“Okay, let’s call Mika then.”
“Let’s not waste a call, we’re already here.”
We all turn to face the door to watch Mika and Raeva walk in. His hand is firmly gripping hers. For a man who never showed genuine affection before, he has no problem showering his wife with it. I’m not complaining, in fact, it makes me very, very happy.
“Okay guys, let’s head to the living room. We can pop in this DVD and see what your grandfather had to say.”
“You know that we watched this thing before, right?” Mika tells him.
“I do, yes. However. The last time you watched this, you were not listening for things we are going to be listening for. Besides, it’s been years since you’ve seen it.”
“True.” He concedes.
We all file out to the living room and when Eric grabs my hand and doesn’t let go of it even to sit down, my heart does a backflip. Mika has never seen us being this openly affectionate and I cannot help but wonder how okay he really is with this. I steal a glance, and he doesn’t even seem to be watching us. Raeva, however, is blatantly looking at us with zero shame. She is wearing a ridiculous smirk on her face as if it has been tattooed on there and she cannot help but smile. It’s nice that they are so happy for us. I hear Phoenix gasp and I immediately turn around to see what is happening, and when I follow her line of sight, I smile. The painting—The one I was so enamored with last night at her showing—it is hanging on the wall here in the living room. Phoenix’s face is lit up like a Christmas tree.
“What?” Mika grumbles. “It’s a nice painting and I paid good money for it. Besides, I hear the artist is quite amazing.”
He smiles warmly at Phoenix and she returns the smile. Her painting looks even better here in the natural light than it did last night. I am glad they brought it here. Mika has taken the disc from Eric and pops it in the player. We all sit down and get ready to watch when one of the staff walks in and clears their throat. He addresses my brother.
“Mr. Kingsley? There is someone here who would like to see you. He says it is important. And that you will want to hear what he has got to say.”
“Did you catch a name by any chance, Henry?” Mika asks.
“Yes sir, I did. He says his name is Mr. Mason Kingsley.”
Present
Nobody speaks for a moment.
“How the hell does he even know that we are here?” Phoenix asks.
“You’ll get to know just how resourceful Mason Kingsley is, Phoenix. He is a dangerous man and I am telling you right now that if you turn out to be our sister, you will also be getting 24/7 protection. Really, I’d like you to move closer to us, so we can be protected together, But we can talk about that later.”
“Screw that Mika, I want protection put on her right now. I am not waiting on some lab results.” I say perturbed.
Raeva shakes her head and laughs. I frown at first since I fail to see what is funny here.
“Why are you even lying to them, Mika?”
“It’s not so much a lie as an omission.”
“Same thing, darling.” She says as she kisses his cheek.
I tilt my head as I search my brother’s face.
“Fine. She already has a security team tailing her.”
Phoenix’s eyes nearly pop out of her head.
“Excuse me? I have a what now? Wait a second I am not sure how I feel about this. Isn’t it a little over the top?”
“Over the top? You need to learn what it is like to be a Kingsley and fast. Having money is great and all, but there are a lot of crazy folk out there that will go the extra mile to try and get a piece of our pie. If you’re family, you are automatically also in danger and you will be escorted by a security team. This isn’t negotiable.”
“Ha!” I cry out. “Now he has another sister to be overprotective about. Maybe he’ll ease up on us a little?”
“Don’t count on it.”
“Do I have a say about this?” Phoenix asks.
Raeva and I look at each other and start to laugh.
“Yeah…No, you really don’t. Just let it happen, it’s easier that way. Ask Mikaela.” Raeva says.
Knowing that she is referring to the opposite effect my ditching my security team had, I stick out my tongue.
“Mikaela here thought she was being clever by ditching her security. She didn’t count on Mika doubling her team until she finally just gave in. Don’t be like Mikaela and have a small army follow you.” Raeva says not able to hold her laughter.
“You’ll find that our handsome brother over there is a little overprotective when it comes to loved ones. But it’s just because he doesn’t have that many.” I say with a wink.
“Plus, really, security isn’t that bad. After a while, you hardly notice they are there. Shoot you didn’t even notice and I am sure you’ve had security tailing you since last night.”
“Speaking of security. What are we doing about our unwelcome guest.” Eric asks.
The room falls silent again and everyone looks at Mika.
“I guess we let him in. What harm can it do? It is not like he can do anything to any of us at this point?”
“I think we should watch the video before we let him in. That way we know what it says and we can arm ourselves if need be.” Eric suggests.
It makes sense to all of us. So, Mika instructs Henry to have daddy wait in the foyer and just to be safe he sends Sean out there as well.
“Come sit next to me, Phoenix,” I say as I pat the empty spot beside me.
She smiles and walks over and gracefully lowers herself into the spot next to me.
