Chapter Four #2
As I step back, I notice Braden has joined Willow and wound his arm around her waist. Whatever is going on between the two, it’s obvious they have a connection, which reminds me of Jordan, and I wish she could share this moment with me.
I understand why she didn’t want to overwhelm my sister, but I sensed there was more to her choice not to come. She’s pulling away.
“Let’s go sit,” Willow says and leads us to her small living room.
I don’t know how she and Aurora share the space. It has to be cramped, and I can’t see a pregnant woman sleeping on what I assume is a pullout sofa. Which means Willow has taken the couch and given Aurora her bedroom. I notice one closed door and the bathroom beside it.
They all look at each other, and I know I need to break the awkward silence, but before I can speak, Aurora begins peppering me with questions.
“How many brothers and sisters do you have?” she asks. “I mean, do I have? Are they all in New York? What does everyone do?” Unable to lean forward with her large belly, she smiles and sits back in the club chair she’s chosen.
Grateful for her enthusiasm and curiosity, I reply. “I’m the oldest and I run the family company. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot more if you decide to come work with me.”
“Me?” she says on a squeak. “But I don’t have a college degree! I barely graduated high school. And I just started learning office work at Dare Nation. Plus I live in Florida.” Panic seems to raise her voice, but I want her to know she’s welcome at home. In fact, I want her there.
“Why don’t you let me tell you some more about the family since I have the distinct feeling you’re missing key information?” Realizing she has no idea who my siblings are, I throw a curious glance Willow and Braden’s way.
Braden shrugs. “I didn’t want to freak her out all at once.”
“What’s going on?” Aurora asks.
My low chuckle has her opening her eyes wide. “Our brother Xander is an—”
“Xander Kingston. The suspense writer! And he makes movies!” Aurora nearly yells. “No way!”
“Yes way.” I grin. “And Dash is a rock star.”
Aurora’s eyes are so wide I can’t help but laugh.
“And Chloe is our sister.”
Aurora blinks, tears in her eyes. “I have a sister,” she whispers, and my heart swells because Aurora’s having a sister is more important to her than her new brothers’ fame.
“How is this my life?” she asks in obvious awe.
Anger at my father rises inside me once more.
“It should have been your life sooner. I’m sorry for what my father did, but the minute I found out about you, I began looking.
I just couldn’t find you until you took a legitimate job that gave me a lead,” I say, wanting her to know I didn’t abandon her the way Kenneth Kingston did.
She shakes her head. “I don’t understand why you care? I’m an illegitimate child of a man who didn’t want me. Aren’t you embarrassed by my existence?” she asks softly, her pale skin flushing with her words.
I want nothing more than to spare her pain. “I think you’ll find we Kingston kids are resilient, and we protect our own. I’m glad you’ve had support lately,” I say, glancing at Willow and Braden. “But do you have plans for once the baby is born?”
“No,” she whispers. “I don’t have health insurance yet, although Bri said she’s submitted the papers. And I didn’t know what I’d do about work and someone to watch the baby. I don’t have my own apartment. I’m staying here and Willow’s been sleeping on the sofa.”
She confirms my hunch, and I hope Braden grabs on to that woman, because she has a big heart and is obviously important to him.
Aurora continues. “I can’t bring a baby home with me because it’s not fair to her—”
I glance at Willow in surprise. Has she put a limit on her generosity?
But Willow shakes her head. “Aurora, you can stay until you figure something out. I told you that.”
Aurora’s damp gaze meets hers. “And I appreciate it but we both know this arrangement can’t really work. And I can’t afford my own place…”
I hate how upset she’s getting, but before I can react, Willow jumps up from her seat.
She walks over to Aurora and puts a hand on her shoulder. “Shh. Calm down, please. Getting worked up isn’t good for you or the baby.”
“Can I get a word in?” I ask.
All eyes turn my way, and though they might not like what I have to say, I intend to lay it out for them anyway.
“We have a variety of solutions in New York. The family estate where my father used to live still has loyal staff who were always good to us growing up.” Though I haven’t run the possibility of Aurora moving in there by my mother, I can’t imagine her turning down someone in need.
Especially since she doesn’t seem to blame Aurora for what her husband did.
“We own apartment buildings around Manhattan,” I continue. “Each of us has a trust fund, and I’m working on getting yours set up to atone for how you grew up and everything you’ve lacked your entire life.” I’ve already spoken to my siblings about this.
