by Elsie Davis
The whole situation only served to confirm what he’d been thinking all along—Byron was Jack’s son. He didn’t need Becky to confirm or deny anything because the evidence was clear. Everything added up, except he didn’t know why Jack hadn’t acknowledged his son or done right by Becky. His brother was a selfish person and always had been, but this went way beyond that. And the bigger question—why was Becky determined to keep Jack’s identity a secret?
He’d keep digging until he got the answers because Byron was his nephew. A nephew who was about to become his step-son and would gain the protection and benefits suited to him as a Parker. It was also a reason for them to stay together when the year was up. It was definitely something worth considering, since his worthless brother wasn’t owning up to his mistakes and taking responsibility. The fact he cared about Becky only made it easier to make the leap.
His mother signaled for the wait staff to begin serving dinner and then called Randall over, speaking with him privately. After he left, she turned back to face everyone at the table. “Becky, why don’t you tell us about yourself? I feel we should know more about who’s joining our family.”
Becky visibly shrank, as if preferring to stay unnoticed the entire meal. His mother’s question was at least civil, her good graces mandating she make an effort. Becky shot a quick glance at Jack before straightening in her seat and turning to his mother.
“As you know, I work at Charlie’s, but I also have a son named Byron—he’s five. I live with my mother and sister here in town.”
His mother’s eyes narrowed. “My son introduced you as a McAllister. That’s not a common name. Any chance you’re related to Judith McAllister?”
Becky blanched, her face pale. “Yes…that’s my mother.”
Steve knew that name from somewhere. He brushed it off as unimportant, assuming Becky must have said her name at one point or another.
His mother stood, barely controlled anger evident as she gripped the edge of the table. Something was wrong, and Steve had a bad feeling. The door to the kitchen opened, and one of the servants entered, moving to stand beside his mother. Judith McAllister. The housekeeper.
No way. He closed his eyes for a second, trying to digest this new information. Why hadn’t Becky told him? He knew the answer, but it didn’t make it any easier to process. She was embarrassed even though he’d already told her he didn’t care. It was disappointing to realize she didn’t believe him. Her mother’s employer had zero effect on the marriage deal. Not that it wouldn’t complicate things, but it didn’t change their arrangement.
Becky spotted her mother, her eyes big as saucers, her mouth a tight line.
No one said a word, waiting for the inevitable and watching as the scene unfolded.
Steve started to rise, determined to protect Becky, but it was too late—Judith’s gaze landing on her daughter. “Rebecca McAllister, what’s the meaning of this? Why are you here?” Judith gazed around the table, taking note of everyone present.
“I’m sorry, Mother. This is Steve. Steve Parker. My boyfriend.” Becky twisted the napkin in her lap as if she wanted to wring someone’s neck. His? His mother’s? Or Jack’s? More than likely, the latter. Although he wasn’t her boyfriend. He was her fiancé, something her mother would find out soon enough.
Her mother’s gaze flicked in his direction but then returned to her daughter, the stiff set of her shoulders a good indicator of her barely concealed emotions. Complicated just got uglier. Becky hadn’t told her mother the truth, either. In all fairness, he understood, given all the details.
“Did you know they were dating, Judith?” His mother’s voice echoed disapproval.
“What’s the big deal, Olivia?” The Judge finally spoke up, but Steve was sure his dismissal of his mother’s outward contempt was based more on Steve ruining his run for office by getting involved with a woman, than it was out of concern for the newly engaged couple. His dad touted his title as youngest D.A. ever elected in the state of Texas status like it came with a crown. And he thought marriage and relationships were the sure-fire destruction to a man’s career, solidifying his decision to divorce Steve’s mother.
“The big deal is Becky’s the housekeeper’s daughter. Hardly suitable to become a member of the Parker family. Did you know, Judith?” His mother asked the question again, determined to get an answer.
Jack sat back, a wicked smile on his face as he enjoyed the show way too much for Steve’s liking.
“No.” Judith faced her employer, her normally calm demeanor shaken.
“Well, then how do you feel about your daughter getting engaged to my son?” His mother’s thin-lipped smile didn’t come close to reaching her eyes, the expression more distasteful in nature and a precursor of what was yet to come.
Steve had to put an end to this. “Mother, I don’t think this is the time or place for this discussion. We weren’t letting anyone know until we were sure, because of the publicity. The bottom line is Becky and I are engaged. Deal with it.”
“You’re engaged to Steve?” Judith shook her head, trying to process the information. He understood the position she was in and felt sorry for her. It was bound to be uncomfortable and finding out like this was less than ideal.
“Well, it’s definitely not Jack. He knows his place,” his mother snapped.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Parker. I didn’t know.”
“We can talk about your employment Monday morning. That’ll be all for tonight. You’re dismissed.” His mother’s cold, sharp voice didn’t bode well for Judith. It wasn’t right that she should pay the price for the arrangement between him and Becky.
