Page 4 of Unexpected Entanglement

“She gave birth a year and a half later.”

Rowan did a quick calculation in her head. “Mom was pregnant with me.”

“She was.”

“My god.” She stumbled back, needing space from him.

Neal reached out an arm toward her. “Rowan, you have to understand. I was a different person—”

“I don’t have to understand anything!” She reeled from his touch. “Why are you telling me this now? Did mom know about this? Kieran?”

“Your mom figured it out eventually and made me choose. And I stayed—the only choice I thought I had at that time with your mom being diagnosed with her illness. It’s a decision that has haunted me since.”

Her father, who’d appeared energized just ten minutes before, had lost his steam and now looked deflated. “I told you I have many regrets. Some mistakes I have to live with for the rest of my life, but I’d like to atone for some of my sins while I still can. First, by telling you and Kieran about—”

“By telling us what? That you resented us for tying you down?” Rowan spat. “I’m sorry we kept you from exploring the world, Dad. But we didn’t stop you from sowing your oats, did we? Are you sure you only have one illegitimate daughter out there?

“Who the fuck are you?” she ranted in near sobs. “I don’t even know who you really are anymore.”

“Rowan!” Her father’s voice rose in a warning at her vulgar accusations, but Rowan’s blood was boiling with his betrayal.

“You don’t get to claim moral high ground here.” Rowan pointed in anger.

“You’re right. I don’t.” Neal lifted his hands in a calming gesture. “Sweetheart, I’m still Dad. You and Kieran are my pride and joy. Being your father has been my privilege. My regret is that I had to abandon another child so I could stay with you.”

“So it’s our fault?”

“Don’t twist my words, Rowan. If you’d stop interrupting me, I’d explain to you.”

“No need for further explanation. I get the gist.” Rowan laughed with no humor. “You resented having to marry your girlfriend after you knocked her up. So you left her to take care of a baby solo while you went off to god knows where and knocked up another woman. And you have the gall to tell me thirty-something years later that Kieran and I have a secret half-sister? A child—yourchild—you abandoned for us. Do you expect me to be grateful that you chose us, Dad?”

“Rowan—”

“I can’t even look at you right now.” Rowan walked away from the father she’d worshipped all her life.

“Rowan!” Neal called out. “Rowan, don’t—”

Her father’s voice trailed off, followed by a deep groan and a thud. In her anger, Rowan didn’t stop.

“Row...an.”

The sudden strain in his voice made her glance back at him. In a flash, all anger evaporated as she ran to her dad.

“Dad!” Rowan found Neal sprawled on the grass, his eyes filled with pain, his limbs rigid. “Dad, what’s wrong?”

She ran her hands over his chest, not sure what was happening. “Dad, tell me, what’s hurting? Breathe, breathe.”

“Rowan,” her father wheezed out her name.

“Don’t speak, Daddy. Just breathe.” Rowan fumbled with her phone and dialed 911. “This is Rowan Kelly over at Bright Head Farm & Inn. I need an ambulance at the inn side. I think my dad is having a heart attack.”

Rowan watched her father’s eyes close, and she dropped her phone. “No, Daddy. Stay with me.”

His lids lifted weakly. His lips were moving, but she couldn’t hear what he said. She bent forward to get closer to him.

“Find…” he whispered, “Rae.”

“What?” Rowan didn’t understand what he meant, and she couldn’t really think. “Daddy, you’re going to be fine. The ambulance is on the way. I’m sorry I yelled at you. I’m sorry!”

---