Rogue Beast (The Rourkes #12) - Kylie Gilmore Page 0,80

control. Anyway, your father never knew about you. I tried off and on over the years to track him down based on the information she gave me, and finally found out he died when you were five. That was the year your grandfather died, and I was too caught up in mourning to say anything about it. Ultimately, I decided it was better if you thought he had another family and that’s why he couldn’t be in your life.”

My jaw drops. “My dad never knew about me?” That’s so much better than thinking he didn’t care. Not that it matters now since he died.

“I’m sorry, Harper. I did what I thought was best at the time. I should’ve told you the truth.”

That makes me wonder if she lied about my mom too. “You always said my mom dropped me off after she had me and took off. Is that true? Why wouldn’t she come back to visit? Did you tell her not to?”

She closes her eyes for a moment, a pained expression on her face. “She planned to give you up for adoption. When I found out, I pressed her for the details. Her plan was to leave you bundled on the doorstep of a childless couple in town. Like a present. Well, I was having none of that. You’re my granddaughter. I told her I’d adopt you and that was the end of it. I was fifty-nine at the time, and my only goal was to stay alive long enough to see you launched into the world. And here we are. Who knew I’d live this long?”

I stare at her, my mind whirling at all this unexpected news. Everything is so different than I thought it was growing up.

“I never told her not to visit,” she says. “That was her choice.”

I nod, my throat tight. After meeting my biological mother briefly when she asked me for money, well, I can’t say I missed out on much. She never loved me, not like my grandmother did.

I give her a watery smile. “It’s hard to imagine you spoiling your daughter. You’ve always been so strict.”

She takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “With you it was only because I was trying not to make the same mistake I made with her. I was tough because I wanted you to be strong and sure of yourself. I wanted you to stand on your own two feet. She got too much outside validation. It made her weak and susceptible to others.”

I press my lips together. “You were too hard on me.”

“Because I loved you, dear girl.” Tears shine in her eyes.

And now I’m crying. “I always felt like I couldn’t live up to your standards. I’m not naturally tough. I’m sensitive.”

“I saw that in you, and I tried to make you more, to protect you. It seems I screwed up both my daughters.”

I laugh through my tears. “You did. But I don’t think I could have the job I do now without that strength and toughness, so I guess I owe you a thank-you for that.”

She gestures me over and hugs me. “I’m sorry I was hard on you. I love you. I know I don’t say it much, but I do.”

I kiss her papery thin cheek. “I love you too.”

She pushes me away. “Now eat. You have to keep up your strength for the baby. I’m going to get you some prenatal vitamins, and I want you to make an appointment with a doctor right away.”

I sniffle and take my seat. “I am taking vitamins, and I already found a doctor.”

“My girl.” She pats my hand. “You have to tell him, you know.”

“I know but not yet. When he gets back, I will, face-to-face.”

“You do what you think is right.”

I slice a piece of chicken, my appetite returning. “Always do.”

She laughs. “You’re a lot more like me than you realize. We’re both badass women.”

My head jerks up. “Grandmom!” She never uses foul language.

“Own it,” she says.

I laugh. “Always.”

Garrett

I’m back from LA after six weeks and three days away, and I’m man enough to admit it—cutting ties with Harper was a huge mistake. I couldn’t enjoy myself in LA because I missed her too much. I get that she’s sensitive about being used for her celebrity, and I should’ve stuck it out. Instead, my own sensitivity kicked in, making me defensive and cut ties. And for what? Who knows if I’ll get another job again in the movie industry. It depends if