“I’ll see you at home and we can discuss this.” Judith’s curt tone echoed the hurt written on her face. Her shoulders were slunk forward as she walked out of the room.
“You can’t fire her for this,” Becky said.
Steve wholeheartedly agreed. “Mother, you can’t fire her. That’s my fiancée’s mother. Think of the bad press.” He was trying to find something that would make her see reason, and the public eye was usually her Achilles’ heel.
“Think of the bad press this is going to get anyway,” she snapped. “You’re marrying a girl and you didn’t even know who her parents were. My housekeeper’s daughter, nonetheless, and her father is unknown. I shudder to think of the women at the club and their laughter at my expense that I will have to suffer through.” She shook her head, as if unable to comprehend the embarrassment he’d laid at her feet.
“I don’t need to know her parents to know I love her. Look at Becky—she’s agreed to marry me in spite of my parents.” He couldn’t believe he’d used the L-word. And more importantly, it sounded right, which didn’t make any sense. He’d only known her a few weeks, but he’d loved every minute they were together. That’s what he meant. I love being with her, not that I love, love her. It was just a slip of the tongue.
“Love is for fools,” his mother quipped.
Becky jumped to her feet and raced out of the room to follow her mother.
“Amen to that. Probably the only thing Olivia and I ever agreed on,” his father chimed in.
Jack pushed back from the table, an evil grin on his face. “Two weeks is hardly enough time to get to know someone. There’s a lot you don’t know about her, none of it good.”
Steve stood, determined to go after Becky. “I know her quite well, and I’ve learned to trust in my own judgment.” He stopped beside Jack and leaned down on the table, his face only inches from his brother’s. “Anything in particular you want to tell the family?”
Jack’s grin disappeared. His eyes darkened as he shook his head. “Nothing in particular, other than I think you’re making a mistake. I went out with her a couple of times in high school. She was one of those girls always trying to trap a guy, but I saw right through her and dropped her shortly after.”
“Hmphh. Apparentl
y, you didn’t drop her soon enough,” Steve seethed through barely concealed anger.
Jack jumped to his feet, the two of them face to face. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.” Steve was furious, but he wasn’t going to out Becky and Byron. Not without her permission and not until he knew why they were keeping it a secret. There was more to the situation, and Steve was determined to find out what.
Jack’s confirmation he’d dated Becky stung. The timing was right, and Becky’s visit to the house looking for Jack when she was desperate for money for Byron’s surgery, all tied together in a neat package. Becky had lied to him directly when there was no reason for her to lie. None of which made any sense, except the money motive.
There are always two sides to every story.
What if Jack was telling the truth? Maybe Jack wasn’t the father, and this was about getting the money she needed. For the first time, he began to doubt his own judgment. Jack was an idiot, something he’d always known. But Becky—he’d fallen for her story. Did that make him an idiot?
“Steve, wait. Before you go chasing after the girl, there’s something else you should know,” his mother called out to him.
He paused, torn between going after Becky and what his mother could possibly want to tell him that was urgent. Hopefully, she’d wait in the car and this would only take a few minutes.
“Three minutes, Mother.”
“Fine. That’s all it will take.” She nodded toward the front room. “Follow me. What I have to say needs to be said in private.”
Steve followed her, his curiosity ramping up into overdrive. He closed the door behind him and turned to face her.
“Okay, we’re private. What’s so important that it couldn’t wait?”
“Normally, I wouldn’t tell you this until after the wedding, but based on the short time you’ve known this girl and the fact I think you’re making a huge mistake, I feel the urge to tell you what I set up years ago. You might want to rethink this marriage.”
“Nothing you could tell me will change my mind. I love her.” The words sounded more right every time he said them, but now wasn’t the time to think on what that meant.
“This must remain confidential. Twenty years ago, I set up a large trust fund for you and your brother. The last thing I want is for Jack to get married to get his hands on the money and piddle it away.”
“So when I get married, I have a trust fund?”
“Yes. Your father and I agreed and set them up long before the divorce. You’ll get two million dollars transferred to your bank account as a wedding gift.”
Steve was stunned. Two million dollars. Enough to cover the emergency fund for the Association before the other investors ponied up and in plenty of time to help the McDougall’s. “That’s quite generous. Thank you. But why the urgency to tell me now? I’ve got to go. Becky’s upset, and I need to take her home.”
“Think twice, Steve. About marrying her so quickly. She gets half the money if you do, unless you make her sign a prenup. Are you prepared to ask for one? To a girl with a background like that, there’s no telling what she’ll do, but I’m sure you’ll come out the loser.”
“Mother, you know nothing about her. It’s my decision, and I’m marrying her whether you like it or not.”
She shook her head and rolled her eyes, her frustration evident in the tense way she held her body.
“Night, Mother.” Steve left the house to find Becky. He was thrilled his money issue would be settled, all the more reason to get married soon. They only had fourteen days to save the McDougall ranch.
