Sean, he could easily have turned on Wes, so I get what he’s saying.”
“Wes said Dad started beating him, and Sharon got in the way and told Wes to go upstairs and hide until she called for him. Wes hid in the closet, dialed 911 and stayed on the phone so the cops would believe him and come quick.”
Beth met Mikey’s anguished gaze. “I always thought what happened to Sharon would happen to me. The first time Sean turned on you, I realized it was time to leave. I was lucky enough to have family who believed me and gave me somewhere to run to. Sharon didn’t have that.”
Mikey reached out and grabbed her hand. “Thanks, Mom. I probably don’t say it enough, but I really am grateful.”
She shrugged. “It’s what good parents do.” She squeezed his fingers. “I think we should definitely all go back to therapy and talk this through, don’t you?”
* * *
Conner leaned against the side of his truck and prayed to God his leg would hold up. Wes had taken one look at him and decided to deal with the horse himself, which was highly embarrassing but well deserved. He had no business being out here trying to ride a horse. He should’ve stayed in his cabin and rested up like Dr. Tio had told him.
Wes came to find him. “You should go home.”
“Yeah.” Conner agreed, even though he wasn’t moving an inch until Mikey and Beth emerged from the house.
Wes nodded at the house. “They’ll be okay. Mom is an awesome person and she really gets Mikey and me.”
Conner grunted. “Not sure Mikey appreciates that right now.”
“He does. He was gutted when she wouldn’t talk to him. It made him, like, think about her as a real person for the first time, as apart from his mom.”
“About time,” Conner said.
“We’re also both good about you dating her.”
“I didn’t realize I needed your permission.” Conner raised an eyebrow.
“Well, you kind of do because Mom won’t do anything if me and Mikey have a problem with it.”
“You might be surprised about that,” Conner said. “And, as I’m getting my own place out on Morgan Ranch, we won’t be cramping your style.”
Wes looked at him. “What does that even mean?”
Conner sighed. “Stop making me feel old.”
“You are old.” Wes straightened up. “Hey, they’re coming out. Try not to look like we’ve been talking about them.”
Beth’s gaze went straight to Conner and she frowned. “Why are you still here?”
“Wow, nice,” Conner said. “I feel really appreciated now.”
“It’s okay, Mom, you don’t have to pretend anymore.” Wes intervened. “We know you’ve hooked up with him and we’re okay with it.”
“Not that I asked you, but fine.” Beth’s cheeks flushed. “Would you like to come and eat dinner with us, Conner?”
“Sure.” He nodded. “That would be great.”
“And you can stay the night if you like.” Wes winked. “Mikey and I won’t hear a thing while we’re playing Death Avenue Seven.”
Conner didn’t think it was possible for someone to get that red and not expire, but somehow Beth was managing it.
“You can drive down with me, Conner,” she said repressively. “And pick your truck up later.”
“Great idea.” He rubbed a hand over his leg and limped over to her car. “I’m not sure I can drive anyway.”
She snorted as she got into the car. “I have no sympathy for you at all.”
He waited until the boys had driven off in a cloud of dust and put his hand on her thigh. “Not so fast.”
“What now?” She turned to face him, her expression suddenly apprehensive. “Oh God, have you changed your mind already? Did Wes say something truly awful? Do I need to kick his—”
He wrapped a hand around her neck and drew her in for a kiss. Eventually, she stopped spluttering and kissed him back. When he had her attention, he cupped her chin.
“I haven’t changed my mind. I still want to be with you, and I have no intention of sleeping with you at your house with two teens in it.”
“Okay.”
“You good with all that?”
“Yes.”
He smiled. “We’ve both got good reasons to be gun-shy, Beth, and we’re old enough not to have to rush into anything. Let’s take our time, get to know each other, and enjoy the ride.” He paused. “And I want you to know that I will never, ever lift a finger against you or your kids.”
Beth’s smile was both sweet and full of teeth. “If you did, I’d kick your ass out the door so fast