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“Why would grandfather believe Ian set that fire?” Shaun asked.
“Because a neighbor told him that he saw Ian standing across the street watching the house burn.”
“We were never told any of that,” Sebastian said.
“We weren’t either,” Conner spoke.
“No, you weren’t because, after that night, your grandfather beat the shit out of Ian, told him to take his drugs, leave town, and never come back. He told him if he ever saw him again, he’d kill him himself. He instructed Henry and Liam to take him to the bus station and ensure he got on that bus. They gave him some cash, drove him to the station, and told him never to look back. Not long after that, I got pregnant with you boys. We got married and moved here to California.”
“So, all is forgiven for almost killing our grandparents?” Sam asked.
“Ian didn’t start that fire. After your fathers put Ian on that bus, we never heard from him again, and we were never to speak his name. As far as everyone was concerned, he didn’t exist.”
“That’s why there were never any old pictures of Dad when he and Uncle Liam were younger,” Stefan said.
“That’s right, Stefan. All the family pictures were destroyed in the fire,” Aunt Barb spoke.
“And what role do you play in all of this, dear mother?” Simon asked.
“Ian reached out to me after Liam passed away. He wanted to come to his funeral. I told him no and that it was a bad idea because if Henry had seen him, the past would have been dredged up again, and that wasn’t the place. You know how your father was. We kept in touch here and there afterward. When Henry passed away, Ian came to the funeral. I had no idea he was there until the end. It was the first time I’d seen him in all those years. We met at a coffee shop the day following the funeral and talked. I tried to get him to meet you boys, but he wouldn’t. He said the past was best to stay buried, and it would be easier for him and myself. Then he went back to Hawaii.”
“And here we are,” Simon said as he held out his arms. “Haven’t you learned by now that the past and lies always catch up to you, mother? I’m not sure anymore who is worse: you or Dad.”
She shot him a look.
“And how do you know he didn’t start the fire?” Simon cocked his head.
“Because he told me.”
“Oh yeah.” Simon laughed. “He was a drug addict. All they do is lie! But it looks to me like he just reeled you in hook, line, and sinker. I have to say, Mom, that’s low, even for you.”
“You don’t know a fucking thing about him!” She shouted as she pointed her finger at him. “He got clean after his sons were born. Thirty years ago, Simon! Thirty years ago.”
“Aunt Barb, calm down. Remember your heart,” Christian said.
“I know you’re all in shock, but he’s your uncle, and you will fucking treat him with the respect he deserves. You all have his blood running through you, whether you like it or not. And you, Jackson, will find a way to get to that damn tumor. I’m done here, and I suggest you gather your thoughts, get your head out of your asses, and accept what I’ve told you because he’s going to be around a lot!” She stomped through the sand and left.
“Jesus Christ.” Simon shook his head.
“Damn. I’ve seen Mom angry before, but nothing like that. She took scary to a whole new level,” Stefan spoke.
Conner placed his hand on my back. “Did you hear that, bro? You better find a way to get that tumor out.”
I sat there, let out a sigh, and shook my head.
CHAPTER24
Jackson
After Georgia and I returned home from doing our bridal registry, I went into my office and pulled up Ian’s scans.
“Here.” Georgia smiled as she set a glass of scotch on my desk.
I held out my arms, and she sat on my lap.
“Thank you.” I softly kissed her. “You are my rock.”
“And you’re mine.” The corners of her mouth curved upward.
