when we became lovers that she was a petty thief and a damn good pickpocket. I sure as hell didn’t consider her family connections when we signed the license on a cold winter day and became husband and wife. Madeline’s claim to Sparrow’s fortune wasn’t my concern then and it wasn’t now.
As it had been since the day I pulled Maddie through the wall to my humble home, my concern was her—every damn thing about her: her safety, comfort, happiness, and well-being.
The elevator door opened to the penthouse and Sparrow reached out, stopping our exit. “Not a word to the women about this possible connection,” he said.
“Possible?” Reid questioned.
My gaze quickly went to Reid. “You said Laurel knows.”
He nodded. “She does, but while Laurel isn’t a medical doctor, with her research she understands patient privilege. I believe she’ll wait to say anything.”
We looked to Mason.
His head shook. “I don’t know. The three ladies have gotten close. If she hasn’t said anything, I’ll ask her to wait.”
“And while we’re at it, I’d rather that Ruby learn about me from Madeline or at least with Madeline present.” I looked at the three sets of eyes as they all nodded.
Collectively, we took a breath as we headed toward the kitchen.
The scents and sounds associated with our communal breakfast greeted us as we all turned the corner near the stairs. I stilled as my gaze found Ruby. Wearing a pair of soft pants, warm socks, and an oversized top that I guessed belonged to Araneae, and with her hair piled messily upon her head, she was sitting at the long granite table. With a plate of food before her, she stared down onto an iPad.
I didn’t have to ask to know that the iPad Ruby had been given allowed her to access the world but only from a voyeuristic point of view. She could see but not respond. She could even search but wouldn’t be seen. It was the world we all lived in, staying invisible with very little electronic footprint.
The other women’s chatter ceased as they all turned at the sound of our entrance. Sparrow and I were dressed in suits while Reid and Mason were more casual. Their gazes came our way.
While Laurel knew more, it was obvious that Araneae and Lorna were curious about the paternity test. There was no reason for them to know about Ruby’s connection to Sparrow. Their concern was her connection to me.
I’d wanted to keep it quiet, yet I couldn’t hide my joy. My cheeks rose as I almost imperceptibly nodded my head yes.
Araneae’s shriek filled the air, garnering everyone’s attention as she came my way with her arms raised. Within seconds, she was flush against me, wrapping me in a hug.
“I’m waiting to tell her,” I whispered.
Araneae took a step back, her light brown eyes staring up and assessing me. “Don’t wait too long.”
“Just waiting for her mother,” I replied softly.
Ruby looked up from the screen and pulled ear buds from her ears. “Hi,” she said softly. “Is there something happening? Are you getting my mom today?”
The people within the room parted as I walked to Ruby and took a seat at the table beside her. “Getting your mom today is the plan.”
Ruby’s head tilted to the side. “Is she with Andros?”
“No, she’s in Texas. I’m sure she can tell you more once she’s here.”
“Does she have a tournament?”
“Not exactly.”
Ruby nodded as she gazed around the room. “Why?”
“Why, what?” I asked as Lorna sat a mug of coffee down before me.
“Why are you helping my mom, and why did you help me? I keep thinking about Mr. Hillman.”
“I’m sorry you had to see that. I told you the reason; I’m a friend of your mother’s. I’ve known her—”
“Since before I was born,” Ruby interrupted. “How well?”
My lips came together as I reached for my coffee mug. “Ruby, I think we should wait for your mother. Madeline should be here to help everything make sense.”
Ruby pushed her mostly uneaten plate of food away and looked at me, really looked at me, her eyes searching mine. With each passing second, I longed to tell her the truth, to reach out and wrap my arms around her, to apologize for the years I’d missed while promising to not miss more.
“That cheek thing the doctor did yesterday. I’m not stupid. Are you my father?”
As soon as the question left her lips, the room around us grew deadly silent.
I wasn’t a fearful man. I faced death without batting an eye.