Golden Trail (The 'Burg #3)(224)

“Let what play out?” Tripp was still talking on a breath.

Rocky giggled again.

“Whatever,” Layne muttered, confronted with the possibility of a Devin and Vera couple, live and in person, not knowing how he felt about it and deciding he was just not going to think about it at all.

However, Layne was not going to get this because Roc decided to educate the Layne men.

“A woman doesn’t stop being a woman just because she becomes a grandmother.”

“Roc,” Layne said low as three sets of male eyes focused on her.

“It’s true,” Rocky returned and added, “I think they’re cute.”

“Euw,” Tripp mumbled then Jasper and Tripp stared at her with identical expressions on their face that clearly stated, gross.

“Let’s stop talking about this,” Layne ordered.

“Why?” Roc asked with sham innocence.

“Because she’s my mother, he’s the finest man I know and I want them both to be happy but I still don’t know whether to slap him on the back, threaten him, punch him or vomit on his shoes,” Layne answered.

Rocky’s body started shaking but she managed to get out a strangled, “Okay, sweetheart, we’ll quit talking about it.”

“Obliged,” Layne muttered.

“Dad,” Jasper said in a quiet, guarded voice.

Layne’s eyes went to his boy to see Jasper’s were pointed to the window. Layne looked over Rocky’s shoulder and both Dave and Merry’s cars were pulling to a stop at the curb.

Shit.

“Cool, Dad and Merry are here,” Rocky observed and Layne turned her to face him.

“Roc, I’ve got two seconds but I’m goin’ out there, havin’ a word with your Dad and brother and no matter what you see, I want you to promise to stay here with my boys. Yeah?”

Her eyes widened and she stared at him as she asked, “Why?”

“Just promise and trust me, yeah?”

“Layne,” she whispered.

“Two seconds are up, sweetcheeks. Do I have your promise?” She hesitated so he prompted, “Baby?”

“I promise,” she whispered, he touched his mouth to hers and he moved swiftly off the sectional and to the door, giving both his boys a look full of meaning before he stepped out the door.

He met them both in the yard and Dave spoke instantly. “You aren’t keepin’ me from my girl.”

“No, I’m not,” Layne returned and Dave’s body rocked back.

“You aren’t?” Merry asked.

“I’m not,” Layne answered. “That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to get a few things straight.”

Both men tensed.

Layne spoke. “I was hard on you both last night. I had reason, I think you get that.”

“We get that,” Merry said quietly.

“You stepped over the line,” Dave said antagonistically.

Layne’s eyes cut to Dave. “No, Dave, I didn’t and you know it.”

“You threw a lot of shit in my face, Tanner, and kicked me out of your house without letting me see my daughter,” Dave reminded him.

“Yeah, Dave, it was last night, I remember. I also remember watchin’ Rocky have her episode and I remember it in a way I know I’ll never forget so my guess is, even though it was eighteen years ago, your episode with Rocky lasted two days and it freaked you so you know exactly how I felt yesterday.”

Dave pressed his lips together.

Layne’s voice lost its animosity and he said softly, “You didn’t do right by Rocky and you didn’t do right by me, then and now.”

“Are we gonna stand in your yard in the cold and go over last night’s territory, Tanner, or are you gonna let me see my girl?” Dave asked tersely.

“I wasn’t done,” Layne replied.

“Then get to it,” Dave ordered.

Layne sucked breath into his nose and then let it out.

“Okay Dave, I’ll get to it. That said, that’s done. This is now. We’re movin’ forward. Roc and me. Roc, Jasper, Tripp and me. And you’re family so you’re movin’ forward with us.”

“Sounds good,” Merry stated cautiously.

“With conditions,” Layne continued.

“Shit,” Dave muttered.

“Cecilia existed,” Layne told the old man and Dave winced then he cleared it and glared at Layne. “And she died a terrible death. That shit isn’t under the carpet anymore. Rocky needs her mother and the only thing she has left is memories so she’s going to be allowed to have them.”

“I –” Dave started.

“She visits her grave,” Layne cut him off and Dave’s lips parted as Merry’s body visibly went still. “When she needs her, she goes to her. I’m guessin’ from your reaction you didn’t know that.”

“No,” Merry whispered.

“Well she does,” Layne returned, his eyes locked on Dave’s and his voice got quiet. “I remember her, Dave, I remember that she was always smiling.” Dave closed his eyes, Layne ignored it and kept talking. “She died and that was tragic, her missin’ out on life, you losin’ her, her kids losin’ their Mom. But Carson Fisher killed her, Dave.” Dave’s eyes shot open and he stared at Layne. “You didn’t do it, you just were doin’ your job. Rocky didn’t do it by not putting herself in danger to help her Mom; she did what her mother needed her to do and stayed safe and alive. Carson Fisher is solely responsible for what happened to your family. You have all got to learn to quit blamin’ yourselves, feelin’ guilt which means you cut out memories of Cecilia and connections with people you care about.” His eyes shifted to Merry. “Start living again and bring Cecilia back where she f**kin’ well should be.”