Heart of Clay (The Tanner Series Book 6)

by Jo Willow

  “Relax Brian. I happen to think you deserve one another. I’ll see you on Wednesday. Bye.”

  Beth hung up and sat down on the bed. She was shaking but she was proud of herself. She reckoned it was time to earn the Tanner name. She’d protect her kids no matter what it took and if it meant handing him Marla on a silver platter, then tough luck Marla.

  She walked back into the living room and told her partners in crime where and when the party would start.

  Chapter Twenty One

  Ian and Phil sat at a small table near the window sipping. Phil sipped a double espresso with a biscotti and Ian settled for a latte. Beth was two tables away in a pretty summer dress, her skin glowing from the beach, her pretty red hair up in a ponytail. She had a frozen strawberry drink in front of her next to a very serious document. Her legs were crossed and she had one foot tapping in mid air as she nervously waited for the one person she’d rather not see again. The shining moment for her, would be when she could direct him to the other person she’d rather not see again and know that they were clear across the country.

  Ian signaled her when his truck pulled up and she found herself smoothing her hair and dress. The place was busy but she saw him the minute he walked in. He looked around, obviously searching the crowd for her. She didn’t wave or send any other signal. Instead, she waited for his eyes to fall upon her. When they did, for some reason she smiled.

  Brian approached with a purposeful stride. When he was standing in front of her he didn’t exactly know what to do. Falling back on old habits, he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. It surprised her and she touched his face and smiled.

  “It’s good to see you Brian. You look good.”

  “So do you Beth. You’ve got some color and it suits you. I’m glad you came alone.”

  “We can be civil to one another, can’t we?”

  “I’d like to think so. Before I sign those papers, can I make a request?”

  “It depends. What do you need from me Brian?”

  “If something serious happens to one of the kids, will you call me?”

  Beth reached across the table and put her hand over his. He was making an effort and she appreciated it.

  “I can do that and I will. I appreciate what you’re doing and I realize it’s a sacrifice. Just because you weren’t there it doesn’t mean you don’t love your children. I want you to know that I understand that.”

  Brian looked at her and realized that he’d never given her the credit she deserved or the respect she’d earned. That would stop today.

  He reached for the papers and took the pen from his pocket. He’d signed more than one legal document in his time and he realized there would be spots on every page requiring his initials and signature. He took his time, being sure to get it right the first time. When he signed the last page, he slid the document back to her and put the pen back in his pocket.

  “There you go Elizabeth. They’re officially Tanners. He’d better take good care of them.”

  “He will, I’ll make sure of it.”

  She leaned over as if to kiss him on the cheek, choosing the side of his face that was away from Ian and Phil. He put his hand gently on her back and waited for the kiss. Instead, she whispered in his ear.

  “She’s in Carmel California Brian. She’s working for a man named Abrahams at a gallery called Ocean View. It’s right on the coast and it came with a house. Good-luck.”

  She finally gave him the kiss he’d been waiting for and when she leaned back he was grinning ear to ear.

  “Thank-you Beth. I hope you’re happy because you deserve it. You’ve worked hard for it. You’ve earned it.”

  “I’m happy now Brian. My kids are going to have a decent life and you’re going to find Marla. It’s been a wonderful day all the way around. Have a safe trip.”

  Brian stood and kissed her again before he left with a spring in his step. He was leaving for California and he didn’t have a moment to lose.

  Beth tucked the documents in her purse and walked over to Ian and Phil.

  “Ready to go?”

  Phil was suspicious.

  “That was an awfully happy reunion. He just signed our kids over to us without a cross word or a threat? Why would he do that?”

  “Because there are some things in this world that are more important than legal battles or petty differences Phil. Let’s go home. I get to tell my husband that he’s a father and my kids that they have one.”

  Phil smiled at Beth and Ian as they walked out the door.

  “Yeah, he was bound to realize that being a Tanner couldn’t happen to two nicer kids. He’d want his children to be happy.”

  “Sure Phil. I’m sure that was his motivation. We’ll go with that then.”

  Ian looked at her and narrowed his eyes.

  “Beth? Is there something I should know?”

  Beth stopped and wrapped her arms around his waist in a hug. Ian hugged her back but wasn’t sure what the hug was for.

  “You gave us a wedding and a honeymoon and you gave my kids an incredible vacation. You promised them an education and then set up the means to provide it. You followed someone that you thought was a threat to our happiness and you took care of the problem. Patty was right Ian James. You’re not an asshole. Now let’s go home.”

  She released him and got into the rear seat of the Cherokee. Phil got into the passenger side and Ian took the wheel. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt the same way that he felt when Rose snuck something by him by distracting him. He turned to Phil and leaned over.

  “Did she insult me?”

  “Nope. She told you that your wife was wrong in her assertion that you’re an asshole.”

  “You didn’t just call me one, right?”

  “Absolutely not. I happen to agree with her.”

  Ian was pulling into traffic when he glanced back at Phil quickly.

  “Which one do you agree with Phil, Rose or Beth?”

  “Just drive the car Ian. I’ve got computer stuff to teach Scott.”

  The End