He huffed, not even reacting to his favorite term of endearment. “I fucking hate him, Thomas. He was a goddamn player and ruined both of our lives for a buck.”
I gripped his shoulder. “Keep in mind you haven’t heard his side of the story yet. Maybe there’s more than we know.”
Mason looked at me with anger and pain in his eyes. “Right now, I don’t give a fuck to ever lay eyes on him again.”
“I understand. But you might want to consider forgiving your mother. It sounds as if she was collateral damage.”
He turned back to Shannon and studied her. Standing, he went to sit on the table directly in front of her. Reaching out, he spoke softly. “Mama,” he whispered. Shannon turned to him upon hearing him acknowledge her. “It’s okay. This is not your fault. You made the best decision with the information you had. I forgive you.”
She reached a hand out to touch his face. “I love you, Mason. If I could go back, I would have said no.”
“I know,” he said, pulling her into his arms. He turned to look at Axel. Holding his right arm out to him, Axel sat next to him and joined their embrace. They hugged her as Mason spoke softly. “We can’t change the past, and we’re together now, thanks to my big brother. And that’s all I ever wanted.”
The three of them murmured to each other until Perry looked up. He stood and looked at me. “How about something to eat? Anyone hungry?”
I smiled at the kind man. “I could eat. Mason? Axel?”
Mason nodded. “Yeah. That sounds good.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking until Shannon began to tire. Mason promised to stop by every day until we left to go home. He gave Perry his contact information and asked him to stay in touch. “Please let me know if you need anything. I know Axel has handled everything up until now, but I’d like to help if there is anything else.”
His stepfather smiled and shook his hand. I stepped away to give them privacy, but could still hear him. “I know you’re reeling from all of this, but you’re a damn good man, Mason. You’re like your mother, kind and forgiving. I’m grateful you came to see her. No matter what your father did, I don’t think he meant to hurt any of you. Otherwise, he would have left you high and dry. Should you need someone other than your brother or your fellow, know I’m here for you.”
Mason reached out and hugged Perry. The older man smiled and hugged him back. “Take care of her, and I’ll see you tomorrow if she’s up for it.”
Perry patted him on the back as he pulled away. “She’ll love it.”
When we left, Axel suggested we hit the pub. “You go with your brother. I have some work to do back at the house.” I needed some time to delve into the story Davis Kennerly told her.
Mason hugged me close. “Are you sure? You can come with us.”
“I know, but I’ve got some things to finish up. And I need to check on the girls.”
Mason looked me over, then nodded. “Okay. I won’t be long.”
“Have fun with your brother. If I need to pick you up, have the bartender call.” I winked at him, making Axel cackle.
Mason groaned and covered his face with one hand.
“I sense a story there, little brother,” Axel teased, draping his arm over his shoulder.
“And you’re not getting it,” Mason added.
I smiled, knowing if he plied Mason with enough whiskey, he’d get all the stories he wanted.
“Bring him back in one piece,” I said to Axel. “I kinda like him the way he is.”
He saluted me as they walked down the sidewalk toward the pub. I went in and checked the time back home. It was after midnight in San Diego, but sending Hudson a text wouldn’t be an issue, even if he got it in the morning.
Me: Just checking in on the girls.
Before I could put it down, the dots started bouncing.
Hudson: They’re doing fine. Erin loves taking care of them.
Smiling I typed back.
Me: Tell her thank you for me. I’ll pay her handsomely when I get back.
