As he had with her, Micki recalled. Each and every time.
His father nodded, relieved. "Well that's something "
Her uncle had said the same thing.
"Maybe the condom broke," Rhonda offered.
"Three kids, only thirteen months apart. You ought to know," Marissa said.
"Leave your sister alone," Marissa's husband Dan said, jumping in only to call his wife off. "Ours are eighteen months apart so I don't know why you're giving Rhonda a hard time," he said with a wry smile.
Ronnie snickered.
Marissa nudged her husband in the side. "Spoilsport." But she spoke in a teasing tone.
Micki couldn't suppress a smile at the byplay among the family members. She, Annabelle and Sophie could always go at one another given the slightest provocation but at the heart of all the needling in her family was a basic love and respect. Micki sensed the same thing here.
"Girls," Adrienne said, clapping her hands. "Dan's right. Now's not the time to tease each other. We've got important issues to deal with."
"Your mother's right. Now's the time to rally around your brother." Mike walked over and placed an arm around Damian's shoulder in a sign of unwavering support.
Obviously it didn't matter how bad his children's sins, Damian's father would always forgive them. Just like Uncle Yank who'd flown to Florida in a heartbeat to be with Micki. Who'd have thought her untraditional family and Damian's had so much in common?
"When will you have answers?" Brenda asked.
"I have an appointment with Gary Kernan tomorrow to get the rundown on testing. I promise to fill you in as soon as I know something."
Ronnie reached for her brother's hand. "Gary and his partners delivered all our kids. He's the best."
"And you can trust him to be honest and discreet."
Brenda's husband Steve chose his moment to add to the conversation.
Micki also picked up on the love and respect between Damian's parents as well as between his sisters and their husbands. He truly did have the best role models for happy relationships, she thought. Yet he'd backed away from forming any of his own in favor of focusing solely on his career.
It was something she'd analyze further later, but for now, since Damian had chosen to bring her here, she was going to do her best to help the family deal with the crisis.
"Excuse me," Micki said.
"Yes?" Damian's mother asked. "You've been so quiet until now. What's on your mind?"
Micki smiled. "I was hoping I could give you all a quick PR course before we leave tonight," Micki offered. "Because Damian won't be the only one who's going to get cornered or pestered for answers."
All of the Fuller family's eyes turned her way.
"We're happy to hear anything Damian's publicist and friend has to say." Adrienne seemed to welcome her with her warm gaze and soft voice.
"Okay then. Just a few helpful hints in case the press gets ahold of you,"
"We’ve all been screening our calls with caller ID," Brenda said.
Micki stood and took center stage among Damian's family. She was used to public speaking but in this case she felt scrutinized in a more personal way. No doubt his sisters wondered about the true nature of her relationship with their brother, but there was nothing Micki could do about it. Damian's recent exploits would cause many people to wonder. It was something he'd have to live with. Something she'd have to ignore now.
"Screening calls won't stop a determined reporter from accosting you in the supermarket or while you're taking the kids into dance class. But you have a few strategies at your disposal.”
"Such as?" Damian's mother asked.
Micki held up one finger. "There's the old 'no comment' and keep walking." She raised a second finger in the air. 'There's the redirect in which you just tell them to call your brother's publicist and hand out my card that I'll leave with you all." She paused and lifted a third finger to join the other two. Or you can just tell them to go away or you'll call the police and report them for harassment, especially if they're bothering you when the kids are around."