not even for you. The guys are going to want to test you. To put you through your paces.”
“I’m ready for it.”
“I know, but you can’t come crying to me. When you’re a prospect for the club, it’s the club that rules you. You will always be my son.”
“I don’t expect you to hold back. I know I can hold my own.”
Devil smiled. “I know you can.”
“Dad, what is going on with mom? If it’s not pregnancy, then what?” Simon asked.
His father’s smile dropped. Sadness filled his face and Simon didn’t know how much silence he could take. Devil blew out a breath and for a split second, he was sure he saw tears glistening in his eyes. “I … we don’t know for sure. We’re waiting for a couple more tests.”
“But it’s serious?”
“It could be.”
“Is that why she’s tired all the time? Pale?”
“Son, I don’t want to spoil your Thanksgiving, and I don’t want you to worry too much, but it could be serious. It’s why I’m being careful with her. Why I’m taking my time.”
Devil looked at his dad and said a word he hoped to never say.
“Cancer?”
Devil’s lips thinned. The grip he had on the glass tightened until he put it down. The anger and rage simmering beneath the surface of his dad were very much real. “Possibly.”
Simon gasped. “But you don’t know for sure?”
“They’re running tests. We’re waiting for more results. Don’t say anything, okay?”
Simon nodded.
“I’m doing the best I can, son.”
He knew. Simon knew that if anything happened to his mother, something bad was going to happen, no doubt about it. He looked at his father and couldn’t help but hug him. “It’s going to be okay.”
Devil patted him on the back. “I know. I refuse to believe anything different.”
Tiny came out, and the mask was back in place on his father.
“Dean,” he said.
“I’ll go call the lawyer now,” Devil said.
Simon didn’t wait around to see. He made his way upstairs but before he did, he stopped at the kitchen.
His mom’s head was thrown back and laughter filled the air. Eva was right with her as the two clearly had something fun to talk about.
Stepping back, he didn’t go to his room, but to Tabby’s. She still wasn’t out of the shower, and he sat down on her bed. After kicking off his shoes, he slid back and stared at his socks. They were white but had some staining on them from his boots. Miles wasn’t back yet, but he’d turn up when he wanted to.
Cancer.
It seemed … wrong.
He took a deep breath, rubbing at his chest.
Seconds passed, maybe even minutes and Tabby arrived.
Her smile vanished when she looked at him. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
He licked his lips. “Close the door.”
She closed the door.
Even in a towel, with her hair wet, cascading around her, she was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen.
“What is it?”
“What I’m about to tell you can’t leave this room. Not to your parents, Daisy, anyone.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“My mom may have cancer.”
Tabby went to him. She wrapped her arms around him and held on to him. He took her comfort and couldn’t let go. She ran her fingers through his hair. “What do you mean she may have cancer?”
“They’re waiting on some tests.”
“It might not be so bad,” she said.
“I don’t know. I’ve got a feeling it could be.”
“You could be wrong,” Tabby said, leaning back and cupping his face. “Look at me, they could be wrong.”
He nodded and shook his head. “No, I don’t think they have. Fuck, what am I going to do if anything happens to her?”
“Don’t,” Tabby said. “Don’t ever think like that, okay?”
“My dad,” he said.
“Nothing is going to happen.” Tears were in her eyes. “You can’t do that. I know this is scary, believe me, but I’m here. I’m always going to be here. I won’t leave you.”
“You’re going back to Fort Wills.”
“I know. That I can’t control, but you know I’m just a phone call away when you need me. Always.”
He nodded and pressed his face against her neck, breathing her in. “Fuck, I don’t want to cry.”
“Anthony killed Daisy’s dad.”
This made him pull away. Tabby bit her lip.
“For real?”
“Yeah, for real.”
“Fuck. Does anyone know?”
“No. I wasn’t supposed to tell you and it has been killing me. No one can know. This is between you and me.”
He took her hand and agreed. “Always. We don’t ever lie to each other. Ever.”
“Of course not. We’re the two people we can trust, forever.” She put her