Page 3 of Off the Post

That’s the type of guy my big brother is.

And it’s ultimately the reason I have only one answer to his question.

“Okay. Fine,” I relent with a huff. “I verbally accept the offer.”

Tanner throws his arms up in the air in a celebratory whoop.

“Finally! I knew I’d get my baby sis to cave.” He does this weird little dance, pointing his fingers and moving his arms up and down.

“You do realize how this will affect you, right?”

Tanner screws up his forehead and nose. “Huh? How?”

I lean in close to the screen so my face is right in it and slowly move my head side to side, pursing my lips together sternly.

“You, my dear brother, will have to do exactly what I tell you to do, how to do it, and when I tell you to do it.”

At this, I move back against the chair, cross my arms over my chest, and smile sweetly.

His expression turns wide-eyed and nervous.

And now I have him right where I want him.

At my absolute disposal.

This is going to be fun.

2

Soren

“It doesn’t matter what it costs, Anna,” I snap, the words sharper than I meant them to sound. About the only saving grace is that the entire conversation is in my first language, German, so at least the words themselves aren’t mangled.

I hear Anna inhale a quick intake of breath and remind myself to calm down. I shouldn’t take my frustration out on her. Letting out a heavy sigh, I soften my tone. “I’m sorry. I’m just frustrated that I had to cancel my plans last minute and you’ve had to change yours. Just go ahead and book the flights for you and the kids. Bitte. Money is not a problem.”

I’m not good with change. It causes me huge anxiety. This unexpected shift in plans is not going over well for me. Plus, I was looking forward to returning home to Austria and spending time with my family for the next two months.

Instead, I’ve had to rearrange things and help Anna book flights for herself, Heinrich, and Clara to come here to Vancouver, which has turned into some circus juggling act as Anna has figured out the new plans around the kids’ various activities and already scheduled events.

In fact, my annoyance over this entire situation has grown exponentially since I first capitulated to Tanner Rossco’s request.

It’s all Rossy’s fault.

He begged me to stick around this summer so I could participate in several events for his foundation. Knowing how important it is to him and to the kids and parents who benefit from the Lighting the Lamp for Kids charity, I caved. It’s all for a good cause, after all. But when I said yes and decided to stay, I didn’t factor in the potential difficulties in getting Anna and the kids to Vancouver for a two-week visit.

My bad. I had no clue how many activities the kids are in this summer and how much juggling it would require. A whole fucking lot, as I learned.

When Anna replies in her soft voice, it makes me feel even more shame over my behavior. She’s the one who’s carried the load and has had to deal with things far more burdensome than what I face. Anna is the one who’s had to raise two kids without a partner.

“Okay. Danke, Soren. I’ll book our flights and let you know the details.” She pauses, and I can hear the smile across the line. “The kids are very excited to visit their favorite uncle in Canada.”

This makes me chuckle. “Anna, I’m their only uncle in Canada. What are you implying?”

The light, airy sound of her laughter should make me feel better. In fact, I should be thrilled that she can laugh with me once again. But guilt still overshadows all my other emotions. I’m not sure how, but I think the remorse I still carry over Günther’s death is heavier now than it was four years ago.

My role as uncle should be to act as their support, to be there for them whenever they need me. I’ve tried, but it’s never enough and it never will be. I’ll never be able to replace my older brother.

Günther had been my protector, my champion. My best friend and father figure. When my parents died when I was just a young teen and Günther was twenty, he stepped in and finished raising me.