Page 8 of Just Another Chance

That’s it. I am done.I lean over and kiss my mom’s temple. “I have to go. I’m seeing Tanner soon.”

She nods. “Goodbye, Addison.”

“I’ll stop by soon,” I promise her and sweep past Randy without a word.

“Hey now! Wait a minute!” He follows me to the front door as I collect my keys and purse. “I wanna know more about this– what’s his name? Tanner?”

“None of your damn business,” I hiss. Then I spin on my heel and walk out the front door. The last thing I want is a big confrontation because all it will do is upset my mom. Randy yells something about me being “too big for my britches,” but I ignore his drunken ramblings.

On the drive back home, I shove Randy Walker out of my mind and my thoughts turn to Tanner and our baby. I am close to bursting with joy, and I can’t wait to tell him. When I get to my apartment, I’m surprised to see someone standing outside my door. It takes me a moment to realize the tall, well-dressed gentleman is Thomas Beckett, Tanner’s father.

Oh, God. What is he doing here? How did he even know where I live? Is Tanner okay?

Heart in my throat, I walk up to him and smile tentatively. “Mr. Beckett…hi, how are you?” To be honest, I wasn’t even sure he knew that I existed. Tanner and his father don’t get along or talk very often so this is quite unexpected.

“Hello, Addison,” he says. His voice sounds so cultured and refined.

So unlike Randy,I think, and move to unlock my front door. “Please, come in. Is everything okay?”

“We need to have a little talk,” he says carefully.

My heart constricts. “Is Tanner-”

“He’s fine,” Thomas interrupts, taking one step into my studio and the look on his face says everything. I imagine my place is probably about the size of his closet.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

But Thomas Beckett didn’t come for small talk and pleasantries. He cuts right to the chase.

“You need to back off. Tanner is moving on and it’s clear that you don’t fit into his life.”

It’s as though acid fills my gut. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I think we can both agree that Tanner is a good man. Though he probably has too soft a heart.”

“He has a beautiful, perfect heart,” I say, sticking up for my man.

“I’m going to be brutally honest here, Addison. My son doesn’t have the nerve to break up with you himself so I’m here to do his dirty work. Like you said, his heart is too kind and mine, on the other hand, is much more capable of handling life’s uncomfortable situations.”

My head is whirling, and I grab onto the edge of a nearby chair. “What’re you talking about?” My other hand automatically lowers, covering my flat stomach, and Thomas doesn’t miss the gesture. He’s far too keen.

“Don’t tell me you’re expecting,” he murmurs, gaze locked on my belly.

I lift my chin higher and swallow down my nerves. “Yes, I am.”

His gaze moves up and skewers me in half. “Does Tanner know?”

“Not yet. But I’m planning to tell him tonight.”

“He’s on a date,” Thomas informs me cruelly.

Confusion swirls through me and I nearly choke. “What’re you talking about?”

“Right now, Tanner is having dinner with a beautiful, poised, wealthy socialite named Chella Lockheed– yes, after the planes.” He gives me a smug smile. “If all goes well, I expect they will have another date tomorrow and then another after that. I’ve given my full approval.” He looks down his Patrician nose at me. “Which is more than I can say for you.”

His words cut me deeply. “Tanner and I are in love,” I say. “We’re going to have a baby together.”

“Don’t be naive,” Thomas says, reaching into his inside jacket pocket and pulling out a check book. He tears the top check off and hands it to me.

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