Unfortunately, the seed of doubt had been planted. Half the money. It was true he’d been the one to approach Becky, and it was true she’d turned him down. But with two million dollars on the line, it was something he needed to take into serious consideration and think about a prenup. Even a fake marriage could come with a heavy price tag in this case when the wedding itself was real.
Chapter Twelve
Becky stood by Steve’s car, brushing away her tears, her whole body shaking. She spotted Steve running down the stairs toward where she waited. He pulled her into his arms and tilted her face up toward his, watching her close enough she couldn’t hide her tears.
“Did you see my mother’s face? I should have never agreed to this.” Being in his arms helped more than it should, but she felt safe with him. Unfortunately, it didn’t change what had just happened. Her stomach clenched in pain as the scene replayed in her head. Her mother’s disappointment in her was the worst of it all.
“Why didn’t you tell me the truth?” he asked, his voice gentler than she would have expected. He was always so understanding, even when he had every right to be upset with her.
All her good intentions of telling him tonight flew out the window. Her mother wasn’t even supposed to be working. She could have faced off with Olivia Parker, but not with her mother standing there, her job in jeopardy and disappointment clearly etched on her face.
Her mother had always been there for her, even when she got pregnant not long after she’d turned eighteen. Her mother deserved better than this from Becky. And Steve had deserved the truth as well.
When will I learn? Secrets never ended well.
“I couldn’t. It’s complicated. I realized I needed to tell you right after we arrived. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. But then your mother interrupted us. And I’d hoped to tell my mother tonight as well, before the news of our engagement this weekend. You never told me you were going to ask tonight. I wasn’t prepared.”
“I had the ring, and the timing was perfect. Something about Jack’s attitude toward you irritated me. As to telling your mother and me the truth, that’s easy to say, hard to prove.” His voice had an edge to it she didn’t like. He’d never spoken to her like that before, and it left her reeling.
She’d ruined everything. “I’m sorry.”
“When are you going to tell me the truth about Jack? That he’s Byron’s father. I don’t deal well with lies. And although we’re both entering into this marriage for our own reasons and it’s temporary, I don’t like to be blindsided.”
Becky turned away. Could she trust him with the truth? He was a Parker first and would be her husband second. But he was also Byron’s family. His uncle. And by the looks of things, Jack’s threats of running her out of town on theft charges had evaporated, although her mother would still lose her job.
Lies kept destroying everything, and she wanted to come clean. “If I tell you the truth, will you promise not to tell anyone?”
“I promise, although I’m not sure I understand why you want it a secret.” Steve held her gaze as if trying to understand her but unable to comprehend her request.
Trusting people didn’t come easy to her, but it was time to trust Steve. “Let’s just say no good can come of revealing his identity. It looks like my mother has already lost her job, and it’s all my fault. I’m not sure how we are going to pay our bills or what we’ll do, and I don’t need more stress or problems.”
“But Byron’s father should be providing you with help. One of the big issues I’ve targeted in this state is to go after deadbeat dads and make them accountable. I can help you, but you have to let me.”
“Even if it’s your brother?” She’d never said those words to anyone else. What she hadn’t expected was the barest hint of light reaching into her soul and turning into a glimmer of hope that one day things would be okay.
“Even more so if it’s my brother.” The steely resolve in Steve’s voice was unmistakable. Integrity was one of the key character aspects of the man she appreciated, but this was more than she expected.
“What if I don’t want help? What if I just want to be left alone to raise my son without interference?”
“There’s a big difference between financial help and interference. And what a
bout family? Byron’s entitled to know his family and vice versa.”
Steve had a point, and it was something she herself had thought about on several occasions. But then this was Jack they were talking about. And the Parker family. The only one Becky thought worthy of knowing Byron was Steve.
“I’m not sure his extended family would agree.” She grimaced, recalling the scene at the dinner table.
“But they have the right to choose.” Why was he pushing this? Was she just another cause of his, or did he really care? Or was it because of Byron?
“Jack is his father.” She let out a breath at the words. It was as though saying them out loud purged her soul of the dark secret she’d been carrying around ever since she learned she was pregnant. The light burned brighter, but she didn’t want anything to extinguish it. “But remember, you promised not to tell anyone. If I change my mind about that, I’ll let you know, but for now, not a word.”
Becky felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders just by sharing her long-held secret. Her confidant was the least likely choice, but Steve was different. And she trusted him.
“Who else knows? Does Jack?” Steve ran a hand through his hair and shook his head, the tension in his body evident as he held himself rigid.
“Only you, Jack, and I know the truth.”
“Your mother doesn’t?” Steve frowned.
“Hardly. She wouldn’t have remained working at your mother’s if she knew the truth. We needed the income to make ends meet.” There weren’t many jobs in town, especially ones that paid as well as the affluent Parkers paid their staff. Discretion came with a price.
“You realize that makes him my nephew. And you never told me.” Steve stated the obvious as though by saying it, it breathed life into the relationship. “And that day when you came to the mansion to talk to him—what is it you were after?” he asked, his even tones making her squirm under his direct gaze.