But he couldn’t risk David. He’d always looked out for him. That’s what big brothers did. Plus, if he’d stayed home instead of going off to college and traveling the world, maybe he could have stopped David from following in their dad’s drunken footsteps.
He glanced at the house. He didn’t think about his fucked up family life when he was with her. She made him believe something better existed. Made him believe he didn’t have to be alone anymore.
He froze, the wind harsh on his face.
He hadn’t planned on it, but he was in love with her. All the way.
And she loved him too. He knew it.
His gut settled. He couldn’t be sure what Meredith would do, but he had to find out. He’d tell her when Peg left.
Meredith wasn’t supposed to be here much longer. Neither was he. He could find a job in New York to be near her, although he was surprised to realize he’d miss Dare. The damn town was growing on him.
When he arrived home, he settled in to wait for his sister and nephew, pulling out all the files on Ray’s death.
The sooner he could lock up this case, the sooner they’d be free and clear to start a new life together.
Chapter 40
Meredith’s heart landed with a thud at her feet at the sight of Tanner carrying his nephew on his shoulders.
How could she help but love man who would let a seven year-old mess with his hair?
“He’ll make a good father,” Jill commented beside her at the window, watching them walk up the sidewalk.
Her heart warmed until she felt rosy all over. “Hush.”
“Look me in the eyes and tell me I’m wrong.”
“Why don’t you get the door?” she asked, wanting a little time to herself.
“Get it yourself, Mermaid.” Jill slapped her butt and sailed off.
She pressed her hands to her face. She finally had to admit it. She was in love with Tanner McBride.
Oh boy!
And they were spending a family holiday together. You didn’t get much more Nora Roberts Land than that.
The ground trembled beneath her feet. She’d really found The One. She’d have to tell him—about both her feelings and the article. When Peggy left.
The bell chimed. Meredith headed over to the door with a spring in her step, her green dress dancing with her rhythm.
“Hi, there!” Tanner’s nephew piped the moment she opened it.
He had dark hair and chocolate brown eyes just like Tanner. She found herself smiling. “Hi, yourself. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Meredith, this is my sister, Peggy, and my nephew, Keith,” Tanner noted with a wink. “Keith won’t be eating since he doesn’t like turkey, but we brought him anyway.”
“I do so like turkey! I don’t like veggies. You don’t have those, do you?”
“Sorry, kiddo. My mom insisted we have them,” she joked.
“Please forgive my son.” Peggy extended her hand. Her dark, chin-length hair framed a sweetheart-shaped face. “He wants to stay short all his life.”
“Do not, mom,” Keith cried, pulling Tanner’s hair up straight like he was eyeing it for a haircut.
“Watch the backtalk, please. It’s good to meet you, Meredith. And thank you for the invitation. It’s so nice not to be cooking today.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Keith mimicked.
Peg gave him the behave look. “I hope he won’t be too rambunctious.”
“Not possible,” Meredith’s grandfather replied, walking forward. “It’s nice to have a young gun around. I’m Arthur Hale. Please come inside. Couldn’t get lucky with a heat wave for the holiday, could we?”
Tanner made the introductions as Jill and her parents joined them with oh-so-pleased grins. When her dad said he’d hang their coats, Tanner grabbed Meredith’s arm and led her away. Oh, he looked so handsome in navy slacks and a white dress shirt.
“Thought I’d kiss you while I have the chance.”
When he set his mouth to hers, she forgot anyone else was around. His tongue stroked the seam of her lips, but he didn’t take it deeper. He pressed his forehead to hers, his breath warm on her face.
“Happy Thanksgiving.”
She wrapped her arms around him, the newness of her emotions coursing through her. “Right back at you.”
“Meredith? Can you help me with the potatoes?” her mother called.
Kissing him briefly on the lips, she walked backwards toward the kitchen. “Duty calls.”
Her mother gave her a hearty embrace when she approached. “So, it seems like things have been going well for you while we’ve been gone.”
“Ah…”
“Jill’s kept me informed.” She reached for the beater. “I’m so glad, Meredith.”