The Billionaire's Daddy Test

by Charlene Sands

  “I’m so glad you both are here,” Mom said, glancing at Brandon, too.

  Brandon stepped up. “Of course we’re here.”

  “I’m sorry to worry you. I don’t know what happened. One minute I was fine, shopping with Ginny, and the next thing I know, my legs went out from under me. I felt terribly weak, and a few kind people at the mall brought me over to a bench and sat me down. Someone called nine-one-one.”

  “I’m glad they did. You need to be here,” Brandon said. He’d been in constant contact with Adam, letting him know the status of the tests they were doing. “Mom, you’ve had a bad attack of angina. It’s not life-threatening, but you do have to take it easier now. Eat better, watch your diet. You’ll probably be put on medication, too.”

  “They’re keeping me here for a few days.”

  “Just for observation,” Brandon said. “They’ve got a few more tests to run, and they want to monitor you. I think it’s a good idea.”

  “I do, too,” Adam said, greatly relieved the emergency wasn’t more serious. He wasn’t ready to say goodbye to his mother.

  Tears filled her eyes. “I was shopping for Rose. Oh dear... I want to see her grow up, Adam. I want to be around for all of it.”

  “You will, Mom.” She didn’t get to see her own daughter grow up. She didn’t have the chance to raise Lily. “You’ll see Rose as much as you want. I’ll make sure of it, Mom. I’ll be sure to keep my baby safe.” His voice cracked. Fatigue, worry and regret had him spilling out words he’d always wanted to say. Words that he’d harbored for years. “I won’t let you down the way I did with Lily.”

  “Oh no...you didn’t... Please don’t feel that way. I don’t blame you. I never did, son. And that was before Brandon told me the truth earlier today.” Her face tightened, the wrinkles around her eyes creasing.

  Adam whipped his head around. “Brandon, what did you tell her?”

  “The truth, Adam,” his brother said. His jaw tight, the hard rims of his eyes softened. “I told Mom about how you covered for me during that storm. How you wanted to leave the storm cellar and check for Lily and how I lied to you. I told you Lily was with Mom, when I knew it wasn’t true. I was too scared to let you go looking for her up at the house. I didn’t want you to leave me alone. You were my big brother and I needed you to protect me.” Brandon put his head down.

  Adam let that sink in. Seconds ticked by, his mind scrambling for answers. “Why now?” he asked Brandon.

  “Because he thought I was dying, Adam.”

  He stared at his mother. Then blinked. She’d shocked him, but her expression now was solid and more alive than when he’d first walked into her room. “It’s been bothering him for years—isn’t that what you said, Brandon? And today you thought I might die before you could confess the truth to me.”

  “Mom, you’re not dying.” His brother’s voice was deep and compassionate.

  “From your lips to God’s ears.” Her pained sigh resounded in the quiet room. Her head against her bed pillows, she closed her eyes. “The truth is, I’ve been blaming myself all these years. I shouldn’t have left Lily alone with you boys.” Her voice was soft, reverent and full of regret. She peered at both of them. “She was only six. You were twelve, Adam, and Brandon was eight. I knew we lived in tornado country. It was to be a quick trip to the grocery store, but I should’ve taken Lily with me. She wasn’t your responsibility—she was mine. I’m more to blame than anyone. I’m only grateful, when that tornado ripped through our land, you boys didn’t die along with her. Adam, you took your brother to safety and kept him there. Or maybe all three of you would’ve died.”

  Brandon had tears in his eyes. “I told Adam I saw Lily go in the car with you, so he wouldn’t leave me alone. I lied, and Lily died.”

  “You were so young, Brandon,” Mom said. “I understand how scared you must’ve been. But have you ever once considered that you might have saved both of your lives that day?”

  “No, Mom, I never did. And I’ve hated myself ever since.” Brandon spoke quietly, his voice nearly breaking.

  Adam winced and breathed deep, keeping his emotions at bay. He couldn’t break down now. He couldn’t show the world, or his family, his vulnerability, yet the scars within him were on fire. He was burning and didn’t know how to stop it.