When we are all seated, Mika presses play and I can’t help the nostalgia that bubbles up from deep inside of me when our grandfather appears on the screen. He wasn’t cold and calculated like our father was. He was like our mother, warm and loving. He states his name and address and that this video is his last will and testament. We all chuckle when he gets to the part where he states that he is of crappy old body but sound of mind. He states that this video will is accompanied by a written document that is held by Fosters & Clark attorneys at law. He continues to talk about his estate and what exactly is part of it. Eric is right, we didn’t really listen the first time, at least I didn’t. This time though when he identifies his heirs, he specifically names us. He also states that our father’s part of the inheritance is to go to either our mother or in case of her death, it is to be held in trust. The trust can be in no way accessed by Mason Kingsley. Just as we think the video comes to an end he speaks some more. And this part of the video is possibly the most important part.
“There may come a time when someone comes forward claiming to have some rights to claim some of the estate. There is a possibility that my son Mason Kingsley has fathered some children out of wedlock. If this is the case and the child that has come forward is deemed legit, then they will inherit the trust that will have been held should something happen to my daughter-in-law Audrey Kingsley.”
Granddad gives a few more instructions, before saying goodbye. I hug Phoenix.
“This means that you are in the will. This is fantastic.”
“This means that if I am indeed Mason Kingsley’s daughter, I will be in the will. We don’t know if I am or not.”
Mika who’s engrossed in his phone looks up.
“Actually, we do know. Congratulations, it’s a girl.”
“Isn’t it too early to see the sex of the baby?” I ask confused.
Mika throws a pillow my way.
“I’m talking about Phoenix. She’s our sister. The DNA results are here.”
Raeva and I squeal in unison. I slap my arms around Phoenix once more and pull her into a big hug.
“I thought it took weeks for those results to come back?” our new sister says.
“Oh sweetie, you’ll have to get used to having money and what it can do for you. Welcome to the family, big sis” I tell her teary-eyed.
“Move over, pregnant lady coming th
rough,” Raeva says with a chuckle.
“Isn’t it a little early to start using that excuse?”
Raeva shrugs and wiggles her way in between Phoenix and myself.
“Nope.” She says laughing.
She hugs Phoenix too and welcomes her to the family.
“Are you ready to be an aunt?” she says with a warm smile.
“I’m still getting used to the idea of being a sister, to be honest,” Phoenix replies.
“That’s alright,” I tell her. “We will help you adjust in no time at all!”
“I am not really sure what to say right now, or what to do?”
“You don’t have to do anything right now. Just know that you are one of us now, and you have family who will protect you and love you.”
“We can take care of all the legal things later, just let it all sink in for now… And welcome to this crazy family, I wish you all the best dealing with all this crazy.” Eric chimes in.
Phoenix smiles but is clearly a little overwhelmed. I reach over and squeeze her hand.
“We need champagne! It’s not every day you find out you have a long-lost sister!”
“I hate to be the kill joy here, but have you all forgotten that Mason Kingsley is standing in the foyer waiting?” Eric says.
Shit.
“Send him in by all means. Let’s deal with him, as a family. Then we will celebrate.” Mika says.
Mika calls Henry in the room and asks him to escort our father into the living room. He walks in moments later, an enormous grin plastered onto his face. For the first time ever, he doesn’t intimidate me when he walks in. I am not sure if it is because I have all my family here with me. Or that it is because he now has absolutely nothing hanging over my head. I’m not sure and I’m not sure I care which it is. All I know is that it is a damn good feeling.
“Ah, there are all my children. So, cozy together already. It makes my old heart happy.”
Mika and I exchange a look and he shakes his head, telling me to let him take the lead. And this time, I am happy to do just that.
“Ah, father. To what do we owe this tremendous displeasure? We are spending quality family time, something I know you are not very familiar with, but we would like to get back to it.”
“Oh, of course, I know how important family is. Which is why I brought you all together.”
I can’t help myself, I interject.
“Actually, if memory serves, we found out about Phoenix by total happy accident. You were trying to use her as your pawn, and sadly for you, you failed.” I say with a little sass.
“Use her? I had absolutely no intention of using her. She’s my daughter and I thought she should get to know her father and her half-siblings.”
“There will be none of that half sibling crap. She is a Kingsley and she is a whole one. I am not going to argue that with you. It’ll be a fact and that is that.” Mika barks. “Now, are you going to tell us why you are here or am I escorting you out myself?”
“I guess we won’t bother with pleasantries then?” daddy says with a chuckle. “Alright then, I’ll get to it then. Knowing Mika, and his tenacious personality, I know that you all have the results of the DNA test. And you all know that Phoenix is indeed my daughter and your sister.”
He waits for a moment, maybe to get confirmation? But none of us speaks and he continues.
“And knowing the personality of your lap dog slash attorney, you have also found the last will and testament video. I mean, that is why you are all here are you not?”
“Get to the point dad, this is wearing thin,” Mika says annoyed.
“Well, the point is that unfortunately for Phoenix, she won’t be inheriting the trust that was held aside.”
“I am pretty sure that the will is iron-clad, dad. You are not getting your hands on anything from grandpa’s estate. He’s seen to that and I will make sure his wishes are honored. And part of those wishes was for Phoenix to get her fair share of the estate. And she will get just that.”
“Actually, son. The will states that she may inherit the trust that was supposed to go to me but was set aside for your mother, and would be held in the trust in case of your mother’s death in that case there would be a claim.”
