Page 90 of A Montana Secret Admirer
His frown didn’t leave.
“What’s the matter?”
There was no hesitation on Tegan’s part when he answered. “I know you love him. And I know he loves you. I told you that it was okay.”
She smiled, though it was a sad one. “I know, bud. But it’s not as simple as you think it might be.”
“You loved Dad. And you married him. You should marry Reese.”
Her heart ached, pulsating in her chest with pain each time it stumbled in its beats. “Yes, I did love Dad. And I have fallen in love with Reese. And one day…” She reached for his hand and held it tight. “One day, I think Reese and I could get married. But those things take time. And they’re nothing that you should be worrying yourself about.”
“You’re wrong,” he muttered, pulling his hand free.
She let out a laugh. “About which part?”
“That I shouldn’t have to worry.”
That gave her pause, and she slowed to a stop. “Of course I’m right. Tegan, you’re still young. You’re my child. I have a responsibility to make sure that you’re happy and healthy?—”
“And I’m the man of the house. That means I need to make sure you’re happy.”
Any argument she might have made died in her throat. What was she supposed to say to that? Who had even told him what that meant?
Tegan stared up at her unabashed. “Reese said that I’m the man of the house since I’m oldest. And that means I have a responsibility to take care of you and Jessi.”
Reese.
She was tempted to get upset, to call Reese up right this moment and tell him that he didn’t have any right to talk with her son on this topic. But at the same time, a warmth spread through her body at how this had come about. Reese, in his usual way, had given her space. He let her choose the speed with which they’d been getting closer—even while the physical distance had grown.
But Reese had also accounted for what were probably his own worries.
“When did Reese say this to you?”
Tegan shrugged.
“Tegan,” she drawled, “I want to know when Reese might have said that to you so I can figure out whether or not to be cross with him.”
Concern replaced the stubborn attitude that had been etched so clearly into her son’s face. “You can’t get mad.”
“And why not?” She bit back a smile.
“Because…” He looked away, and for a moment, she wondered if he might get emotional himself. “Because I love you. And Reese loves you. And… sometimes you need help so that you can love you, too.”
That had done it. Tears spilled down her cheeks, and nothing would be able to stop them. That’s what it always came down to, wasn’t it? How many other women in the world prioritized others above themselves whether out of selflessness or fear?
Countless. She was certain of it.
Men were no different. Sacrifices were easy to make when it came down to making sure loved ones had everything they needed.
“Did I make you sad?” Tegan asked in a small voice.
She shook her head. “No. I’m just… so proud of you.”
A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Really?”
Serenity dropped down to her knees and pulled them both in for tight hugs before kissing each of them on the forehead. “I love you both, so much.”
When Tegan pulled back, he wiped at his nose with the back of his hand. “Does this mean we can call Reese?”
