Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
She looked at Luc, who touched her cheek in an intimate, knowing way. She drew in a deep breath.
“I have always had a temper. I never knew where I got it from since my mother had endless patience.”
I felt my lips pull into a smile.
“I suppose, like your cowlick, you get it from me.”
“I’m angry, Richard. Confused. I don’t know what I want,” she said. “I reacted when I saw your shirt and realized who you possibly were. I shouldn’t have pulled that stunt.”
“And now?”
“I need time to think. Now that I know for sure I was right, I need to come to terms with this my own way.”
I sat back. “So, you want me to step back and, what? Wait for you to get in touch?”
“Yes. I just need some time to process and sort out my emotions.”
She was much like me in that way as well, but I refrained from saying so. I nodded once.
“Would you like to meet again with us and Halton present?”
“No. I think from now on, we should keep our meetings between us.”
I met Halton’s gaze, his eyebrows raised in question.
“Legally, what are you looking for, Ashley?” he asked, his voice calm. “Do you have any idea?”
She shook her head. “Legally, nothing. I don’t want your money, your name, for you to announce me to the world, anything like that. I just—”
“Just what?” I prompted, keeping my tone gentle.
Something in her gaze tugged at my heart. It reminded me of when Heather was little and in need of comfort. Of when Gracie would open her arms and ask for a hug. She needed reassurance. The parental sort. But she wasn’t ready for that from me.
Surprisingly, I thought I might be ready to give it, though.
“We’ll leave the ball in your court, then.” I handed her a business card I slid from my pocket. “That has my personal information on the back. I’ll wait to hear from you.”
“What are you going to do?” she asked, for the first time her voice not sounding angry. I chose my words carefully.
“I’m going to have some difficult conversations with my other children. Tell them who you are.”
“And if I choose not to be involved with any of you?”
I tilted my head to the side. “Then you really haven’t thought this through. Your boyfriend is best friends with my son-in-law. You already liked Heather. Your world is going to intertwine with mine—with ours—even if it’s only on occasion.” I stood, pulling Katy up with me.
“And even if you decide to hate me for the rest of your life, you should get to know your half-siblings. They are amazing human beings. They could be part of your life, even if I am not.” I glanced at Katy. “My wife would be another example of someone you should let yourself get to know. She is the very best part of me.”
I glanced at Halton. “I’ll be in touch.”
“See you at the Hub,” he replied easily.
“Okay.” I paused, looking at Ashley and Luc. “Take care of her, Luc. She needs that right now.”
He nodded grimly.
Ashley never spoke.
I walked out of the office, my emotions all over the place.
I had another daughter. Another small piece of me in this world.
She hated me.
And I wasn’t sure how to change that.
ASHLEY
Richard and his wife left, and for a moment, the office was silent. Luc leaned over, tugging on my fingers, making me realize how tightly I had been gripping the arms of the chair I was sitting in.
Halton met my gaze, his surprisingly kind and understanding.
“Do you have any questions, Ashley?”
“No,” I lied. Inside my head, I had about a million of them swirling through my brain.
He stood and came around the front of his desk. He perched his hip on the dark wood, handed me a card, and smiled. “That’s my number. Office and personal. If you think of something, you can call. Anytime.”
“Is that appropriate? You being his lawyer and all?”
“Do you plan on legal action?”
“No.”
“Then understand I am not acting as Richard’s lawyer. I am acting as a concerned member of the family to help him—” he paused “—and you through this difficult, emotional time.”
I took the card, unable to hide the way my hand shook when I did.
“Ashley,” he said, waiting until I met his eyes again.
“I know you’re trying to figure this out. But you are not alone. Despite what you think, what you’ve been told, Richard is not a bad man. He is devoted to his family.”
“I’m not his family.”
He studied me. “I think if you try to meet him partway, you could be. You have five half-siblings. Don’t discount getting to know them. They’re amazing people. Once you’re part of this extended family, you’re locked in for life. I can’t explain it.” He glanced at Luc. “I think Luc could help you with that. If you’re willing.”