Page 114 of The Addendum

“Only handsomer,” Matthew interjected.

She ignored him and kept talking as if he hadn’t spoken. “Gracie because he sucks up to her. He’s spoiled by all of us. He always has been.”

Matthew shook his head. “Not my fault Mom and Dad kept having kids until they got one they liked. Me. You notice they finally stopped. Deal with it.”

Everyone chuckled, but I felt the flicker of worry.

“I’m not trying to—”

Matthew waved his hand. “It’s inevitable. You’re new. You’re going to find all of Dad’s stupid jokes funny. All of his old ad stories fascinating. His anecdotes clever. You’re fresh meat.” He patted me on the arm. “It’ll wear off. Soon, you’ll find him as boring as we do. You’ll fall in rank too.”

Richard sputtered. “I’m not boring. Your mother doesn’t find me boring, do you, Katy?”

Katy looked at me with a not-so-subtle wink. “Never.”

“You laugh at my jokes! You love my stories!” he protested, looking aghast.

Matthew snorted. “It’s habit, Dad. Face it. Boring. I’m telling you—you’re not all that and a bag of potato chips.”

I tried not to laugh at Richard’s expression. Jaxson was smirking, trying to hide his amusement. Reed was shoveling eggs into his mouth like a starved man, concealing his grin.

Heather began to chuckle. “Leave it to Matty to tell it like it is.”

Matthew nudged me. “You should pick me as your favorite too. I’m quiet but deadly.”

“You don’t seem so quiet, to be honest,” I responded. “Bit of a shit disturber if you ask me.”

He began to laugh. “I like this one, Dad. Good job as far as surprise siblings go.”

“Thanks, Matthew,” Richard said dryly.

And suddenly, the whole table was laughing. Even Grace smiled.

I relaxed a little bit more.

Matthew handed me a bowl of fruit, leaning close. “Am I your favorite yet?” he whispered.

“Pretty close.”

“Excellent.”

* * *

Brunch went well. I helped with dishes after, listening to the camaraderie around me. The siblings teased one another, the jibes and jokes constant. Grace was quiet, still holding herself back, and I understood her hesitation. I knew it was going to take some time for us to get to know each other. Penny and Gavin did a Zoom call, and I sat beside Richard, feeling slightly overcome at meeting two more members of the family. A couple of months ago, I was alone in the world aside from Luc, and suddenly, I had an entire group of people I was related to.

Penny was friendly, grinning at me on the screen. “This is an occasion.” She smirked wryly. “For Matthew to take a break from his beloved hospital to fly to Ontario? Mom must be beside herself.”

Richard chuckled. “It’s been a good weekend for your mom.” He glanced at me with a smile. “For me too.”

I could only nod.

After, we ended up at the Hub. The place was full, and Katy and Richard took me around, introducing me again to many of them. Every time Richard or Katy said the word “daughter,” it was as if a small bomb went off in my chest. Luc stayed close, his arm around my waist. Given my behavior the last time many of the men had seen me, they were all welcoming. Everyone seemed pleased to see me.

I watched Richard interact with this extensive group of “found family.” I saw the affection and respect between them all. Young and old. You could feel the love in the room. It was beautiful. Overwhelming. Strange, new, and different. It made me yearn to be a part of it, even as I wanted to go and find a place to hide for a few moments.

I slipped onto the deck, wandering to the railing. I looked out over the expanse of water, enjoying the peacefulness of the moment. A few moments later, Katy joined me, handing me a tall, frosted glass.

“What is this?” I asked.