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)
I tossed the clear bag onto the table, and he stared at the folded dress shirt, the monogram plain and clear. He touched the bag, his face like thunder, then he pushed it away with his finger.
Our eyes locked, stormy and angry, and I braced myself for his wrath. The group he insisted stay reacted with surprised gasps and some curses, all the men pushing back from the table.
Richard remained silent. Either from guilt or shock—I hadn’t determined that yet.
“You are my father,” I spat. “And I hate you.”
His wife covered her mouth. One of the men hurried over, standing by Richard with his hand on his shoulder. I recognized him from the events but couldn’t place his name. Just then, Luc hurried in, rushing to my side. He looked at the table, his voice low and torn.
“Love, what have you done?” he asked quietly. “You said you were going to give me a chance to do some research.”
“I don’t need any research,” I said.
“I think we need to step back,” the man behind Richard stated in a calm voice. “Let the air cool. Perhaps arrange a meeting in my office.”
“And you are who, exactly?” I demanded.
“Richard’s lawyer,” he replied. “I specialize in family law.”
I wanted to laugh at the absurdity. Only he would have a family lawyer present.
“Of course you’d have a lawyer in your pocket,” I jeered. “You have everything, don’t you, Mr. VanRyan? The family, the friends, the wealth. Pretending your life is perfect. That you’re perfect, when we both know you are anything but.”
Richard’s wife stood.
“Watch how you speak to my husband, young lady. You know nothing about him or our family. A shirt and some angry words from your mother prove nothing.”
Her voice brooked no argument, and I stepped back at the anger and protectiveness she displayed for her husband. Luc slipped his arm around me, speaking in a low voice.
“Ashley, take some deep breaths for me. I know you’re upset and you have every right to be, but it isn’t going to get us anywhere right now.” He pressed his lips to the side of my head. “Breathe, love, just breathe.”
He was right, and I forced myself to take a couple of deep, calming breaths. His hold tightened in support.
“Halton is a member of this family. He isn’t in my pocket,” Richard said, his voice sounding strange. Thick.
“Whatever,” I replied dismissively, now recalling hearing his name before.
“You have been shooting daggers at me since I met you,” he said, his voice clearer. “I understand why now, but anger and pointing fingers isn’t the way to solve this. I think Halton’s right, and maybe we need to meet under other circumstances than a gathering following my daughter’s wedding.”
His words made the hurt flare all over. “Oh yes. Playing the doting father. How sweet.”
“Enough!” Maddox roared suddenly. “You know nothing about him or the kind of man he is. And until this moment, he had no idea you existed. I suggest you calm down. In fact, I insist you leave our property. When you’re ready to talk—”
Richard held up his hand, stopping him.
“I’ve got this, Maddox. I am not going to argue with you right now, Ashley. I need to process this, and perhaps we can meet as Halton stated.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” Luc said, tugging me closer.
“Maybe a DNA test would be appropriate,” Bentley muttered.
“My thoughts exactly,” Halton said.
I tossed my head. “I’ll think about it.”
Richard looked confused. “If you’re so determined I’m your father, why not? I’ll demand one before I give you whatever it is you’re after.”
I shook my head, seething. “I don’t want anything from you. You may be my sperm donor, Mr. VanRyan, but you’ll never be my father.”
I turned to leave, and Katy spoke up, her voice quavering.
“How old are you?”
I turned, meeting her eyes. I saw the hurt and worry in them, and I felt bad. She had done nothing to me to deserve that. I was angry with her husband, not her. “Older than Grace, Mrs. VanRyan. I was born before you married him,” I assured her, offering the only comfort I could.
“I see.”
Luc tugged me away, and I let him lead me back inside. I turned my head, meeting Richard’s gaze one last time. I had done it—confronted my father.
I had to look away, wondering why I felt so hollow.
16
RICHARD
Halton shook my hand and kissed Katy on the cheek. He indicated the chairs by his desk.
“Sit,” he said.
The days waiting for the test results had seemed endless. Katy and I tried to function as if everything was normal. At times, we almost achieved it.
Gracie and Jaxson confirmed that she was pregnant. I hugged my daughter, holding her close.
“What amazing news, my girl,” I said enthusiastically. “Everything okay? You’re feeling all right? Jaxson looking after you?”
She had laughed. “He barely lets me do anything, Dad. I’m fine. The doctor says everything is good.”