Past Due (24 page)

“Yeah, I know. That’s part of what hurts about all of this.” Tanner faced Maureen, his eyes tearing up. “I always knew he loved me. Dad was always real good to me, and I thought he was great. I never had more fun than when I was with him. But as I got older, I heard all the rumors about him and other women. Then it didn’t matter how good he was to me. I hated him for being a cheat. I’ve been so mad at him, Nanny.” Maureen wiped away the tear that rolled down her grandson’s cheek. “I mean I was so mad I would wish he was alive so I could punch him in the nose. I figured he never loved my mom, and I blamed him for making her sad.” Tanner rubbed his eyes, “Now I wonder if it’s Mom I should be mad at. Maybe she ruined their marriage, always loving someone else. Did she lie to Dad about me to get him to marry her?”

“Oh, darlin’, no. He knew. That lie was all his idea. Baby, even I knew Jake wasn’t your real daddy. We just didn’t pay no mind to that. We loved you. And I assure you, your mom made your dad happy. She eased the pain of him losing someone he loved very much.”

“Aunt Angel?”

Maureen stared at Tanner, dumbstruck, until he explained, “Mom let me have Dad’s stuff after he died. She should have looked through it first. He had a box filled with pictures of Aunt Angel and lots of her old letters. I burned it all and never told Mom, I thought I was saving her from ever knowing what a pig he was.” Tanner rolled his eyes, “Now I know my mom’s a cheat too. What’s up with them, Nanny?”

“They loved each other, baby. None of that was fake. Your mom rarely left his side while he was sick. She gave him a home and a child to love. The two of them, they knew everything and they understood and accepted what they had.”

“You’re sure Mom didn’t lie to my dad?”

“Absolutely. He knew he wasn’t your biological dad. He knew everything before he married your mom. He may not have loved your mom romantically, but he loved her in a different way. He certainly loved you. As a matter of fact, when he died, it was the role he played in your life that he was most proud of.”

“So, if I like Tres, tell people he’s my dad...”

Maureen wrapped an arm around Tanner, “Oh, darlin’, a body’s only made stronger by getting more love. Having your real dad in your life doesn’t take anything from Jake. He was wise enough to know there might one day be questions about your dad and he told me, ‘Mamma, I trust you’ll know what to do.’” Maureen gave Tanner a squeeze, “He always wanted you to know the truth, and I’m certain he’d want you to know your real dad. He tried real hard to fix things for your mom and Tres. But things just got so fouled up. I don’t really know exactly how, but they did. My son did what he thought was best, but I know he never would have married her and claimed you as his own if he’d known Tres was in the dark. He loved you and he was proud to have you, but he wanted you to have your real dad first.”

“But Nanny,” Tanner’s words were quiet but urgent, “that leaves Dad with nothing ... and he’s gone.”

She turned Tanner’s chin to face her, “That’s not true. There’s a little part of him in you, baby. You have the same mischief in your eyes, the same strange taste for music, even the same escape route.” Maureen laughed a little, stroked his cheek with her thumb. Her eyes welled with tears, “And you know, Tanner, if he were here, if he were standing in this room right now, I think he’d be pleased he was a good enough dad to have you want to protect him. But I also believe he’d be glad Tres is here and ready to be your father.”

“He wouldn’t be mad at me?”

“Nope.”

Tanner nodded and then sighed. “But it won’t matter. This won’t work. Mom won’t let him stay. Look at what’s going on with the two of them. And he said he was really mean to her. Mom won’t put up with that. Heck, Grandpa Sam is her father, he lives two streets away, and she doesn’t talk to him. When mom gets mad, she can’t be reasoned with.”

“Your mom is head strong. But the fight with Sam was over Jake. Your momma protects those she loves like a momma bear. And the fight with Tres has nothing to do with Jake. Tres was just angry because he learned he’d never been told about you. Your mom will understand he just reacted. She’ll forgive him for that. He just felt robbed and he was hurting. They’ll work everything out.” Maureen rubbed Tanner’s back. She added with a grin, “You know, I think he’s tickled to have a fine young man like you for a son.”

Tanner nodded, “He said he was happy about it, I guess that’s what he meant. I just still don’t know if it’s fair to Dad.”

