Chapter 46
Saturday nights had taken on a whole different flavor since Will had begun dating Addison six weeks ago. She liked strolling
Seabrook Beach and walking Wilmington’s historic downtown and boardwalk. There they enjoyed sampling coffee from local vendors
and window-shopping.
She was beautiful and kind, smart and compassionate. He’d discovered the latter when he opened up about his dad’s unrealistic
expectations. And two weeks ago, after the woman had visited his mom, he’d admitted to Addison he didn’t know who his biological
father was. Lounging in a cozy coffee shop near the Cape Fear River, she listened intently as he relayed the story of the
woman who’d recently appeared on their doorstep and his frustration with his mother over the situation.
Addison did little more than hold his hand and validate his feelings, but it made him feel lighter than air. She came from
such a solid family. Such an uncomplicated family. Yet she somehow seemed to understand his feelings. She’d even gotten teary
at one point, which made Will want to wrap her up in his arms and hang on forever.
She would make a wonderful psychologist someday.
Tonight he’d splurged on supper at the Sea Grille near her house. The food was delicious and conversation pinged easily back and forth throughout dinner. The car ride had been comfortably quiet. He had to make it an early evening since his biology paper was due by midnight. All too soon he pulled into her drive, put the car in Park, and shut off the engine.
He offered Addison a regretful smile. “Sorry we couldn’t stay out longer.”
“Your grades are important. And you work so many hours. I don’t know how you fit it all in.” She cocked a coy glance his way.
“Are you sure you have time for dating in your busy schedule?”
He fell into her sparkling green eyes. “Only for you.” He leaned over and brushed her lips with his. He’d only meant it to
be a quick kiss. But Addison was addictive. Once he started it was hard to stop. They’d become exclusive a week ago, and he
was still pinching himself at the thought that she was his.
A long moment later she put a hand on his chest and leaned back until their breaths mingled between them. “I’d better go inside.”
“Things were just getting good.”
“Agreed. But my dad’s peering out the window.”
Will jerked back.
Addison chuckled. “It’s fine. He knows you’re my boyfriend. But it’s hard to enjoy making out when...” She nodded toward
the house.
No kidding. His own blood now ran ice-cold. “I’ll get your door.”
An hour later Will was shut away in his room, laser focused on his paper about Gregor Mendel and his groundbreaking work on
pea plants. He’d loved high school but was enjoying college even more now that he’d gotten most of his gen-eds out of the
way. Now he could focus mostly on the sciences.
A text pinged in. He’d forgotten to silence his phone and did so now. He did his best work when he was focused—and that deadline was quickly approaching.
It was almost ten when Mom brought him a Coke. “How’s the paper going?” She’d been extra nice ever since that woman had come
to their door.
“I’m almost finished with the first draft.”
“How many drafts will you do?”
He flashed a grin. “However many it takes.”
“My brilliant son. Well, don’t stay up too late. I thought I might make pancakes in the morning since we both have the day
off.”
“That’d be great, Mom. Thanks.” She made the best pancakes. And ever since she’d taken a part-time caretaker job a couple
years ago, she didn’t have many Sundays off.
When she slipped from the room, he went back to work, chugging the Coke as he went. Finally the first draft was done. He set
it aside to clear his mind before he tackled revisions.
He grabbed his phone. It was too late to text Addison. She had the kids’ class for early service in the morning. But the notification
from earlier appeared on the screen. My Legacy had a match for him. He tempered his excitement—all the matches so far had
been maternal.
He never mentioned the matches to Mom because she’d gotten upset three years ago when he admitted he’d sent in his DNA. He
assured her his search for his biological father didn’t mean he loved her any less. That she’d been a great mom and no one
could ever replace her. But he’d obviously hurt her feelings. Or maybe it was because he’d done the test without telling her
first. He must’ve known deep down that she wouldn’t approve. And that recent visit from his bio dad’s widow proved him right.
He logged in to the website and opened the screen that revealed the matches. His eyes fixed on the most recently added name.
He froze. Stared at the name until his vision blurred.
He blinked away the fog. But the name remained. As did the relationship descriptor beside it: parent/child .
His thoughts ricocheted through his mind. He struggled to make sense of it.
“Mom?” The word was nothing but a croak.
It was... a mistake of some kind. It couldn’t be right. Could it?
He bolted from his bed. “Mom!”