My mom’s gaze slides over to Stephanie, and for a brief second I can see the annoyance in her features. My mom rarely lets her true feelings show. Even though she formally stepped down from her duties shortly after my father passed away, she’s still the Queen of Lexenburg and she takes her role seriously, always remaining poised and neutral.
“As I’m sure you’ve both guessed, Jasmine is my daughter.”
“Alleged,” Stephanie adds. “We’ll need to schedule a paternity test. For all we know that woman is lying and—”
“That woman’s name is Natalie and she wouldn’t lie.” I might’ve only known her for a short time, but I know she wouldn’t lie. I can feel it in my gut.
“Yes, a paternity test will be required,” Mom agrees. Then she adds, “But she’s your daughter. I could see it in her face the second I laid eyes on her. How old is she?”
“Five,” I admit. “She just turned five in June.”
Mom frowns. “I’m assuming you didn’t know about her…”
“No, of course not.” Had I known, she and Natalie both would’ve been a part of my life. “I met Natalie during my trip to the States.”
Mom’s eyes widen knowingly.
“I left abruptly when Dad passed away. She didn’t know who I was and had no way to contact me. I went back to ask her to go with me, but she thought I left and so she left and…” I sigh. “We just missed each other and because of that, I’ve missed out on five years of my daughter’s life.”
“This is absurd,” Stephanie cuts in. “Many children have blue eyes and dimples. What do you even know about this woman? She could be setting you up. You met her in the U.S., for God’s sake,” she spits. “She could be anyone. You can’t just trust her word.”
“I can and I do,” I tell her in a tone leaving no room for argument.
“A paternity test will still need to be performed,” Mom says. “She was conceived out of wedlock.”
“I know, but I don’t need one to know she’s mine.”
Stephanie huffs. “This is going to be a PR nightmare.”
“My daughter is never to be referred to as a nightmare. Understood?” I give her a pointed look. “She and Natalie will both be staying here in the Garden Estate with me for the next few weeks so we can get to know each other.” I consider leaving it at that but decide to throw all my cards on the table. There’s no point in hiding my hand. “My goal is to convince them to stay… for good.”
Mom’s brows hit her hairline and Stephanie gasps.
“Are you implying your goal is to marry this woman?” Mom asks.
“Yes,” I tell her honestly. “Had Dad not had his heart attack, I would’ve asked her to join me here. I know we have a lot of catching up to do, but I believe she’s the one.”
Mom knows better than to take my words lightly. I’ve never mentioned any woman in this regard. And it’s because of Natalie. Because of what I felt when I was with her. No woman ever measured up to the way she made me feel.
“You don’t know her!” Stephanie hisses. “She could be anyone. A con artist, out for your money. We need to have a background check done. The people are going to want—”
“Enough,” I say, cutting her off. “I do know her, and I have every intention to get to know her further. Right now, nobody is to know anything. This is a private matter and will remain private until I say otherwise.” I’m going to have to find out how much of Natalie’s past is public knowledge, so I can bury it. I won’t allow her past to taint our present or future. I know she’s more than a woman who worked at that bordello and I won’t let anyone be blinded by that small part of her life.
“Now, I need you to get the estate decorator out here. Jasmine will be selecting her room and it’ll need to be turned into a room fit for a princess. I’ll also need to reschedule any of my commitments for the next few weeks. Unless it’s vital, cancel or reschedule it.” Stephanie gawks at me like I’ve grown two heads. “I’m going to need you to contact the Lexenburg Gardens to schedule a private tour, as well as Saint Philipp’s church. My daughter wants to visit both, and I’ll be accompanying her.” The bridge is too public, so that’ll have to wait, but the other two I can make happen.
“William, as your advisor…”
“As my assistant, those are the things I need you to do.”
With a huff, she exits the room, leaving my mom and me alone.
“Now that she’s gone, care to tell me the entire story?” Mom says.
I sigh, running my palms over my face. “Where to begin…”