“He doesn’t know about them,” I stated just above a whisper, but Aaron heard me loud and clear.
All movement of his halted. His stormy eyes moved over to me.
“Thiers does not know about his grandchildren?”
“No.” I looked around the room, avoiding the scrutiny of his gaze.
“Why not?” His voice was low.
“I have my reasons.”
“That is not an answer.”
“It’s the only one I’ve got.”
“You’ve not only kept my children from me and my family, but from Thiers as well.”
I thrust my hands on my hip. “Goddammit, I did not keep your children away from you,” I hissed in anger. “And my relationship with my father is none of your damn business.”
He angled his head, eyes narrowing. “Sweetness, I’ve already told you,everythingyou do is my business. Especially now. Don’t forget it.”
I shook off the shiver that ran through me at the term of endearment. I particularly hated the way it alone made my lower lips flutter.
“You will tell him. Today.”
I eyed him harshly. “Are you ordering me?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t take orders.”
He moved around the bed to stand in front of me so quickly, I barely registered his movements until one of his firm hands rested against my waist while the other gripped my chin. He tilted my head to look up at him. His warm breath caressed my face and my body felt like someone just flicked on a light switch.
“You of all people know I don’t repeat myself.” He released me, taking a step backwards before turning to grab his wallet and cell phone and then moved to the door.
“I didn’t want him to treat them the same way he treated me,” I stated.
Aaron’s hand paused on the doorknob, just barely opening it. His back remained to me but he stilled, listening.
“I never wanted them to know what it was like to be treated as if they were an option in someone’s life, instead of a necessity. From the day they were born, I promised them they would be surrounded by people who loved them unconditionally and would move Heaven and Earth to be there for them.That’swhy I never told him about them or them about him. I wanted to spare them what I felt growing up,” I confessed, blinking away the tears that had gathered in my eyes. I wanted to continue telling him that it was also why I never pursued his involvement with the twins after his fiancée told me he wanted nothing to do with me or my children.
I heard the door close. Aaron turned toward me, his lips set in a firm line. He stared for a few moments, letting the silence engulf us both.
“You will tell him. Today.” And with that, he turned and left the room, slamming the door behind him.
Pushing out a breath, I let my shoulders sag. I could feel the little bit of control I thought I had over my own life slipping away from me.
Chapter Ten
Patience
“I-I can’t believe it,” my father stated yet again.
We’d been at his home, the home I’d grown up in, for the last thirty minutes, and he was still in shock. I couldn’t look him in his eyes as he kept staring at Kyle and Kennedy.
“She looks just like you…and your mama.” His voice was solemn on the last half of his statement. “And Kyle, he’s the spitting image of Aaron. I never knew…you two were…” He trailed off, waiting for me to explain.
“It’s a long story,” I informed. “We can discuss it later. But Aaron figured it was time you get to know your grandchildren.” I flinched after clamping my mouth shut. I had meant to say that I thought it was time but the actual truth spilled from my lips instead. If it weren’t for Aaron’s insistence, I probably wouldn’t have brought Kyle and Kennedy over to see him. At least, not then.