Maureen gave his arm a squeeze, “Darlin’, you can’t feel guilty for continuing to live, opening your heart to love other people. You don’t have to squeeze your dad out to let Tres in. And your dad, more than anyone would understand. Why, I bet you got a special angel in Heaven watching out for you. Who knows? Maybe he’s responsible for all this. Awful lot of coincidences in one weekend. Without them, who knows what would have happened? Lord knows your mother’s a stubborn woman. She’d never have gotten in touch with your dad, well, Mr. Coulter. Jake knows you’re gettin’ older, knows you need a father. Maybe he’d rest better knowing for certain you were all right.”

“What about you, Nanny?”

“Well, now, me? I’ve been your greatest fan since the day I first held you. You know you weren’t more than a few minutes old?” she said with a smile at Tanner. “No bit of DNA’s gonna tell me I ain’t your Nanny, and no matter what your mom does, I’ll always consider her my daughter. You folks are my family—a special family—because,” she wrapped her arms around Tanner and squeezed him close: “Jake and me…we knew the score and we chose you two to be in our family and in our hearts.”

Tanner allowed his cheek to remain on her shoulder as the tears fell. He lifted his head and allowed Maureen to dry his eyes as he asked, “I still think Mom will get rid of him.”

Maureen re- adjusted herself to face Tanner, “She’d never do anything to hurt you. If you want him around, she’ll allow it. She would move mountains to make you happy.”

“You think there’s any possibility of them getting back together? Getting married or something?”

Maureen was quiet a minute then answered simply, “Sorry babe.” She kissed the top of his head, “Crystal ball’s on the fritz. I can guarantee Tres will stay in your life and your momma won’t try to stop him. The rest is up to them to work out.”

***

Many long seconds clicked by before Sam cleared his throat and spoke, “So, how do you know Maureen?” Tres sat still as a deer in oncoming headlights. Tres realized with a sinking feeling that Sam didn’t know who he was or what part he played in this drama. He didn’t want to be the one to give him the history lesson. “I gave her a ride home from the hospital.”

Sam looked Tres over with renewed interest. “There is something familiar about you. What was your name? I’m afraid my hearing isn’t what it used to be and I didn’t catch what Maureen said.”

Tres spoke clearly, “Tres, sir. Tres Coulter. It’s short for...”

Sam didn’t allow Tres to finish, “You wouldn’t happen to be kin to Barbara Coulter?”

“Yes, sir. She’s my mother.”

Before Tres could utter another syllable, Sam leaped to his feet. He took a step toward Tres, a shaky finger poked him in the chest. “Why the hell are you back? My little girl’s dead. What more do you want? Why, if there’s anyone I despise more than Jake Austin, it’s you, Craig Coulter. You killed my daughter with your lies and false promises.”

Tres sat momentarily stunned. How did Jenna’s father know his brother? “I’m sorry, sir, I don’t understand. You know my brother?”

“What brother?” Sam’s cheeks glowed red, but he dropped his finger and his brows knitted together at Tres’s words.

“Craig Coulter is my brother. You know him?” Sam looked at Tres as if he was seeing a ghost. Tres made no move from his seat, but leaned forward explaining further, “Mr. Privett, Craig is my brother. I’m Tres Coulter. I never knew Angel, and I certainly don’t know what my brother has to do with any of this.” Sam’s eyes were narrowed to slits, but he seemed to consider Tres’s words quietly.

“You and your brother resemble each other?” asked Sam.

“Yes, sir. We’ve been told we could pass for twins.”

“Uncanny...really,” Sam said in disbelief.

“Sir, if I might ask: how do you know my brother?”

“He dated my daughter, Angel. I only met him once or twice, but I thought I’d never forget his face,” Sam said, all the while searching Tres’s face. “It’s just so similar to your own.” Sam retreated to his chair, shoulders bent, and hands clasped twisting nervously from the rush of anger. “I apologize for my outburst. I suppose you’re not to blame for your brother’s sins.”

“What sins? You said he dated your daughter—that’s not exactly...”

Sam looked beyond Tres, beyond the cozy living room to the past, “My little girl was too young to deal with the likes of your brother. A liar and a scoundrel. He broke her heart, and it killed her.”

“Sir, my brother couldn’t have been any more than sixteen.”

