Page 85 of Fourteen of a Kind

“Here? Now?”

“Yeah. That way, he can’t freak out in front of everyone. Sorry, Graham, but I need my cousin.”

“It’s okay, Bella.”

She pulled me over to where her dad was talking to Uncle Jackson, Simon, and Shaun.

“Daddy, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it, sweetheart?”

“I’ve decided that I’m going to become a psychologist like Mom.”

“Did you really think I didn’t know that already?”

“You did?” she asked.

“You’re my daughter. I know you inside and out. I think it’s great you want to become a psychologist. We could use another one in the family.” He winked.

“Thanks, Daddy.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “I’m going to talk to Mom.”

When she walked away, Annabelle walked over.

“There’s my favorite girl.” Conner hooked his arm around her. “My little future orthopedic surgeon.” He kissed the side of her head.

“You know it, Daddy.” She smiled.

CHAPTER 27

ONE MONTH LATER

Graham

I had just gotten out of surgery when my phone rang. Pulling it from my pocket, I saw it was my Aunt Dorinda. Sighing, I answered it.

“Hi, Aunt Dorinda.”

“Hello, darling. I’m coming to Los Angeles for a two-day law conference, and I can’t wait to see you.”

Shit.

“When are you coming?”

“I’m flying out the day after tomorrow. Make time in your schedule to see me. I will not take no for an answer.”

“Sure, Aunt Dorinda.”

“Excellent. I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

I hadn’t talked to her in a while and never told her about Ella. Charlotte told me that I needed to confront my aunt to help with the healing process. I guess I had no choice since she was coming to Los Angeles.

Walking down to the ER, I asked Karla where Ella was.

“She’s in room three with a patient.”

Glancing at my watch, I had time before my next surgery.

“Hi.” Ella walked over. “How did your surgery go?”

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