I watch them all and smile.
Maggie and Tessa leave to get drinks, and we all talk about Logan’s game on Saturday and deer season being right around the corner. CJ and Matthew mention winter break and their plans to go to Mexico. They even ask my boy to join them.
CJ has Tessa’s personality but is a spitting image of his father. Matthew looks like a Ross, with darker hair, but he’s much more reserved, like Collin was.
I’m enjoying their banter and laughter when there is a loud knock on the door.
We all turn to look, and my father walks in.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Ava snarls.
“Ava, I’m here to see your father.”
“Well, see where you put him? Now see your way out. But before doing so, let me tell you, I will be going through all your paperwork until I find one little fuck up, and—”
“Ava,” I interrupt her. “Don’t. It’s not worth it.”
“Oh, I think it is.” Tessa walks past him and sets down the tray. “You have a lot of nerve coming here—”
“Now you listen to me—”
I see it before it even happens.
“Fuck you!” Tessa slaps my father across the face.
“Mom!” Matthew gasps.
“You better grab her,” I suggest.
“Who the fuck do you think you are?” Dad snaps at her.
“Someone who knows how to love, you sick fuck.” She slaps him again.
“Um, boys? Grab your mother,” I say a bit louder.
“Screw it. Let her go,” Jade says, glaring at him.
CJ grabs Tessa from behind and holds her arms.
“You’re a crazy bitch! Do you know that?” Dad snaps at her.
“Get the hell out of here now!” I roar.
“Lucas, you—”
“He said get out!” Ava cuts him off.
“Matthew, could you.” I nod toward Ava, and he grabs her before she has a chance to pounce on him.
Ryan steps between them. “I think it’s time you leave.”
“I made you, boy,” he snaps at Ryan then looks at me. “You’re back to slumming it again, Lucas?”
Maggie steps in. “We love your son, Landon. We protect those we love. Now get out, or we’ll have you thrown out.”
“How long will it last this time, Tessa? How long before he gets bored—”
“He loves me. I love him. You had your chance to be a father, and you failed miserably!”