Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87990 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87990 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
I was moving slower than usual, and my body was sore, so Hale helped me shuffle to the bathroom. While I peed, he tidied up the bedding and sanitized the bed rails.
My rubber-treaded hospital socks stopped at the bathroom threshold as I watched him. “I leave you alone for two minutes, and the whole place smells like disinfectant.”
“Germs are dangerous for newborns.”
“I’m sure that’s why you bleached the bed.” He helped me get comfortable and situated under the sheets. He looked at me in a strange way that made me frown. “What? Why do you look like you have bad news?”
“Not bad.”
“But something. What is it?”
He sat back and sighed, which did nothing to ease my sudden anxiety. “I wanted to wait until you were—”
“Just say it, Hale. Whatever it is, I’ll handle it.” He knew I didn’t do well with suspense and could make a mountain out of a molehill.
“It’s about Xander.”
Ugh. That could go either way. I still didn’t trust the guy, but since giving birth in his very fancy car, I sort of decided to give him a mulligan. “What about Xander? Did he say something to Tyler?”
“No, this has nothing to do with Tyler.”
“Then what?”
He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees as he interlaced his fingers. “You know I like to do thorough research whenever I go into business with anyone.”
“Yes,” I said slowly.
“Well, when I look into any company, I also look into the shareholders’ personal lives.”
“Okay.”
“I never meant to cause problems between you and my dad, Rayne.”
“I know.”
“But Xander was never going to sell to him.”
I knew that too. “We’ve been over this.”
He sat back and scratched his jaw where stubble had grown. “Xander’s mom passed away last year.”
“He told me he didn’t have family.”
“That’s not exactly true.”
“Oh.” As someone who had no contact with a parent, I understood how complicated family situations could get. “Well, he strikes me as a bit of a loner, so maybe that’s by choice.”
“Rayne, he has family. Quite a bit. It turns out he has two brothers and a sister.”
“Okay.” I didn’t know what he was getting at. “Are they not close?”
“Not yet.”
I frowned. “Why are you being so cryptic? Just say whatever you're trying to say.” Honestly, who cared what Xander did in his personal life?
“Rayne, I’m trying to tell you that Xander and I have more in common than our business interests.”
The hair on my arms stood up and I slowly sat back. “Wait. What do you mean? Are you saying…?”
“It turns out we also share a father.”
I stared, slack-jawed. “He’s your brother?”
“Who?”
My wide eyes jerked to Seraphina as she stood in the doorway holding a caddy of coffee. I looked back to Hale with wide eyes. “You’re joking.”
“I’m not. I didn’t want to tell you until after the baby was born because I didn’t want to stress you out.”
“How long have you known?”
“Known what?” Seraphina demanded, setting the food and coffee on the counter by the sink.
My heart pounded. Did we tell her? She had a right to know. As did Barrett. Holy shit! “Does Remington know?
“My dad doesn’t know. I’ve only known for a week. I wanted to make sure it was absolutely certain.”
“Jesus Christ, your dad will have to buy another yacht.” It was common knowledge that he bought one to represent the mother of each of his children.
“Will someone please tell me what the hell you two are talking about!” Phina demanded.
I looked at her, shock making my brain slow, then I covered my mouth. “Oh, my God. You almost hooked up with him!”
“Who?”
Hale’s lips firmed. It was clear he hadn’t expected an audience for this conversation, but he was getting one as Barrett also walked in.
“Good morning, parents!” He greeted, carrying a beautiful bouquet. “Where’s my goddaughter?”
I frowned. We already made it clear that Tyler would be the godfather. “Those flowers are beautiful.”
“Thanks. They’re for Hale.”
Hale rolled his eyes. “Maybe it’s good that you're both here. I have some news.”
The room sobered, and Barrett crossed his arms. “What’s going on?”
“It’s about Xander Landry.”
Seraphina perked up, and Barrett glanced at me in question. I was staying out of it. “What about him?”
“As it turns out…” Hale cleared his throat. “He’s our brother.”
Both of their jaws nearly hit the floor.
“What?” Seraphina snapped in a high pitch voice. “That’s impossible.”
“Come on, Phina. Nothing’s impossible with Dad.”
“No,” she argued. “We…” She shook her head. “I… There has to be some kind of mistake. Who told you this?”
“A doctor.”
“Does Xander know?” Barret asked, on an entirely different train of thought, one that likely had to do with math and word problems revolving around inheritances and fractions that just got a lot smaller.
“He does now. We saw a specialist to confirm everything last week. I wanted to be sure before I told you guys.”
“What would make you even suspect that?” Phina demanded. “He looks nothing like a Davenport.”