  He’d never known Brandon felt guilty about Lily’s death. They’d never spoken of it. Adam had always blamed himself for not seeing through Brandon’s lies, for not knowing his little brother had been too frightened to let him go after Lily. He was older, the responsible one when his mother wasn’t around. He should’ve checked on his sister regardless of what Brandon told him. But often he questioned whether he would’ve actually taken those steps up from the storm cellar even if Brandon hadn’t stopped him. He’d been afraid, too; the noises outside had been horrifying. Adam had always wished he would’ve done something different. Been stronger. Acted braver.

  His head pounded. All these years, he’d resented Brandon and had been more than willing to hate his brother when he’d discovered his involvement with Jacqueline, but now... He wasn’t sure about anything.

  “I’m sorry, Adam,” Brandon said, his face flushed. He was trying valiantly to hold back tears.

  It was a genuine, heartfelt apology. He never thought he’d hear those words from Brandon, and in the course of a few weeks, he’d heard them twice.

  “I’ve let you carry this burden all these years. The truth is, I think I intentionally sabotaged my relationship with Jacqueline because I knew I didn’t deserve her and because I’d hurt you. I’ve been a coward. About everything.”

  Adam swallowed.

  “I know you’ve despised me. I can’t blame you, Adam. But I’m apologizing for all I’ve done that has hurt you.”

  “I don’t despise you, Brandon.”

  “You boys were always fighting,” his mother said. “But I knew back then, just as I know now, you love each other. So shake hands once and for all. Heaven knows there’s enough guilt in this room to feed the devil. The past has hurt all of us. It’s time to move on.”

  They looked at each other now, and the hope and apology in Brandon’s eyes had Adam extending his hand. Brandon clasped it. “You’re a good man, Adam. Always have been.”

  He nodded, too choked up to speak.

  The nurse walked in. “Excuse me, but you have another visitor,” she said to his mom. “But I’m afraid we can allow only two visitors at a time. One of you will have to leave.”

  Mia stood at the door, holding a vase of spring flowers. “Is it okay?”

  Adam gazed at Mia. She was a bright and wonderful light shining through all of his past darkness.

  “I’ll leave, so you three can spend time together.” Brandon offered. He walked to the door and gave Mia a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for coming,” he said and walked out of sight.

  “I don’t want to interrupt,” she said to Adam, still not moving.

  And it hit him, just like that. He wanted her there. He needed her support. Especially after the conversation he’d just had with Brandon. She’d come, and that meant a lot to him. “Please, come in.”

  “Yes,” his mother said quietly. “It’s good to see you, dear.”

  “I was worried about you, Alena,” Mia said, walking into the room. Adam took the flowers and placed them on a small table under the television where his mother could see them easily.

  “The flowers are lovely,” his mother said. “Thank you.”

  “I was hoping you’d enjoy them,” Mia said.

  “Mia, I’m sorry to interrupt your plans with my son this weekend. I feel awful about that.”

  “Don’t think of it. Your health is important to us. You’ve just got to concentrate on getting better.” Mia reached for her hand. “How are you feeling now?”

  “Better. It was frightening, I will admit. I had an angina attack that knocked me for a loop. I have to stay a day or two for monitoring, but then I’ll be going home.”

>   “That’s great news,” Mia said, her eyes so beautifully hopeful.

  “Where is Rose today?”

  “My grandma Tess is watching her for a few hours.”

  “That’s nice. I hope you’ll let me babysit one day, too.”

  “I’m sure you will.”

  “Come sit and tell me all about the trip. How did Rose do at the wedding?”

  Mia lowered down on the edge of the bed. “Well, uh...” Her eyes met his, and they shared a conspiratorial moment. Little Rose was the maker of many stories, and this one would surely bring a smile to his mother’s face. She could use a little levity. The last few minutes had been laden with grief, guilt and regret.

  Adam breathed a sigh of relief, taking a step back, allowing Mia to comfort his mother.

  “She did fine, except for this one moment during the ceremony...”

