Page 95 of Fourteen of a Kind

“Come on, Barb,” my mom spoke, taking her hand. “Sit down for a while.”

“Don’t you dare touch me!” My grandmother’s demeanor changed as she yanked her hand out of my mother’s. “If you think for one second Henry loves you, he doesn’t. And he will never know about that child you’re carrying. I’m pregnant with his four sons, and he would never abandon us.”

“I think she’s remembering Shaun’s mom,” Jenni whispered.

Grandma Barb took a seat in the chair and cupped her face. Suddenly, she looked at us.

“Ella, darling. Why are we here again?”

“To make sure our dresses fit for the wedding, Grandma.”

“That’s right.” She stood up.

My mom and I dropped Grandma Barb at home before heading to my house.

“Thank God for Curtis,” my mom said as we walked through the front door of my home.

“I know, but I’m afraid it might be too much for him to take care of her full-time. I suggested that he hire a home care nurse to come and stay with her so he can do things for himself.”

Later that evening, the front door opened, and Graham walked in.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes.” He smiled, wrapping his arms around me and holding me tight.

“Tough day?” I asked, kissing his lips.

“Yeah. Dr. Ashley and I lost a patient today.”

“Oh, Graham. I’m sorry.” I hugged him.

“Thanks, babe. Are we going down to the bonfire tonight?”

“Yeah. Some of my family is already down there.”

“Go save me a seat, and I’ll join you after I change.” He kissed me.

I grabbed a couple of beer bottles from the refrigerator and headed down the beach.

“Hi, sweetheart.” My dad smiled. “I heard you had an eventful day with your grandmother.”

“Yeah. Just a bit.” I twisted off the cap of my beer.

“Where’s Graham?” My Uncle Conner asked.

“He’s coming.” I smiled.

A few moments later, Graham joined us. While we were talking and laughing, we noticed a guy walking through the sand toward us.

“Hey, man. This is a private beach,” Shaun said.

“Which of you are Sam, Stefan, Sebastian, and Simon Kind?” he asked.

“The four of us are.” Simon pointed. “Who are you, and why are you asking?” He stood up.

“My name is Grady. I’m not sure how to put this, but I’m your half-brother.”

The beach went silent for a moment.

“Oh, shit.” My Uncle Conner chuckled.

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