Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
“So when Rex asked me what was up with you, Simon, I told him,” Ella said. “Mike and I decided we’d tell you everything once we knew you were healthy. I had no idea Rex would just show up here after all these years.” She scowled at the man who, though he was Mike’s father, had intruded on them all.
“But apparently we ran out of time,” Mike said, shooting Rex a disgusted glare.
“You’ve been in touch with him,” Simon’s gaze dulled as he looked at his wife. “And you went to meet him.” He turned that disappointment on Mike.
And he didn’t like the sick feeling in his gut caused by hurting the man he considered his father.
“Simon—”
“Don’t worry, Ella. We’ll talk later.” To Mike’s relief, he didn’t sound angry with his wife. “And son, so will we.” He turned an understanding gaze on Mike.
That was Simon. Angry for an instant, calm and understanding for a lifetime. More than anything, Mike wanted to be like him.
“As for you.” Simon jerked toward Rex. “What makes you think we want you here after all this time? My wife says she didn’t expect you. Mike, did you invite him?” he asked, his tone completely neutral.
If Mike said he had, Simon would have accepted it. God, Mike admired the man even more—and he hadn’t thought such a thing was possible.
“No.” Mike folded his arms across his chest. “I didn’t. I asked him a few questions, then made it clear I wanted nothing to do with him.”
“Guess those are the only people in the room who get a vote where you’re concerned, and they stated their choice. I appreciate that you made the long trip, but there’s nothing here for you anymore. That was your choice almost thirty years ago.”
Rex shook his head in denial. The complete shock on his face told Mike he’d really expected to be welcomed. “I came because you have cancer. Because we go way back. And because we have history.”
“Well, the cancer’s gone, and now so are you.” Simon headed for the door.
“I wouldn’t be so quick to throw me out,” Rex spat suddenly, his voice low and not nearly as nice or accommodating. “Your so-called son is looking into the money in the evidence locker. What are you going to do when he finds out what you did?” His words sounded like the threat they were meant to be.
All eyes looked at Simon.
“I’ll talk to my family. I’ll take my punishment. But they won’t hear anything from you.” This time Simon did head for the door and opened it. “Your welcome here ended the day you left town.”
Rex stiffened, his big body reverberating with anger. “As I recall, you sent me packing.”
Mike whipped his head around. “What?” He glanced at his mother.
Tears shimmered in her eyes, but she didn’t have the shell-shocked look Mike had expected. Clearly more was going on here, and only the second generation was in the dark.
“Dad?” Sam stepped forward, but Simon held out a hand. “I’ll explain everything.” He gestured with a broad sweep. “After he leaves.”
“You’ll be sorry. You had thirty years of peace. Do you really want to stir the pot now?”
Mike had had enough. “Sounds to me like you’re the one stirring the pot.” He stormed over to Rex, grabbed his arm, and escorted him outside.
“I’m your father,” Rex said.
“Simon’s my father.”
“But my blood is running through your veins.”
Mike tried like hell not to let his panic at that thought show. Instead, he held on to the support of the four people back inside who cared about him.
Five if he counted Cara.
Mike spun and reentered the house, slamming the door shut behind him. In the family room, his brother and sister were peppering Simon with questions, shouting over each other in their need to be heard.
“Hold up and wait for Mike. I don’t want to have to repeat myself.”
Mike eyed Simon with pride, admiration, and love, seeing him in a new light.
The man had staked his claim as Mike’s father—in front of a man who claimed biological rights, no less—and he’d done it at his own personal expense.
Simon had raised him. He’d gone to every sporting event, academic function, and graduation Mike ever had. And he’d never once acted as if Mike meant any less to him than his own children. Despite this, Mike had always felt less important, less worthy than the others—thanks to insecurities instilled by the mere knowledge that his real father had abandoned him. In Mike’s mind, he’d figured deep down Simon felt the same way.
He’d been dead wrong. And he was ashamed for giving Simon so little credit. Whatever had gone down all those years ago, Mike didn’t give a damn. He’d protect Simon with everything he had.
He stepped up to his father and pulled him into a quick hug before joining Cara, who sat quietly in an oversized chair.