Chapter 33
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
FELIX
Another family meeting in my father’s residence. Our parents will be so proud of me and Tyler when we announce we’re sharing a wife.
God, they’re going to lose their shit, especially my stepmother. Amabella is so prim and proper and protective of Forever Families’ reputation. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her swear. She was outraged when Dan and Ally’s relationship first came to light.
We’ve received strange looks from the family regarding our bandaged hands. When they asked about the injuries, I told them no explanation is probably best, having flashbacks of our ceremony among the hedges three days ago.
Unlike the last time I called a family meeting, we’re gathered at a reasonable hour of the morning. I’m occupying an armchair in the living room with Harper on my lap, admiring how beautiful she is, glowing with happiness. Tyler stands behind us. Best for the three of us to not look too cozy yet.
Killian is here by video call. Dan and Ally are yet to arrive. As for Dad and Amabella, they’ve barely said a word to each other in five minutes.
They’re sitting on opposite ends of the couch, impatient for the news I’m about to share. The two look like they’ve been fighting. No doubt, Amabella is still coming to terms with how I killed a man and that her husband helped conceal it.
The front door opens, breaking the heavy silence when Dan and Ally join us.
Harper is instantly up from my lap, across the room and hugging Ally.
They’re smiling at each other and chatting among themselves while Dan greets me with a foul look.
I don’t blame him for being pissed off. I’d be furious at anyone who put Harper in danger.
“Bro, relax. Ally is safe. There’s no more threat on her life.”
“Fuck you, Felix. Don’t tell me to relax.”
“Enough, you two,” Dad interjects, but Dan keeps firing at me.
“My fiancée’s life is at risk. Was at risk?
I don’t even know,” Dan says. “Don’t send me a shit, cryptic message through Dad that the threat is gone.
We’ve barely heard from you three in weeks.
Will the threat return at some point or should I assume you killed this guy too?
You needed to come directly to me with the information so I have all the facts because the only thing that matters to me in this world is Ally’s safety. ”
Jesus Christ. I’ve never seen my brother this heated before, especially not at me.
He’s brutal. Everyone is staring speechless at him.
And yet I’m trying not to smirk, proud of my little brother for protecting what’s his.
Regardless, Dan is only speaking the truth.
I did fuck up, too consumed in my own world with Harper and Tyler.
“You’re right, man. I’m sorry. I should have spoken to you sooner.”
He scowls, only calming slightly when Ally returns to his side, linking her hand with his. “Now that I’m here, give me a proper update.”
“The man’s real name is Quentin Ferguson,” I announce to the family. “He was lying about being a cop. Now, he’s dead.”
I expect to see relieved faces. Instead, the mood is just as tense.
Amabella claps a hand to her throat. “Felix, please tell me you did not kill him.”
Tyler answers from behind me. “No. The reason we’ve been absent the last few weeks is because Ferguson attacked. It was a drive-by shooting and I got hit.”
The room erupts, everyone shouting at once, demanding answers and why we’re only sharing this news now.
“I’m still recovering but I’m fine.” Tyler holds up his hands, reassuring them. “Felix and Harper got me the help I needed.”
“We took care of Tyler,” I continue. “The bodyguards shot at Ferguson as he drove off. His car went spinning, crashed, and lit up in flames. Ferguson burned.”
Somehow, his death has worked out perfectly for me. The man got himself killed. I didn’t have to inform my parents about the illegal organization I’m running. The Scarlet Mirage remains hidden.
There’s a beat of silence before my father sighs with frustration. “Thank god this nightmare is over, but I should have been informed about this far sooner. My son was shot. Tyler, I had a right to know. I would have dropped everything to take care of you.”
“You’re right,” Tyler says. “I should have told you. For selfish reasons, I was more focused on mending my relationship with Harper and Felix and didn’t want outside interference.”
The room is quiet again, unsure of Tyler’s words. From the tension between Dad’s brows, I’m sure he’s figured it out. Harper told me Ally and Dan are already aware of our trio’s reunion.
Amabella lets out a shaky breath. “I’m just pleased everyone is safe and Tyler has recovered. We can return to somewhat of a normal life. Ally and Dan’s wedding can go ahead with no stress.”
“Speaking of weddings…” I laugh under my breath, because fuck, how am I supposed to explain any of this to the family?
“I’ll just say this outright,” Tyler cuts in, taking the lead without an ounce of shame.
“Felix, Harper, and I grew up as a close-knit group of three. She’s always loved us.
We’ve always loved her and we never made her choose one of us to be with.
Our situation got complicated after the death of Paul Ferguson.
You all know there’s been tension between us for years.
All you need to know is we’ve resolved our issues.
Harper is now with both of us. She’s my wife.
Felix’s too. We had our own ceremony. It wasn’t official by law, but we’re bound just as strong. ”
Well, that’s one way to put it.
