Chapter Twenty-Three #2
“Your uncle, David, is a lawyer and takes his job extremely seriously. He’s already looking into everything your aunt and uncle did while you were growing up.
From what he’s said, he’s putting a strong case together against the two of them.
Not just for the abuse, but because they stole your inheritance.
Your mom and dad wanted to make sure you were taken care of and those two assholes made sure it didn’t happen because they’re selfish bastards.
Anyway, he has three kids of his own. There’s Alan, who’s the oldest, DJ, the middle son, and Brody as the youngest. DJ and Brody are lawyers in David’s office.
Alan went his own way and is an investment banker.
They can’t wait to meet you,” Roger informs me as I digest everything he just said.
“What about your grandparents? I mean, our grandparents?” I question him as I forget about taking pictures. “I don’t think I want to meet them at all. Not after everything they’ve done and all the damage they caused in our family.”
“Our grandma passed away about five years ago. She never got over the loss of your dad. When she found out about the accident that took his life, she gave up fighting. Grandma had been battling cancer for years and simply stopped because there was no chance of reconciliation with her son. Grandpa passed away two years later. Mom said it was from a broken heart because he lost his wife. I personally think it’s because he caused the rift in our family and knew it’s what ultimately killed his wife,” Roger says, a sad edge to his voice as he looks over at me.
“We’re not bad people, we simply lost our way for a while.
I think you’ll be the glue that holds us all together. ”
“Do, um, do they know about my past?” I ask him as I turn away from my cousin because I’m not sure what answer I’m hoping he gives me here.
“They know the most minimum details. David will know more than anyone because of the case he’s building against your mom’s sister and brother-in-law.
All of them have worked on the ranch since the very beginning and understand the importance of discretion and not bringing up such sensitive subjects before anyone else does.
So, if you don’t want to share any of your story with them, they won’t bring it up to you.
David might talk to you because of the case, but that’s only if it’s absolutely necessary.
None of them want to make you uncomfortable or push you away, Annistyn.
The only thing they want is to meet you and get to know you.
They all feel the same way as Kreed does and want to do everything at your pace.
Maybe start out small with only meeting a few of them,” Roger suggests, hope filling his voice as I turn my attention back to him in awe and shock because I’m not sure what I want to do.
I take a few minutes to truly think about the situation and know I have to meet my family at some point.
Right now, I think I’d rather meet everyone at one time instead of prolonging everything.
I’ve certainly been around a larger crowd with the men and women from the Feral Dragons, the Phantom Bastards, and the Wild Kings all at the same time.
“I think I’m ready to meet them, Roger. I’d rather meet them all at once instead of dragging everything out, I think.
I mean, I’ve been around all those clubs at one time and I was able to handle it okay.
If things become too much, I can step away for a minute to compose myself.
The only stipulation I have is that Kreed is with me.
Between the two of you I know I’ll be okay and nothing will happen,” I say as I prepare to take more pictures of the world around me.
“Kreed can be there if that’s what you want.
He won’t ever be told he can’t come around the family.
David knows him because of what the club does and is truly grateful for their work.
You know what I’m talking about because you were one of the women the club has saved over the years.
Kreed can explain more of it to you later on.
Let’s get back to work,” Roger says with a smile on his face as he looks at me before turning and heading back to where he was.
“I’ll set everything up with the family and let you know what they say.
You’ll meet them all at once like you want. ”
“Sounds good,” I say and focus back on taking pictures again.
Roger and I spend hours at the park. The only time I stop working is when I grab something to eat or drink.
A young mom approaches me and I accept a job offer from her.
Her son is turning three and they’re planning a huge celebration for him.
I’ll be taking pictures of the event for her.
Roger was so excited for me and I have to admit I’m happy as hell about the job.
By the time we pack up and leave for the day, I have everything in mind for what I want to do tonight for Kreed.
Hopefully I can get everything done before Kreed gets home.
If not, I’ll explain what I’m doing to him.
Everything between Kreed and I is built on trust and telling the truth to one another.
I won’t change that because I want to surprise him. It will either work out or it won’t.