Page 61 of Protecting his Heart

“Isn’t that a bit of too little too late?” Owen asked.

“He’s sitting right there. It’s not like he’s dead,” Paul said, glaring at them.

Owen’s blood boiled, but Bernadette placed a hand on Paul’s arm. “Please.”

“Why now?” Sally said. “He wasn’t good enough for you when he came out as gay. What’s changed?”

Bernadette wrung her hands but stared at them. “We were wrong.” Paul scoffed, obviously belying her words. “We were.”

“It’s been twenty-three years. Why now?” Owen snapped.

“I want to know who my son has become.”

“You have no right to know that. You threw that away when you threwmeaway,” Evan suddenly yelled. He scooted forward on the sofa, his hands clenched into fists. “Why the hell should I give youanythingyou ask for?”

Bernadette looked down at her hands. “Because…”

“Oh, for god’s sake. Our daughter needs medical help, and we need to see if you are a match,” Paul said.

Silence descended as they all processed the new information. Theirdaughter?When did they have a daughter?

“What?” Evan murmured.

Bernadette lifted tear-filled eyes to them. “Jessica was born a year after you…were gone. She was a happy accident. She’s twenty-one now, but she’s been in and out of hospital for years, and no one could figure out what was wrong with her. She’s recently been diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia. We wanted to ask if you would be tested.”

So, it had nothing to do with getting to know their son. It was all about their daughter. The daughter none of them knew about.

“That’s why you moved,” Owen said. “To hide the pregnancy.” Paul’s gaze flashed to him, surprise in his eyes, and Owen grinned. “I work for the royal family. No information is beyond my reach. Remember that,” he warned. Paul’s lips thinned, but he said nothing.

Owen glanced at Evan, who was staring at his mother. Silence descended for a long while, and Owen wasn’t sure he was going to say anything. After all, he owed them nothing.

But Owen knew what his answer would be, so he wasn’t at all surprised when Evan nodded. “Of course I’ll get tested.” He cleared his throat. “Does she know? About me?”

Bernadette nodded. “Yes, but we told her we were estranged.”

“Yeah, can’t have a gay son out there in the world. Much better to have one who’s a shit and doesn’t call,” Evan spat and stood. “I’ll get tested when I go back to work.” He headed for the bedroom, and Owen stood, ready to send them out the door.

“Will you tell her?” Bernadette asked, and Evan paused.

Evan faced her. “I will not do it anonymously, but…I won’t go out of my way to see or talk to her. However, if she finds me, I won’t turn her away.” He glared at her. “I’m nothing like you.” He disappeared and closed the door behind him.

Owen faced them. “I think it’s time you left. No matter what happens, you are no longer welcome here. If you have anything to ask or say to him, you can leave a message with the hospital. Understood?”

Paul stood. “I thought you would’ve brought your son up with better manners than this, Sally.”

Sally rose, stepping closer. “My son has more manners than you have in your entire family line. I don’t think I need to worry about him.” She turned to Bernadette. “I’ve always liked you, Bernie, but you need to grow a backbone. He’s not worth it, but your children are. Both of them.” She pointed to the door. “Now, get out.”

Evan’s parents left, and Owen locked the door behind them for good measure. When he entered the living room again, Sally was setting up the cosy nest he’d made for them before all hell broke loose.

“I wouldn’t worry about that now. I don’t think either of us are in the Valentine’s mood.”

“I’ll put the food in the fridge, but the rest can stay. Maybe you’ll feel better tomorrow and can pick up from the beginning again,” she said with a smile.

“Thank you, Mum.” He kissed her cheek.

“You are always welcome. Now go check on him. I want to see my boy before I leave.”

Owen entered the bedroom, finding Evan curled up on the bed. He slid in behind him and wrapped his arms over him, slipping his leg between Evan’s, and pressed his lips to Evan’s nape.

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