Suddenly, Sadie seemed like the best choice. She knew him better than most, and having been his friend for a long time, she would probably be able to give me advice about how to approach him with this. The next thing I knew, the words were tumbling out and there was no stopping them.
“Callum is Brody’s real dad,” I blurted out. Her eyes widened and her cheeks drained of color. “He doesn’t know. I still haven’t found a way to tell him, and honestly, I never thought I would have to.”
I continued from there, explaining my reasons for not going straight to him as soon as I found out and ending with how terrified I was now to risk losing what little I had. To risk losing Callum himself.
Sadie didn’t move or speak. She just reached out and took my hand when I was done, giving it a gentle squeeze. While she was pale and visibly shaken, it didn’t look like she was about to shun me or run off to tell the Westwoods.
“I’m sorry you felt like you couldn’t tell him before,” she said gently. “Don’t get me wrong, I love Callum. He’s such a genuine person and he’s always been good to me, but back then, I don’t blame you for keeping it to yourself. He definitely wasn’t exactly a shining beacon of impending fatherhood in those days.”
I nodded, my throat too tight to speak.
She smiled. “It’s no wonder you’re falling apart, but listen to me. Callum is going to understand. He’s not perfect, but he loves you and he loves Brody. Nothing you could ever tell him is going to change that. Trust me.”
The tears that had been welling spilled over, coming fast and heavy now that they’d started. “Do you really think so?”
“I know so.” She squeezed my hand again. “In the meantime, your secret is safe with me. I won’t tell anyone. Scout’s honor.”
My eyes slid shut, relief and terror dancing a strange tango in my chest. I didn’t really know this girl and I had no evidence that I could trust her, and yet, it felt like I could. Somehow, I knew she wouldn’t betray me, but I also knew that the clock was now officially ticking.
In the space of one afternoon, my mom had offered to tell him the truth on my behalf and Sadie had found out. It wouldn’t be long now until he either figured it out for himself or someone let it slip. I had to tell him. The first chance I got. Or else.
And I really didn’t want to find out what thator elsemight be.
CHAPTER 39
CALLUM
Ihadn’t expected to enjoy Michigan this much. A big part of me wished we could stay longer. Strangely, I fit in there.
After I’d jumped through Maisie’s brothers’ hoops, they’d let me in, and at this point, it felt like I’d known them for years. Mason, Michael, and I got on like a house on fire and Matthew kept watching us in that steady way of his. Unless I was very much mistaken, he approved of me too.
Of course, Brody was the star attraction. Everyone doted on him, myself included, and he was lapping it up. After being separated for so long, the twins couldn’t get enough of him and Michelle and Matthew seemed to have decided to pack as much bonding into these few days as they could.
It was clear that they’d missed him, but as Michelle dragged her hand through his hair at breakfast, it also became clear that she played an active role in his care and well-being while she was with him.
“You need a haircut, baby,” she said, smiling. “Get a little cleaned up before the wedding. I’ve never been to Scotland before, let alone an estate there, but the pictures they’re going to take will be on your wall for a long time. You want to look your best.”
No one questioned her. Not even Brody. Matthew simply grinned and got up once he was done eating. “Louis will be happy to see you.” He glanced at me. “That’s our family barber. I’ve been going to him since I was twenty-five and the boys grew up with him too.”
“I miss him.” Brody sighed but got up with a huge grin on his face. “Do you think I’m too old for the lollipops now or will I still get one?”
Mason chuckled. “Even I still get one, buddy. I’m sure you will, too.”
Five minutes later, we were all piling into Michael’s SUV. The only member of the family who was missing was Michelle, who had an appointment to keep at her own hairstylist. Matthew kissed her goodbye and the others groaned, but I smiled.
They were an awesome couple. Definitely people to look up to when it came to marriage. Before I could get carried away, however, we were on the move. The barber shop we pulled up to only a few minutes later looked like it hadn’t changed since the seventies, a brick building with vintage chairs facing a wall of mirrors on the inside.
“Brody!” a much older man, presumably Louis, called as soon as we walked in. “How are you, little man? It’s been a long time.”
Brody launched himself at him, giving him a warm hug before climbing into the chair like a pro. “We live in San Francisco now. That’s why I haven’t been here.”
He said it completely matter of fact and Louis chuckled as he moved in behind him. “How has it been, living there? Your grandpa won’t stop bragging about how good you’re getting at hockey. So, what are we doing with you today, sir?”
“Shaving it all off,” Mason joked, pumping his eyebrows.
Louis winked at him. “Is that it? I was hoping to leave behind a lightning bolt or perhaps a flame.”
“Over my dead body,” Matthew chimed in. “We just need to tidy him up a little bit.”
