Page 52 of Unexpected Entanglement

“This whole thing is so ridiculous. I wouldn’t believe it if it didn’t actually happen to my family.” She continued laughing. “For thirty-two years, I didn’t know my father had a love child with another woman he’d had to abandon because he already had a wife and two children on the other side of the country.”

Gasping breath in between words and laughter, she continued, “And apparently, my mother knew all about it. She gave him the ultimatum to stay for his two other children when she was diagnosed with her condition. I suppose I should be happy that he chose us; for us, he was a good father.

“Oh, oh, and you know what else? My parents were never happy. All those happy family moments, they were lies! Just a front.”

Rowan couldn’t stop the unloading. “It took him thirty-two years to tell us. It took my dad dying for us to find out that he left a third of this property to his secret child. And now we don’t have access to the property trust fund until we can find a way to work with our new sister, who still hasn’t agreed to meet us.”

Alex only stood there, looking perplexed, as Rowan’s laughter continued. “Can’t say Neal Kelly didn’t leave a mark when he left this world!”

“Ro…” Alex came to her and wrapped her tightly in her arms.

“He…he left—”

“Shh, Rowan.” Alex held Rowan’s head to her shoulder. “It’s okay, Ro.”

“What are you doing?”

“I’m sorry you held all that inside,” Alex whispered in her ear. “Let it all out.”

The floodgate that had barely contained Rowan’s anguish all these months broke. She sobbed into her friend’s shoulder and finally let the grief of her father’s death and betrayal flow out of her heavy heart.

“You’re still in Vinalhaven?” Rae’s voice came through the earbuds Chris was wearing. With a cup of coffee in his hand, he sat on one of the comfortable chairs on the porch.

“I thought you’d be on your way to the Cape,” Rae added.

“Skipping the annual week where my father points out all the unfortunate choices I made doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”

“What unfortunate choices? From my point of view, you’re doing great.”

“That’s how I feel.” Chris shrugged with a small smile.

“Seriously, what is it that your father has against your choices?”

“Where do I start? That I still won’t helm The Sullens, and I prefer creating my small brand of luxury resorts?”

“Can’t you do both?” Rae asked. “I mean, eventually you’ll have to, won’t you? Your father will have to retire someday.”

“He has a management team that handles most of the business, but he still controls the company’s vision and the big picture. He’d still want to hold that, even if I were in charge. I’d appreciate advice when I needed it, but I wouldn’t lead the company with my father hovering over me.”

“I can understand that.”

“But I didn’t call to talk about me,” Chris segued. “I’m looking at this place your father left you and your half-siblings, Rae. It has a lot of potential.”

“Really? And I thought it was just an old property.”

“It is old, meaning it’s been in your father’s family for decades. And he passed it down to the next generation. Kieran has turned the farm into a well-oiled machine in just two years. I haven’t seen its financials, but I assume it’s at least breaking even.

“The inn isn’t back in operation yet, but Rowan has put a lot of work and upgrades into the place. It still needs a few touches and a well-trained staff, but it promises a quaint and laid-back New England vacation. I think you’ll love it here,” he concluded.

“I saw the pics you sent me. It is beautiful,” Rae said. “It’s exactly the type of place I like to stay in. Gorgeous view, big enough that guests aren’t on top of each other, but small enough to feel cozy and warm.”

“Exactly.”

“How are they treating you? What are they like—Kieran and Rowan?” The curiosity in her voice was subtle, but Chris heard it loud and clear.

“They’re…” Chris weighed his words. “Interesting people. Hard workers, stubborn. Standoffish at first, but I think they’ve warmed up to me.”

“I don’t think there’s anyone in this world you can’t charm, Chris.” Rae chuckled.

---