Alpha Billionaire Series
Just Another Chance Chapter 15

ADDIE

When Tanner calls and invites Owen and I to spend the day with him, my heart flutters with happiness. There's nothing that I'd like more than for him to get to know Owen better. At the same time, I begin to panic. The more I put off telling Tanner the truth, the more right he has to become angry.

The main reason I didn't spill it the other night is because I'm scared. It's as simple and as complicated as that. Neither of us has said I love you and even though what I'm feeling right now can only be described as love, what if he isn't there yet? What if he won't ever be? The last thing I want to do is make him feel obligated to me and Owen.

Granted, Owen is his flesh and blood, and Tanner is a good man. So, there's always the possibility that he will want to step up and provide for his son. I just hate the idea of backing him into a corner. I refuse to do that. I want him to have a choice and room to breathe- I don't want to be like his dad and force my will on him.

Tanner arrives and, on our way downstairs, I mention that we should probably take my car because we need a car seat for Owen. But Tanner assures me we're all set. True to his word, when we get to his Mercedes SUV waiting at the curb, my mouth drops. He has a car seat all set up in the back and I turn to look at him, my chest tightening.

"When did you manage to do this?" I ask, completely shocked.

"I had a little help from Nash and Charlie this morning," he says with a grin. "They had an extra one for Easton, so they said I could have it."

"Oh." I'm not sure how to feel about this. "You told your brother about Owen?"

"Of course. And you." His golden-green gaze darkens. "Is that okay?"

I nod slowly and know that I need to tell Tanner the truth today. But first, I want to have a wonderful day with him and Owen. As a family.

After getting Owen situated, I slip into the passenger seat and look over at Tanner's handsome profile. "Where are we going?" I ask.

He glances over at me and smiles. "I thought a picnic lunch at the park would be fun."

His kindness affects me deeply and I can't even say anything back because my throat closes with emotion and tears prick my eyes. Tanner is a prince. He always has been, and I never should've doubted that he would accept Owen with open arms. "Hey," he says softly and reaches over to lay his warm hand over mine. "You okay?"

"Yeah," I manage to say. "This is all just...really sweet." Oh, shit. A tear slips down my cheek and I turn to look blindly out the window, trying my hardest to blink them back.

Tanner gives my hand a squeeze and doesn't let go as he pulls the car away from the curb and heads toward the park. He ends up taking us to a cute, little local area that is green with a lot of trees and a jungle gym for kids. I get Owen out while Tanner walks around and opens the back. I turn and see him heave a giant picnic basket out.

"Oh, wow, you really came prepared." I figured we'd grab some sandwiches at a nearby deli.

"That's right, sweetheart," he says. "Today, we're having a real, genuine picnic."

I smile and he laces his fingers through mine. Together, with Owen on my hip, we walk down a trail and replace a shady spot beneath a large oak tree. Tanner pulls out a large blanket and I sit down with Owen. It's hard not to feel like we're a real family out enjoying the beautiful day.

I mean, technically, we are, but Tanner just doesn't know it yet.

Tanner brings a veritable feast and I laugh and ask why there's so much food. He blushes and glances over at Owen. "I wasn't sure what he likes. Or what two-year olds really eat."

I can't help but smile. He's so damn adorable. "He's eating regular food now, if that's what you mean?" I open the container of carrots that are chopped into miniscule pieces and bite my lip to keep from laughing. They're diced so ridiculously tiny that there's definitely no chance of Owen choking.

"I don't know," Tanner admits in a low voice. "I never had a two-year-old."

My gaze snaps up and he's staring at me intently, as though waiting for me to say something more. I clear my throat, growing uncomfortable under his scrutiny. "I give him three meals a day plus a couple of small snacks. He loves cheese and crackers and apples. Oh, and he likes hummus, too. And popsicles. Oh! And he loves peanut butter more than anything."

Tanner chuckles. "Sounds like he has a pretty good appetite. When I was a kid, my mom said I would tantrum if I didn't get peanut butter every single day."

Something in me melts and I look from Tanner to Owen. God, it's so damn clear to me that they're father and son. Can Tanner see it, too? I have a pretty good inclination that he's catching on.

"Tanner..." My throat tightens. No, not yet. Wait until you get back home before you change his world forever and announce to him that he has a two-year-old son. He looks at me expectantly and I force a smile. "Can you hand me a napkin?"

His face seems to fall a little, but he hands me a paper napkin.

"Thank you," I say and wipe Owen's face.

After we eat, we pack up the basket and wander over to the swing set for smaller children. The swings have deep bucket seats and belts to hold toddlers. Tanner lifts the bar and I sit Owen in the little chair. Then I buckle him all up and Tanner pushes him. Leaning against the pole, I watch Owen laugh and laugh. Which, of course, makes me and Tanner crack up.

"This is his first time in a swing," I say.

"He loves it," Tanner exclaims. "I don't want to push him too high, though."

God, watching the two of them together makes my ovaries proud. Even though I still have to come clean, I can stand here and say without doubt that Tanner and I did good. We made a beautiful, smart, amazing little man.

We created a miracle and if I can have both of these men in my life every single day, I will be the happiest woman in the world. There's also no denying the fact that I am madly in love with Tanner again. As much as I wanted to take things slowly, I'm head over heels. He was always my happily-ever-after and now that he's back in my life, my heart is his once again.

I just hope that he doesn't crush it when I tell him the truth tonight about Owen.

Eventually, Owen gets tired, and we decide to head back to my place. Since he didn't have a nap yet and is starting to get cranky, I want to put him down for a bit in his crib. Tanner follows me into the bedroom and leans against the doorframe, watching as I sit in the rocking chair.

"Sorry, it'll just take a minute," I say. "I always rock him before I put him down."

"It's fine. Take your time."

Tanner's voice is soft and so full of understanding. The truth is, I'm starting to freak out and wanting to delay the inevitable. But I've made up my mind. I'm telling him the truth as soon as Owen falls asleep. It doesn't take long, either. In less than five minutes, I lay Owen carefully in his crib and then straighten up and turn to face Tanner.

He's been watching me closely, hazel eyes guarded, and I take a deep breath. This is it. Time to break the news. I walk quietly toward the hall, and he pushes off the doorframe and follows me into the living room. "Addie?"

"Yes?" I turn around and look up into his handsome face. I'm dying to reach out and touch him, but I control myself. We need to talk not have sex.

"Is Owen my son?"

Oh, God.I press my lips together and take a deep breath. "Yes," I finally manage to whisper. "He's yours."