart and while reading the letter. After a moment, Banks’ hand simply dropped to Kyson’s lap, still holding the note.

Jarek cleared his throat. “There’s a letter for you too, Banks. Unfortunately, it was at the house at the time of her death. I have to wait until the police release it.”

“It’s fine.” Banks sounded oddly okay. “She gave me the world already. I have my closure.” He kissed Kyson’s shoulder.

Jarek nodded. “She was an amazing lady. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Kyson swiped at his eyes again. He took a shaky breath. Tabitha was right. Banks was so damn strong. Kyson was proud as hell of being his husband. He looked at the deed again. “Leave it to your mom to have impeccable timing. It seems we’re not done traveling.”

He felt Banks smile against his cheek. “Maybe Soren and Shane would like to go with us this time.”

Soren looked up from his game board, blinking. “What? Where am I going with Shane?”

A smile exploded across Kyson’s face. They would have a good life together. It was time to look toward the future. He was excited to see this cabin and even more thrilled at the idea of torturing Shane by thrusting Soren into his path. The giant had an un

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