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Fuck Okay Perhaps Charlotte had been right and I should have told theiven the

"Okay And I will give you that information, but lay off Char--"

"It’s okay, Porter," Charlotte said, catching htened her back and squared her shoulders "Mrs Reese, I can understand your hesitance abouthere today too I feared I’d be seen exactly the way you are looking at randson away fro man, but I think his love for me has blinded him to how truly unique our situation is for everyone involved All of us have had our lives rocked due to the decisions that were e or our consent I didn’t want to lose Lucas ten years ago any o But both things happened and neither of us are at fault for that"

She sucked in a breath, the color slowly creeping back into her cheeks "I’m sure you remember that first day at Porter’s house when I realized Travis was my son It wasn’t pretty But it was definitely real I love him As I know you do too Tanner told me the other day that Travis was the answer to all of our questions So yeah, we’re here today because Travis wanted to coardless what happens with Porter andas Travis wants you and your family in his life, that is where you will be"

By the time she finished, han arm around her shoulders, I pulled her into my side and kissed the top of her head

"Well,"hand up to smooth her short, blond hair down "I may have underestimated my son’s taste in women"

"Gee, thanks," I mumbled

"And I’m sorry" She looked away as the tears started to spill froment Sorry I made you uncomfortable Sorry you’ve had your life flipped upside down by all of this too And, most of all, I’m sorry you lost your son" She stared Charlotte directly in the eye, tears glistening on her cheeks "But…it has been the absolute joy ofraise that little boy over the last few years, so thank you for allowingmy mom into my other side

Yeah…I definitely should have warned the the party, Porter," Tanner said, strolling back over "You’ve got Mo And Dad just burst into tears when he saw Travis I swear--you keep this shit up and I’ you next tiht This is a celebration Especially now that Travis is back" She gave Charlotte’s shoulder a squeeze and then ht Let’s get back to cooking We need two more steaks and at least oneto wait long before hitting the pond"

Tanner winked as theyin the air

Alone, I shifted Charlotte in my arms so her front was pressed toher head back, she said, "You are officially fired as the coer for our relationship"

"What? Why? I think that went great"

Her ers in the shape of a telephone to her mouth and ear And then, in a deep, ridiculous voice that sounded nothing likeCharlotte with me to the cookout She and I are in a relationship and have co what’s best for Travis Uh huh Yes Of course he’ll be there too Okay, sounds great See you then" She hung up her pretend phone and glared at ht have been the best course of action But, sweetheart, I assure you your fancy-ass speech ay better I’m pretty sure my mom fell in love with you by the end of it"

She shook her head before hissing, "Fired!"

"Okay I’ to seduce you Though…there is a really good chance of you getting soht"