“I’d love to see some of the things you’ve created,” Hope’s sister-in-law, Claire, says.
“He has an online shop where you can see everything he’s selling. They’re absolutely incredible, so it’s no wonder they keep selling out. He’s remarkably talented,” Hope declares, her voice brimming with pride, and a warm feeling blooms in my chest.
“Okay, great. I’ll definitely check it out. I’ve been meaning to get a new coffee table,” Claire states.
“What’s wrong with the one we have now?” Finn murmurs.
“Babe, we still have the same coffee table from when we first moved in together fifteen years ago. It’s literally falling apart.”
“What’s the matter with you, Finn?” Justine scolds. “You’ve got all this money, and you won’t even buy a new coffee table for your wife? I thought I raised you better than that.”
Finn turns to me. “Bro, help me out here.”
I chuckle. “I’d be happy to build you a new one, Claire. You can even choose the design,” I offer, and the smile that lights up her face is instant.
I glance over at Hope, her expression is full of gratitude, and from the look on Frank’s face, it’s almost an exact mirror of his daughter’s.
“It’s a shame you and your dad never started your own family business. I think it would have been a huge success,” Hope admits.
“I love my dad, but not enough to work with him in a family business.”
“Why not? Troy and Kaden Grant Motors & Home has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” Hope suggests.
“Your father’s name is Troy Grant?” The question comes from Frank, a frown creasing his forehead.
“Yes, sir.”
The shock on his face and the loud gasp from his wife send curious glances around the table as everyone looks between them.
“Oh, my. What are the chances?” Justine whispers, her face frozen in disbelief.
“What? What is it?” Hope asks.
Just then, Claire stands and moves to Finn’s side to take Violet from him. “I’ll take the kids to the game room so you adults can have some time to talk.”
“Thanks, babe,” Finn replies, and within minutes, the table is down four people, and the thick, uneasy tension that now hangs over the room is almost suffocating.
“Okay, somebody better start explaining, or I’m gonna lose my effing bloody mind,” Hope demands.
Frank releases a sharp sigh, then leans forward, resting his elbows on the table.
“I just want you to know that this has completely caught us by surprise. Just like your mother said—what are the chances that Troy’s son would find our daughter and end up dating her?”
“So, you and Mum know who Kaden’s dad is?” Hope asks, impatiently.
Justine nods, letting out a long sigh. “We all grew up together, honey. We actually all lived on the same street—your dad, your aunt and I, and Troy. We even went to the same school, though I was a few years younger, while Frank, your aunt Amber, and Troy were all the same age.”
“Troy and I used to be best friends,” Frank confesses. “We were like brothers at one point. I was even the best man at his wedding.”
I frown. “Really? But my parents eloped, and only a few members of my mother’s family were there that day.”
He shakes his head. “Not that wedding, son. His first one.”
“Who was his first wife?” Hope asks, curiously.
Frank exchanges a look with Justine. When she gives him a curt nod to go on, I know whatever he says next will change everything.
“It was your Aunt Amber—or Amy, as he would call her. Kaden’s dad was married to your Aunt Amber.”
