Hope you’re right.
He was about to reply when she added,Gotta run. Time for my next class.
Chat later,he replied.
But would they? Once he told his family and Will, the boy would likely become a part of family gatherings. Would Maggie want to be around him? Wouldn’t he be a constant reminder of Ethan’s infidelity?
Josh stuck his phone in his pocket and grabbed the broom. Will was still cleaning the popcorn machine, blissfully unaware his life was about to change.
Josh had considered approaching Will’s mother first, but Will was nineteen and a legal adult. Plus she hadn’t exactly been receptive to Maggie, which made it pretty clear she didn’t want her son to know the truth. She wouldn’t welcome their intrusion into Will’s life. But he had a right to know who his biological father was.
But first... Josh’s family. How would they react to the news that their golden child had apparently cheated on Maggie? They would undoubtedly find it hard to believe at first, just as he and Maggie had. But once presented with the evidence, how could they deny it?
The weekend was full up with tours, being the last weekend of high season. But there were no tours on Labor Day, when Mom and Dad were having the family over for their annual picnic.
He would tell them then.
Chapter 46
Saturday nights had taken on a whole different flavor since Will had begun dating Addison six weeks ago. She liked strolling Seabrook Beach and walking Wilmington’s historic downtown and boardwalk. There they enjoyed sampling coffee from local vendors and window-shopping.
She was beautiful and kind, smart and compassionate. He’d discovered the latter when he opened up about his dad’s unrealistic expectations. And two weeks ago, after the woman had visited his mom, he’d admitted to Addison he didn’t know who his biological father was. Lounging in a cozy coffee shop near the Cape Fear River, she listened intently as he relayed the story of the woman who’d recently appeared on their doorstep and his frustration with his mother over the situation.
Addison did little more than hold his hand and validate his feelings, but it made him feel lighter than air. She came from such a solid family. Such an uncomplicated family. Yet she somehow seemed to understand his feelings. She’d even gotten teary at one point, which made Will want to wrap her up in his arms and hang on forever.
She would make a wonderful psychologist someday.
Tonight he’d splurged on supper at the Sea Grille near her house. The food was delicious and conversation pinged easily back and forththroughout dinner. The car ride had been comfortably quiet. He had to make it an early evening since his biology paper was due by midnight. All too soon he pulled into her drive, put the car in Park, and shut off the engine.
He offered Addison a regretful smile. “Sorry we couldn’t stay out longer.”
“Your grades are important. And you work so many hours. I don’t know how you fit it all in.” She cocked a coy glance his way. “Are you sure you have time for dating in your busy schedule?”
He fell into her sparkling green eyes. “Only for you.” He leaned over and brushed her lips with his. He’d only meant it to be a quick kiss. But Addison was addictive. Once he started it was hard to stop. They’d become exclusive a week ago, and he was still pinching himself at the thought that she was his.
A long moment later she put a hand on his chest and leaned back until their breaths mingled between them. “I’d better go inside.”
“Things were just getting good.”
“Agreed. But my dad’s peering out the window.”
Will jerked back.
Addison chuckled. “It’s fine. He knows you’re my boyfriend. But it’s hard to enjoy making out when...” She nodded toward the house.
No kidding. His own blood now ran ice-cold. “I’ll get your door.”
An hour later Will was shut away in his room, laser focused on his paper about Gregor Mendel and his groundbreaking work on pea plants. He’d loved high school but was enjoying college even more now that he’d gotten most of his gen-eds out of the way. Now he could focus mostly on the sciences.
A text pinged in. He’d forgotten to silence his phone and did sonow. He did his best work when he was focused—and that deadline was quickly approaching.
It was almost ten when Mom brought him a Coke. “How’s the paper going?” She’d been extra nice ever since that woman had come to their door.
“I’m almost finished with the first draft.”
“How many drafts will you do?”
He flashed a grin. “However many it takes.”