  * * *

  The next day, Mia walked through the door lugging Mia in her infant seat in one arm and a file folder she’d brought from First Clips tucked under the other arm. Since the wedding and Alena’s health scare she wanted to work from home more these days, to be closer to Adam. Rose had a way of cheering him up, even if she still wasn’t too keen on him. Adam adored being with her. And one day soon, his daughter would come to accept him. Every day together brought them closer and closer. Mia sensed that Rose was warming to him.

  She was heading upstairs to her room, when she spotted a young woman sitting on the living room sofa speaking with Mary. She set down her files on the entry table and unfastened the straps of the carrier, lifting Rose into her arms. “Let’s see what’s going on,” she said, kissing the baby’s forehead. The baby gurgled, and Mia’s heart warmed. Casually, her curiosity getting the better of her, she strolled into the living room.

  “Hi, Mary. We’re home,” she said.

  The woman popped up from her seat immediately and turned to her. The spunky blonde was all smiles as her gaze locked on to the baby. “This must be the little darlin’, Rose.”

  One glance at Mary’s sheepish expression sent dread to her belly. “Hello, Mia.”

  Mia waited, staring at the woman who couldn’t be more than twenty-two.

  “Mia D’Angelo, this is Lucille Bridges,” Mary said. “She’s from Nanny Incorporated.”

  “I have an appointment with Adam Chase this afternoon,” the woman added.

  Nanny Incorporated? Adam had called a nanny agency? The blood in her veins boiled. The girl wouldn’t take her eyes off Rose. Mia hugged her tighter and stepped back.

  “I was just explaining to Miss Bridges that Adam isn’t home. He must’ve forgotten about his appointment with all the commotion this past week. I’ve called him, but he hasn’t answered his phone.”

  “He’s at the hospital visiting his mother.” She eyed the girl cautiously. “I’m sure he won’t be home for quite a while.”

  “That’s okay. I understand. I’ve left my references with Mary. I’ve been with the agency for three years and I have impeccable referrals,” she said.

  Wow, three whole years.

  “Do you think I can say hello to the baby while I’m here?”

  Mia’s nerves jumped. She shot a glance at Mary.

  “Uh, I think Aunt Mia was just about to put Rose down for a nap. It’s past her naptime, isn’t it, Mia?”

  “Right,” she gritted out. How could Adam do this to her? “Rose is quite a handful when she’s tired.”

  “I know how babies can be. I helped raise four siblings.”

  Mia couldn’t take it another second. Adam’s betrayal and deceit didn’t sit well in her gut. “I’m sure Mary can show you out. I’ve got to take the baby upstairs now.”

  “Oh, uh, sure. Bye-bye, Rose. Nice meeting you, Mia.”

  She headed for the stairs without responding.

  She couldn’t. Her throat had closed up.

  She was in shock.

  * * *

  Trembling, she stood in the kitchen doorway, watching Adam forage through the refrigerator. It was after seven, and he’d just come home.

  “I asked Mary to go home early,” she said.

  Adam backed up and peeked at her. “Good idea. I see she left us dinner.” He pulled out covered dishes and set them on the counter. Lifting a lid, he said, “Looks like we’re having rosemary chicken and—” he lifted the next lid “—glazed carrots.”

  “I won’t be having dinner...w-with you.” Her darn throat constricted again. Her anger had never subsided; neither did the hurt. She’d cried and cried all afternoon. Like a fool.

  Adam stopped what he was doing to really look at her. “Why, sweetheart?” He approached her. “You’re pale as a ghost. Are you feeling sick?”

  He wrapped his arms around her, and for one instant, she relished it, squeezed her eyes closed and sought the pleasure of him, before she set both hands on his chest and shoved with all her might. Surprise more than force made him stumble back, his eyes wide and confused. “Yes, I’m sick, Adam. Of you. And all your secrets, lies and deceit. When were you going to tell me you were hiring a nanny for Rose? Were you going to hire someone, then toss me out onto the street? Was that your plan all along?”

  Adam’s tanned face flushed with color instantly. “Mia, for goodness’ sake, calm the hell down.”

  “No, Adam. I will not calm down,” she shouted. “How do you think I felt coming home to find a blonde bimbo nanny sitting on the couch, waiting for you?”

