I buzz Lauren. “Yes, Mr. Davenport?”
My stomach drops. “Is my father here?”
“No.”
“Then why did you call me Mr. Davenport? You stopped doing that ten years ago.”
“I know I just wanted to annoy you. What’s up?” She chuckles.
I pinch the bridge of my nose, for fuck’s sake. “I’m locking my door. Hold all my calls unless it’s from Claud or someone’sdying.” I hang up before she can pry any more information from me.
Slowly, I open the envelope, careful not to rip it. I look inside, it’s another envelope.
And in a very familiar cursive, it says?—
To my beautiful baby’s daddy and the love of my life.
Love of her life?
What the hell?
I quickly open the second envelope, and find a two-page letter. Thankfully the first two words ease my confusion.
Just kidding.
Fuck it. I get up and pour myself a hefty glass of scotch. I don’t give a shit how early it is. I’m standing by the old sayingit’s five o’clock somewherebecause I have a feeling I’m going to need it.
Then I begin.
Harrison,
Did I get you there for a moment? I mean, I do love you, but not like that. Incest is totally not my thing, even if we’re not blood-related. A brother is a brother.
Anyway, if you’re receiving this letter, it’s because you’ve found your one, someone who has captured your heart. Did you feel the butterflies in your stomach?
I hope you did. They’re magical.
Leo is under strict instructions as to when it’s the right time to give you the letter. So, let me guess…you’re struggling.
I know you better than you know yourself. Better than Nate, Leo, or even Seb, and somewhere deep in your core, you’re worried about introducing a woman to Claudina, someone who could possibly be a permanent fixture in your life, in Claud’s.
You are, aren’t you? It’s that, or you’re worried Seb will flip out.
I already know the two of you will be so overprotective of Claudina that you’ll probably be overbearing at times, but it’s out of love, and that’s what counts.
There’s another thing I know. Sebastian will never ever be okay with introducing another mother figure to Claud. It’s the reality of who he is, and that’s not fair to you. You can’t live a life of seclusion. It’s not what I want, Harrison. For you, or Claudina.
That was another criterion Leo had, by the way.
First… Does Harrison need guidance? Is he confused?
Second… Could Leo see this woman being the mom to my sweet little girl?
And before you get yourself into a tizzy, think for a moment.
Doesn’t Claud deserve a mom? A woman who will guide her through life with all that you can’t relate to.
Although Mom and I fought like cats and dogs, I would have never wanted to grow up without her. She was my best friend, and I want that for Claud too.
