Page 52 of The Addendum

Richard’s wife stood.

“Watch how you speak to my husband, young lady. You know nothing about him or our family. A shirt and some angry words from your mother prove nothing.”

Her voice brooked no argument, and I stepped back at the anger and protectiveness she displayed for her husband. Luc slipped his arm around me, speaking in a low voice.

“Ashley, take some deep breaths for me. I know you’re upset and you have every right to be, but it isn’t going to get us anywhere right now.” He pressed his lips to the side of my head. “Breathe, love, just breathe.”

He was right, and I forced myself to take a couple of deep, calming breaths. His hold tightened in support.

“Halton is a member of this family. He isn’t in my pocket,” Richard said, his voice sounding strange. Thick.

“Whatever,” I replied dismissively, now recalling hearing his name before.

“You have been shooting daggers at me since I met you,” he said, his voice clearer. “I understand why now, but anger and pointing fingers isn’t the way to solve this. I think Halton’s right, and maybe we need to meet under other circumstances than a gathering following my daughter’s wedding.”

His words made the hurt flare all over. “Oh yes. Playing the doting father. How sweet.”

“Enough!” Maddox roared suddenly. “You know nothing about him or the kind of man he is. And until this moment, he had no idea you existed. I suggest you calm down. In fact, I insist you leave our property. When you’re ready to talk—”

Richard held up his hand, stopping him.

“I’ve got this, Maddox. I am not going to argue with you right now, Ashley. I need to process this, and perhaps we can meet as Halton stated.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” Luc said, tugging me closer.

“Maybe a DNA test would be appropriate,” Bentley muttered.

“My thoughts exactly,” Halton said.

I tossed my head. “I’ll think about it.”

Richard looked confused. “If you’re so determined I’m your father, why not? I’ll demand one before I give you whatever it is you’re after.”

I shook my head, seething. “I don’t want anything from you. You may be my sperm donor, Mr. VanRyan, but you’ll never be my father.”

I turned to leave, and Katy spoke up, her voice quavering.

“How old are you?”

I turned, meeting her eyes. I saw the hurt and worry in them, and I felt bad. She had done nothing to me to deserve that. I was angry with her husband, not her. “Older than Grace, Mrs. VanRyan. I was born before you married him,” I assured her, offering the only comfort I could.

“I see.”

Luc tugged me away, and I let him lead me back inside. I turned my head, meeting Richard’s gaze one last time. I had done it—confronted my father.

I had to look away, wondering why I felt so hollow.

16

RICHARD

Halton shook my hand and kissed Katy on the cheek. He indicated the chairs by his desk.

“Sit,” he said.

The days waiting for the test results had seemed endless. Katy and I tried to function as if everything was normal. At times, we almost achieved it.

Gracie and Jaxson confirmed that she was pregnant. I hugged my daughter, holding her close.