Aurora, to my surprise, starts to cry, and I realize I’ve overwhelmed her. Something I didn’t plan on doing. I’m used to making my plans and, yes, getting my way.
Willow continues to comfort her, and Braden shoots me a look mixed with surprise and slight annoyance.
“Can you give her time to process?” he asks. “As much as everything you’re offering is the answer to her prayers, she needs to adjust to her new reality.”
I want an answer now, but I understand that isn’t going to happen.
“I realize you want what’s best for her, but the few emotional connections she has are here,” Braden reminds me.
I hesitate, then nod. Obviously I’ve misjudged her attachment to the people here, and though I hate the notion of her remaining in Florida, I have solutions for that possibility, too.
Leaning forward in my seat, I glance her way. “I could help you find an apartment, a nanny, and get set up here, if that’s what you decide. But I also hope you realize your family wants to get to know you. We would like you to be a part of our lives, and I’d rather take you home with me.”
Aurora presses her hand against her forehead. “This is so much so soon. Braden’s right. I need to think. And to get to know you more.”
I reluctantly accept that. “How much longer can you fly? In your pregnancy, I mean?”
She lifts her head and shrugs her shoulders. “I never asked. There was no reason to.”
“Up to thirty-six weeks,” Braden says. “I’m her doctor, though we’d like to find her an obstetrician soon.” He meets Linc’s gaze. “But I’m sure you already ran your own checks on the people in her life and I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.”
“Of course I did,” I mutter.
“She has two weeks before I’d prefer she didn’t get on an airplane.”
I draw a deep breath and nod. “I’ll stay for a week. We’ll get to know one another and then you can make a decision. Fair?” I ask.
“Yes. Thank you,” Aurora says, obviously relieved. “I’d like that.”
“Well, since that’s settled, why don’t you two make plans for the week, and then I’d say Aurora and the baby need some rest.” Braden is obviously as used to making decisions for people he cares about as I am.
He rises from his seat and looks at me. “If you two would like to come to the Thunder football game on Sunday, I can get you box seats,” he offers.
I stand as well. “Sounds fun.” And an easy way for us to spend time together. “Would you like to go?” I ask Aurora.
She nods.
“Willow, walk me out? It’ll give them time to make plans.”
“Thanks,” Aurora says to them both.
Braden smiles at her and Willow nods. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she says.
I wait until they’re outside before glancing at my sister. Aurora twists her hands in front of her, clearly nervous.
“So,” I say.
She grins. “So.”
“Anything else you want to know? Or to ask me?”
“Trust fund?” She echoes the words back at me. “I grew up with all my things in a garbage bag in case I had to leave one foster home for another. I can’t wrap my head around not having to worry about money.”
Pain hits me in my heart and a lump rises to my throat. Not to mention fury at both of her parents, especially my own father, but I won’t make Aurora dwell on what could and should have been.
“Well, you don’t have to worry. Not anymore. Which means you can also start to think about your hopes and dreams and what you want to do with your life.”
Realizing I’m getting ahead of myself, I force myself to slow down and backpedal. “But for now, let’s focus on getting to know each other. What’s your favorite food?” I ask, seeking to take the pressure off of her. She looks ready to pass out from shock.
“Pizza. Isn’t that everyone’s favorite food?” she asks, obviously serious.
I laugh. “Well, it’s mine. Pepperoni. How about you?”
“Mushroom and onions. It’s been a treat when I have extra money in my pocket.” She blushes. “Coffee or tea?” She’s getting into the game.
“Coffee. Milk, no sugar. You?”
“Chamomile tea with a drop of milk and sugar. It’s been a lifesaver with the heartburn this last trimester.”
I remember when Jordan was pregnant. Before her miscarriage, she began craving ice cream. She practically lived on pints of it until … she lost the baby. I shake my head, shocked those memories came back to me.
I recall staying with her overnight, hugging her as she cried, and swearing, given the chance, I’d beat her ex senseless.
But Jordan’s past isn’t relevant now. The memories, however, remind me of how solid and valuable our friendship is. Which means I did the right thing by telling her we can’t act on our attraction again.
“Linc? I said favorite color. Is something wrong?” Aurora asks.
I shake my head. “Sorry. Blue. Yours?”
“Yellow.” She laughs as the door opens and Willow steps back inside.
“Am I interrupting?” she asks, shutting the door.