  “Mia,” he said, exasperated. “I meant to speak to you about it. But then Mom had her attack and it slipped my mind.”

  “It slipped your mind!” Mia was one step away from losing it entirely. “It should’ve never been on your mind. Do you think I can’t care for Rose? Am I lacking in some way? Or has the recluse in you decided that I’m getting too close, invading your precious privacy?” She gestured an air check with her index finger. “Checked me right off, didn’t you?”

  “No, of course not!”

  She folded her arms. “I don’t believe you.”

  “Shh, Mia, keep your voice down. Where’s Rose?” he asked.

  “Sleeping upstairs.” She grabbed the monitor attached to her belt and showed him. “Regardless of what you might think of me, I’d never put Rose in danger. See, I’m watching her. She’s my baby, too, Adam. You had no right. No right, going behind my back like that.”

  “Mia.” His voice was an impatient rasp. “I know you’d never put Rose in danger. And if you’ll let me explain what I was thinking.”

  “Apparently, you weren’t thinking. Adam, that girl was a kid. I don’t care that she claimed to have impeccable references—she doesn’t know Rose, not the way I do.”

  Adam walked to the bar at the end of the huge granite counter and slapped a shot glass down. He filled it with vodka and downed it in one gulp. He didn’t hesitate to pour a second shot.

  “Alcohol never solved any problems, Adam.”

  He gulped the second shot and poured a third. “Don’t lecture me, Mia. I won’t get behind the wheel of my car and slaughter some poor innocent girl.”

  Mia froze. The swirling tirade in her head ready to lash out of her mouth vanished. She hadn’t heard right, had she? “What?”

  He slugged back the third shot and hunkered down, bracing his elbows on the counter. “Nothing.”

  “It was something, Adam.” She walked over to him and spoke to his profile. “How do you know about that?”

  “Know what?” He refused to look at her. It wasn’t a coincidental statement. Adam Chase didn’t leave things up to chance.

  “About my father.”

  Silence.

  “Adam, if you care one iota about me, you’ll tell me how you know that right this minute.”

  Silence again.

  Adam didn’t care. Maybe he never had. She was through with Adam Chase. He would never let her in, never trust her. She turned her back on him and walked away. She was almost out of the kitchen when his voice broke the silence.

  �
�I had you investigated.”

  A gasp exploded from her mouth. She whirled around. “You did what?”

  He turned to face her. His expression was coarse, his eyes raw, not filled with the apology she’d expected. “I didn’t know a thing about you, Mia. And when you came to me with that story about your sister and Rose, I didn’t know if I could believe a word out of your mouth. After all the lies you’d told me when we first met, I had to find out more about you. I had to know who was coming to live in my house and help raise my daughter.”

  “You didn’t trust me to tell you the truth.”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “I would have one day, Adam. I was waiting for you to open up to me. But I can see that will never happen.” She sighed, the conversation sapping her strength. “So, you know everything?”

  He nodded.

  Shame washed over her. She was the young Burkel girl again, whose father had mowed down a young teenager, a girl who’d had a full life yet to live. He’d been drunk, coming home from a scandalous affair with a married woman. The town scorned the Burkels. She couldn’t go anywhere without being harassed or whispered about. It was equally painful going to school. Young Scarlett Brady, the victim, had been a classmate and the daughter of a revered police captain. Everyone knew and loved Scarlett. When her mother decided to move them to Grandma Tess’s home, their neighbors put up balloons in celebration on the day they’d moved out. The memory brought fresh shivers.

  “You didn’t even tell me your real name, Mia. What was I to think?”

  He’d had her investigated like a common criminal. She cringed at the thought. How so like Adam, though. Sweeping heartache invaded her from top to bottom. “That maybe I didn’t lead a charmed life. That maybe my family suffered and we’d paid a big price for my father’s deeds. That maybe I make mistakes, unlike you.”

  “I make mistakes, Mia.”

  “Yes, you’re right. This was a big mistake. But that doesn’t make what you’ve done any easier to take.”