“That’s right, so what is your point? The trust is hers. She is a Kingsley and she deserves her part.”
Our father smiles serenely.
“I think that I need a little help explaining my point. I have brought someone with me who can shine a light on the whole thing.”
“You know what? Fuck it. You’ve caught me in a good mood. I have my sisters here, my wife and my brother. Bring in who you want, say what you have to say, and then get the hell out of our house.” Mika tells him eerily calm.
Excuse me for a moment he says as he leisurely saunters to the door. He opens the door and calls for Henry. It’s less than a minute when he appears.
“Would you please bring in my guest, Henry?”
Henry looks over to Mika, silently asking for permission. Mika nods and Henry turns his heel. A moment later the door opens and Henry reappears with a woman in tow. The moment I see the woman’s face I can feel the color drain from my face. I look over at Mika whose eyes are glued to the movements of the new arrival. His facial expression hasn’t changed but the color is draining from his face as well. My eyes are pulled back to our new guest who slowly steps forward until she finally stands in the center of the room at my father’s side.
“What’s going on?” Raeva whispers in my ear. “Who’s that woman?”
I want to open my mouth to speak but I am paralyzed, frozen in spot. My brain cannot process anything else but basic survival, like breathing. Mika rises to his feet and cocks his head. He takes a step forward and squints his eyes.
“Mom?” he says. “Is that you?”
The End
(For Now…)
p.s. Don’t worry, book 4 will be out next month!!
Wow, just wow. Reclaiming Tomorrow is the third in the Kingsley series and my 6th baby. I am so elated to share Mikaela’s and Eric’s story with you guys and I am grateful for those of you that continue to give my books a chance. The book world community is so amazing, and I am honored to be a tiny part of that amazing world! It takes a tribe to get a book out into the world, and I want to take a moment to thank mine. Throughout my journey I have had my #bookestie Michelle Windsor at my side. Michelle—I adore you and I wouldn’t know what to do without you. You are truly the best friend a gal can ask or and I am grateful for you every day. I also want to thank Amanda Walker PA for putting up with my demanding and anal self—You should be classified as a saint. flove ya. I also would like to thank Liv Moore for yet another amazing cover—love ya, girl. I also would like to thank Amanda Williams from Dark Raven Edits for making sure my words are presented in their best light!—You’re the best! And I adore you! Thank you to Leanne C for ALWAYS making the insides of my books so pretty and always delivering EXCELLENT and high quality formatting last minute!!
A huge thank you to my favorite girl Felicia Fox for sprinting with me and reading my words and giving me feedback.—I flove you to the moon and back! Then there are my girls from our Drunk Divas Write Things posse; Michelle Windsor, Danielle Norman, Sienna Snow, Sonnie Wolfe, Eva Charles, Jill Bengston and Mia Miller. Thank you ALL for being such a great tribe. I EFFING adore you all. Also a BIG thank you to my girl eggs aka Lesley Clark.—wouldn’t be bacon without ya. Love you. A big thank you to my friends and family, for being so supportive. A special shout out to my Cumberland Hall Fam; You know who you are!!! (Extra shout out to my girl Paula for doing a speed proof read!! Efing love you) My husband, Stephen for letting me continue to chase my dreams, every one of them. I love you. Of course I need to thank L.WOODS PR as a whole but also definitely specifically Veronica, you rock. Thank you for leading me the right way. And last, but definitely not least. The BIGGEST thank you to YOU, the reader. The ones that keep giving my words a chance. I adore YOU. You are the one I a
m writing for. So, thank you, so effing much!
Xoxo
Haylee Thorne <3
When Haylee Thorne isn't writing her stories, she works proudly as a registered nurse in Kentucky. Haylee loves to read and watch TV (she may or may not be slightly obsessed with anime), and there aren't many movies she has not seen. She's known to enjoy a good glass of champagne, and can eat an unlimited amount of French fries (seriously, it's a problem). When she has some free time (as in time not spend working or writing), Haylee loves spending time with her family and friends.
You can find Haylee on her webpage at
http://hayleethorneauthor.com/
or on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/hayleethorneauthor/
or on bookbub at
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Other Books by Haylee Thorne
Kingsley series
Duet 1
Book 1 & 2
Tomorrow (Kingsley Series Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2BL2N9e
After Tomorrow (Kingsley series Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2RpNhJQ
Benjamin books
Kingsley series and Auction series spin off
Breaking Benjamin
https://amzn.to/2BLkyVX
Marrying Benjamin
https://amzn.to/2rYcLj9
The Beard
Romantic comedy stand-alone
The Beard
https://amzn.to/2VjKZe8
And now here are some previews of other amazing books!
~Trey~
“Hey, man, you going to the gym with me or what?”
I open one eye, snarling a warning to my roommate who’s bouncing his sneakered foot on the end of my bed. “Cut the shit, asshole!” I sweep my bare leg across the mattress, knocking his foot off and causing him to lose his balance and almost fall. “I told you to give me ten minutes!”
Reclaiming Tomorrow: Kingsley Series Book 3 Page 13