Page 45 of The Addendum

I had to turn away before I did something stupid and rash. When Luc came back, we sat, and I forced myself to eat and make conversation.

“Quite the crew.”

He chuckled, chewing the roast beef he’d taken. “They are.”

“I never asked before,” I said, trying to sound casual. “I assume they all have different last names.”

“Yep. I lose track at times. There’s Ridge, Callaghan, Riley, Matthews…” He waved his hand. “I forget some of them. And of course, Morrison is Reed’s and VanRyan.”

“Richard, I assume?” I asked calmly.

“Yep.”

Richard VanRyan. RVR. I was certain those were the initials on the shirt.

“Are Heather’s, ah, other siblings coming?”

“Yeah. You met Gracie—the one with the baby and the overprotective husband. Gavin was hiding to surprise his dad. Matthew and Penny couldn’t come, but they’re going to Zoom in later.”

I swallowed, recalling our brief conversation in the car. He had five other children. Five that he wanted. Only one he didn’t. Me.

I managed to keep my voice level.

“You have the golf thing tomorrow?”

He nodded. “You really have to work?”

“Yes. I should be done around four, and I’ll come out and meet you at the hotel.”

“Perfect.”

“You should have just stayed here overnight. I could have driven myself out.”

He shook his head, leaning over to kiss me. “And miss time with you? Nope.”

“Will you stay later?”

His gaze narrowed on me. “As if I’d say no to spending the night with you, love. Not happening.”

“Then let’s finish eating and make the rounds and go,” I said quietly. I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. I needed to clear my head.

“As soon as we can without being rude.”

“Okay.”

* * *

It took longer than I wanted. I tried to act normal, though I was anything but. My mind was racing. I was jumpy and nervous. As much as I tried to resist, I kept staring at Richard. Watching his interactions with his wife and family. The love and care he showed them. The ease with which he bestowed his affection.

He hadn’t wanted me or my mother. My mother told me repeatedly he didn’t want children. Would never love me. Was incapable of loving anyone.

What changed? Why did he never come find me?

I vacillated from sadness to anger all night. If I caught his gaze, the anger seeped out. I wanted to scream at him, demand answers, but I knew I couldn’t. None of my anger was directed at his wife or children. I was envious of the love he showed them, of the utter adoration they showed him. I recalled my childish dream of having a dad to take to school. He was the ideal image I’d had in my head years ago.

I was grateful when Luc found me, wrapping his arm around my waist. “Ready to get out of here?” he asked with a frown. “You’re still a little pale, Ash. You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m good. Let’s go.”