Harper is smiling, not the least bit ashamed either. She returns to her seat on my lap, slipping one hand into mine and the other into Tyler’s.
Amabella’s mouth falls open, stunned. Dan is indifferent.
Ally grins. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you all.”
Dad’s eyes are shut. He has both elbows on his knees, holding his temples while taking deep breaths.
I secure an arm around Harper’s waist, speaking calmly. “I understand this is an unusual situation. It doesn’t need to make sense to anyone but us three. All I ask of this family is that you accept Harper as mine and Tyler’s wife.”
Killian groans from the video call. “This family is insane and I am going to lose my job because of you all.”
“You’re not going to lose your job,” I tell him.
“You saw how close I was to being fired when Dan and Ally’s relationship hit the news. You three are ten times more controversial. Sacred Heart won’t want any association with the Blackwood name. You cannot go public with this.”
“Relax.” I roll my eyes with amusement. “You’ll keep your job. I’ll follow Dad’s fine example of problem solving and make a healthy donation to the school.”
Killian swears, ending the video chat without a goodbye.
The moment he’s gone, Dad exhales heavily, attempting to remain calm.
“Your relationship impacts more than only you three. I need you all to understand how bad this will look for Forever Families. The organization is a charity for families in need, yet the founding family is filled with controversial relationships. Be together if that’s what you wish. But I’m asking you to keep it private.”
Harper shoots to her feet, pretty in her pink dress, yet a vicious sight as she fires at my father.
“No, Josh. Absolutely not. You interfered in my relationship with Felix and Tyler once. I won’t let it happen again.
You’ve done a lot of good in your life but you’ve also made some disgusting decisions. ”
His face pales. He’s known Harper for twenty-seven years. During each encounter between them, she’s appeared polite, quiet, and like a sweet girl. He’s speechless, unsure what to make of her right now. “Harper—”
“Let’s stop dancing around the truth of what happened with Paul Ferguson—I was about to be raped and your sons saved me. Yet you sent Felix away for it, to a reform school. You manipulated Tyler into lying to me. Do you not realize how much damage you’ve caused in our lives?”
Tyler and I stare at Harper with shocked admiration. “Should we interfere?” I mutter to him.
“Definitely not.”
“You will stay out of our relationship this time,” Harper warns.
Dad’s jaw tightens. He looks to Tyler—his sensible son—hoping Tyler will see reason.
Tyler leans both forearms on the backrest of my armchair, watching Harper with pride. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Dad’s face is red, his temper ready to explode. “This family is the face of Forever Families.”
Tyler scoffs. “When have any of us ever wanted to be the face of Forever Families? Take me out of the picture. I’ve always smiled and played along to make you happy, and I don’t just mean about Forever Families.
I’m talking about how you were never around for us as kids, yet I acted like your absence was fine; when you asked me to help cover up Paul’s death; my career; fucking everything.
My whole life, all I’ve ever tried to do is make people happy.
I’m not doing it anymore. And while we’re making announcements, I’ve quit my job. I’m going into business with Felix.”
I bite back a laugh at all the truths Tyler dropped on our father. I have to admit, I’m impressed with him and Harper.
Yeah. Things really are going to be different between us three this time.
“Dan, I’m sorry. I fucked up,” I say as the two of us step into Dad’s office, leaving the rest of the family in the living room. “Tell me what I can do to make this right between us. I’ll say it again—Ally is safe. You two never should have been dragged into this. But it’s over now. You can relax.”
He shakes his head, staring out the window at Central Park. “This isn’t just about Ally’s safety. I don’t know a thing about you.”
“That’s a bit of a dramatic statement, don’t you think?”
He turns to me and groans. “Look, I’m glad you and Tyler worked out your issues.
I hope us four brothers can return to the way things once were because those days were the best. But I’m so fucking angry at you, Felix.
How could you drop all this news on me about your past yet leave me hanging and barely explain any of it for weeks?
You’re not just my brother. You’re the closest friend I have.
But it doesn’t feel that way at the moment. ”
My forehead creases as I string together the true meaning behind Dan’s frustration.
He rubs his jaw with irritation, then lowers his voice. “You’ve got a traumatic past. I’m sorry. I didn’t know any of this about you. I wish I did. I want to know what you’ve been through. This is you we’re talking about, the one person I have looked up to and idolized my entire life.”
My throat tightens, hearing the vulnerability in my brother’s voice. Jesus fucking Christ. This kid is not seriously about to make me cry.
I swallow hard and try to prevent my voice from dipping. “I kept you out of everything to protect you.”
“I was young. I get it. But I’m not a kid anymore.”
“You’re right.” I pat Dan on the shoulder. “We’ll have a long chat right now and I’ll tell you everything.”