because she was my best friend. The other half of me. And then I was scared I’d left it too long to tell the truth.”
It dawned on Trent now that had he been born in Patterson’s Bluff, the secret may not have been kept as long. But, since they had lived in a much bigger place closer to Melbourne back then, not moving to Patterson’s Bluff until he was in school, the secret had been much easier to keep.
“So you found out by accident?” Adam asked, eyes wide.
Trent nodded. “Yeah, I came across an old photo and put the pieces together.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Nick asked. “Did you think we’d kick you out of the house or something? Vote you off the island?”
Trent laughed in spite of the somber turn of the afternoon. “Something like that.”
“Well, that’s insulting.” Nick crossed his arms over his chest. “A Walters family member is a Walters family member, doesn’t matter whose blood you’ve got in your veins.”
“Technically he has his own blood in his veins,” Jace said with a serious expression. “Unless you’ve had a transfusion recently.”
Nick rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”
“It got to the point that I wasn’t sure what to say and I didn’t want it to…” Wow, being vulnerable was the worst. “Affect things.”
I didn’t want to lose you all.
“And lots of people say things like blood is thicker than water, but I—”
“You’re not water, Trent.” Liv was almost vibrating with anger. Out of everyone, he’d expected her to take it hardest—being the two youngest, they’d been thick as thieves since they were kids. He’d kept her safe at school and threatened any bullies who might try to pick on her, and she’d always looked up at him with wonder and respect. “If you ever say that again, I will literally lose my shit.”
“Well, if you say literally—” Jace began, but Angie shushed him.
“You are one of us and you have been the second you set foot into this house,” Liv said, eyes blazing. “I’m really hurt that you didn’t think we’d accept you, and while I understand why you were scared, I wish you could have trusted us. I will say this, however. If anyone thinks even for a second about treating Trent any differently, they’ll have to go through me first. I will fight you. All of you.”
That was his little sister, warrior and voice of their family.
“No one is going to fight you, Liv,” Adam said softly. “And no one is going to treat Trent differently. We’re not that kind of family.”
“Why tell us now?” Nick asked.
“I had a bit of an epiphany recently thanks to the help of a very wise lady.” This time when he smiled it wasn’t in spite of anything—it was because of everything. Though losing Cora hurt him more than he’d ever anticipated, he now knew that one decision wouldn’t have to dictate his whole life.
If there’d been any doubt left in his mind that Cora was like his ex, this would obliterate it. Cora’s whole idea of metamorphosis was catching. She’d changed him. Before her, he couldn’t even think about confessing his true parentage to his siblings, let alone have the guts to actually stand up and say it. But now that it was out in the world…he felt free.
And it was all thanks to her.
“Cora?” Liv asked with wide eyes.
“Yeah.” Trent nodded. “She’s special.”
Too special to let go. He would reach out to her and maybe they could talk. Maybe they could try the long-distance thing. Maybe he could even visit her in Manhattan.
Who knows, the future was suddenly a blank slate for him to paint anything he wanted.
They all looked at him for a moment, and then Nick reached down to the Esky that was sitting beside the table. “Who wants a beer? I feel like we all need a drink now.”
And just like that, the family lunch returned to normal.
I know I’m probably the last person you’re expecting to hear from. I also know you’re possibly going to hate me for what I have to tell you next…
I gave your manuscript to my dad and he loved it so much, he passed it on to a friend who works in publishing. The editor wants to speak with you about the book. His email and details are below. I hope you get in touch with him. And I hope you don’t blame my dad, because if it wasn’t for me, he wouldn’t