Brothers

Chapter 49

Hardin's POV

Everyone joins around the dinner table at Vances house. We made a new tradition as a new family, doing a dinner every Saturday evening. The first dinner Tessa talked me into going, promising me that when we got home we could have our own fun. I liked the sounds of that. Everyone is laughing at another story Christians telling about our childhood, the good memories that is.

Vance stands up at the head of the table and clears his throat. He raises his glass, filled with Pepsi. "I'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight. I'm glad to have my family here today, which I never thought I would see sitting in front of me. I've made some mistakes in the past, we all have. But we're together and that's all that matters."

Everyone raises their glasses and cheers.

Tessa looks to me and smiles. I roll my eyes at her with a smile on my face. I glance over at Christian who is talking to Theodore. I lean into Tessa and nod my head towards Christian.

"So when we going to tell him?" I whisper into Tessas ear.

"When do you want to? It's your brother." She says.

I roll my eyes at Tessa and clear my throat before standing up.

Everyone quiets down and looks up at me. I look at Tessa, who looks up at me and smiles.

"We have something we want to tell everyone. We wanted to wait until everyone was together." Tessa takes my hand into hers.

"As you all know, we've been trying to have a baby. Tessa and I are going to the doctor for our first ultra sound on Tuesday."

Everyone gasps in excitement followed by a few "congratulations"

"Christian. Tessa and I were wondering if you would do the honors and be the Godfather to our first child?"

Christian looks up shocked and a smile grows on his face.

"Well, I never thought I would be standing here asking you to be my child's godfather. You've come a long way over the last few months. I know we had a shit time growing up. I also know we haven't always gotten along, under circumstances. But I am glad to have you back in my life Christian. I know I can be an asshole and I don't really do this sentimental mushy shit. But would you please do the honors in being our babies godfather?" I smile up at Christian.

I glance at Anastasia whose wiping the tears in her eyes. Christian nods his head and he stands up from the table reaching out to give me a hug.

"I love you bro." Christian says to me.

"Same to you." I say back.

If you asked me a few months ago if I had a brother I would have told you no. Growing up I hated my brother for what he put the family through. Christian was the closest thing I had to a father. I looked up to him and I resented him for leaving us. But things change, people change. Tessa taught me that. Tessa taught me a lot of things to be honest. She taught me how to love others and myself. The world isn't out to get me, as I thought it was growing up. I have people that love me, and I care for those people. As much as I won't admit it, it's true. This is my family.