Brothers

Chapter 12

Tessas POV

I keep eye on the doors, waiting for Hardin and Christian to come back inside. I wonder how the conversation is going. I hope Hardin doesn't do anything to Christian. The amount of anger inside Hardin, who knows what he'd do. He's been so calm lately, he's changed so much from when I first met him.

"The boys are talking I'm guessing." Anastasia smiles as she walks over to the table.

I stand up and greet her with a hug. I've only met her once before, but we connected within that hour of talking while Christian and Hardin talked.

"Yes they are. I can only hope that the conversation is going okay. They've been out there for a while."

"Well they need to talk this out. Christians been on edge since the therapist mentioned getting in touch with his family as a last step in his recovery."

"I bet. Hardin definitely isn't the easiest to talk to." I let out a little laugh taking a sip of my wine.

"You clearly have not met Christian then. It must run in the family." Anastasia and I laugh together this time.

"Your artwork is amazing by the way." I change the subject.

"Thank you. It's just a hobby I picked up. With all the traveling Christian does for work, I needed something to keep my busy. I haven't been able to do it as often anymore — with the kids and all. But I still love it."

"How old are the kids?" I smile.

"Theodore is four and Phoebe just turned two. They're and handful let me tell you." Anastasia sighs.

"Well if you ever need a babysitter Hardin and I would love to take them for a little while. Give you a break."

"Hardin — babysit — you seem to have yourself a keeper don't you. How does tomorrow sound." Anastasia laughs.

"He claims to despise children. But they seem to gravitate towards him. It's actually quite funny if you ask me." I laugh, remembering the first time we babysat Smith. Smith wouldn't leave Hardin alone. Hardin was the only person Smith would talk to.

"Here they come." Anastasia taps me on the arm to get my attention.

Hardin and Christian walk up in silence. Hardin takes a seat next to mine and takes my hand into his. He looks at me and gives me a small smile.

"Everything okay?" I ask him.

He nods.

"So Hardin, what do you think about you and Tessa babysitting Theodore and Phoebes for a few hours tomorrow while Christian and I go out to lunch?" Anastasia breaks the silence.

I look at Anastasia with a look as if to say shut up, but apart of me can't help but laugh.

"I don't really like kids, but I'm sure Tessa here would watch them." Hardin says.

"Anastasia, why don't we go and get a drink. Leave Tessa and Hardin alone for awhile." Christian says to his wife.

"We'll talk more later Tessa. I better get back to my event anyways. Hardin, please text Christian Tessas number."

Christian and Anastasia walk away from the table. Christian takes Anastasias hand, leaning in and whispering in her ear. She lets out a laugh.

"I'm not Babysititng tomorrow. Not a chance." Hardin turns to me.

"She's only kidding Hardin. Just breathe." I trace the lines in his hand with my finger.

He sighs.

"Can we please go? We came here and saw her artwork. Can we please go home now." Hardin whines.

"Yes we can go now. How did it go with Christian out there?"

"Well if you're wondering if we're taking any road trips together while doing some brotherly bonding think again. But we talked."

"You want to talk about it?"

"No. I want to go home Tessa." Hardin gets up and takes my hand.

"Let me just say goodbye to Anastasia and Christian. I want to thank her for inviting us."

Hardin sighs and nods. We find Christian and Anastasia by the bar and exchange a quick hug before leaving.

The drive home is silent. Hardin stays focused on the road. I look over to him and put my hand on his leg. He lifts his hand and places his hand on top of mine, lacing his fingers in between mine.

"He apologized for everything." Hardin breaks the silence.

"And? What did you think?"

"I can't be mad at him forever I guess. I still hate him, but — I don't know." Hardin looks at me. His eyes glossy.

"You miss him don't you?"

He nods. He holds back tears. He closes his eyes and turns to face the road.

"I miss how it used to be. After my fath." he sighs. "Ken left, Christian took over. We used to do everything together. I looked up to him. I wanted to be just like him. Everyone wanted to be around him. No one ever messed with him. Anyone that tried to mess with me got their ass beat. But then one day, he left." A tear rolls down his cheek and he takes his hand and wipes it away quickly.

"Did you tell him about Vance?"

"Being our father." Hardin scoffs. "No."

"Oh"

"I'm taking it slow. I forgave him, but it still doesn't change everything." Hardin closes his eyes.

"I know baby. I'm proud of you for forgiving him though. I know that must of been a lot for you."

Hardin is quiet the rest of the wag home. I am proud of him, the Hardin I met three years ago has changed so much. It makes me love him so much more, if that's even possible.

@atheeng4 I hope you enjoy this chapter and much as I had fun writing it. I can't wait to see Anastasia and Tessa interact more either. I have some cute moments in store. Stay tuned :) I hope everyone is enjoying this series still.