“Yes, but he knew. He knew the hold he had over her, and he used it to his advantage. A gentleman would have walked away.”

Tres couldn’t argue that point. And Craig could never be mistaken for a gentleman. Tres sighed, he couldn’t defend his brother’s honor…it didn’t exist. “I’m sorry...I mean that. And I am truly sorry for your loss. I just learned this evening of Angel’s death. Truly an unnecessary tragedy.”

“Yes, it was, and I apologize for my outburst. That was just such a terrible chapter in my life’s tale,” Sam said with a sigh and leaned back in his seat, his thin frame barely making the cushion sag. “Ironic—another Coulter shows up now when another of my daughters appears to be in crisis. How do you fit into tonight’s puzzle, Mr. Coulter? Are you the cause of my daughter’s break down?”

“Maureen told you she had a breakdown?”

“Maureen said they thought she was suicidal. She tried to convince me they’ve got no facts to base it on, I believe her words were ‘hogwash,’ but I have to wonder. I’ve already buried one daughter because I failed to realize soon enough that a broken heart would be the death of her.”

“Oh, Sam...” Maureen’s voice came from the doorway. “I’ve done told you it was an accident.”

“Without a single tire mark? Why didn’t she use her brakes?”

“I told you. She fell asleep. You will see for yourself that she’s fine tomorrow. Tres made arrangements for Jenna to come home in the morning.”

“Why?” Sam shouted and sprang to his feet again. “Why bring her home? Let her get the help she needs. I’m not so certain she didn’t do this on purpose. They say this kind of thing runs in families.” He pointed to Tres, “And why is he getting involved? I should decide whether or not she comes home. I’m her father. I should have a say in what happens here. I’m sorry, Maureen, but I’ve been through this before and the truth is if Jake hadn’t interfered, I would have had Angel hospitalized and safe. He ran away with her and she killed herself. Oh, lord, I feel like it’s fifteen years ago all over again. I have a child who evidently needs help, and I’m once again being thwarted by some self- serving bastard.” He then turned to Tres, “Tell me you’re a drug using loser and I’d say the scene would be perfectly set.”

“Sam, please,” Maureen said firmly, her jaw set, “Jake was my son.”

“I’m sorry, Maureen. I am truly sorry. I should never disparage a child to his own mother, but
…
” His voice failed him. He looked beaten and tired, eyes reddened with tears. “I cannot. I will not bury another child.”

“And we won’t. We all love Jenna, and no one here, including Tres, is guilty of anything.”

“Maybe we should leave her in the hospital, Maureen,” Tres said his face contorted with fear. “I hurt her badly. Maybe she did hit that tree on purpose. You didn’t see how upset she was. Maybe she does need…”

“You hurt my baby?” Sam’s jaw clenched.

Tres’s voice carried with it all the guilt he couldn’t relinquish. “Not physically, but I can’t tell you how mad I was. And I vented all that on her. I can’t just pretend it didn’t happen. She was crying and begging me not to go. But I left. Maybe she did hit that tree on purpose.” He turned to Maureen. “And Sam is right. It does seem to run in families. And Jenna told me when she was a girl she…”

“She’s not crazy. And she’s certainly not suicidal,” Maureen said with a dismissive wave at the two of them. “She needs to be home. Tres, you were justifiably angry, and she knows it. Let her come home so we can get this all worked out.”

“Why would you be angry with Jenna?” Sam asked. Maureen seated herself on the edge of Tres’s chair, a protective hand on his shoulder.

“Because of Tanner, because of Jake, because I felt robbed and cheated and thought someone needed to pay.”

“I’m confused.” Sam admitted. “Why would you care who Jenna married, who she had a child with?”

“Because I loved her. I should have been the one she married, not Jake.”

“Well, Jake got his way with her and put her in a position…”

“She was pregnant with my child, Mr. Privett, not Jake’s.”

“She what?” Sam asked stunned. He returned to his chair. “I better sit. My seventy years suddenly feel like seven hundred.”

“She married Jake because she was pregnant. But it was my child. Tanner is my son, not Jake’s.”

Sam looked to Maureen who confirmed Tres’s words with a nod. He then asked Tres, “Why would Jenna hide that from you?”