“That’s not your call. I’m surprised at you, Serena. We raised you better than that.”
I hated disappointing my father, but I’d do that before I risked Andrew’s happiness. “What if she shuns him?”
“What if she did?”
“What if he fought for custody?”
He flinched and inhaled a deep breath. “A father has rights, Serena. It’s not fair to him or Andrew. It’s not your choice to make. He has to know and the chips fall where they may. And if there’s a fight, we’ll help you. The Roarkes have money and influence, but they also have a reputation they’d like to keep clean. It won’t look good that his mother offered you money.”
“They’d have to believe her,” I said, knowing I couldn’t fight them.
“If you think he’s like his mother, why did you invite him to this house?” He sat in his chair again.
“I don’t think he’s like his mom.”
“So let him deal with her.”
“But he might be angry.”
He sighed. “Honey, love is a bitch, no doubt about it. But lying to him is wrong. He deserves to know and you have to accept whatever happens.”
/>
“I don’t want to lose him.” Tears filled my eyes. I knew what my father was saying was right, but I wanted to hold on to this fantasy longer.
“Andrew or Devin.”
I looked my father in the eyes. “Either.”
My father moved to sit next to me. “I wish I could promise you that he’ll handle the news well but I can’t. Whatever happens, your mom and I are here for you and Andrew. You know that, right?”
I nodded and rested my head on his shoulder.
“Serena? What’s wrong?” my mother said entering the room.
“Mommy are you sad?”
I quickly sat up and wiped my eyes. “No. Just tired, baby. Come on, let's get you home and into a bath.”
“Why doesn’t the boy stay here with us tonight?” my father said. I knew he was suggesting I go hunt Devin down to tell him about Andrew, but I wasn’t ready.
“Not tonight.”
“What’s going on?” My mother looked from me to my father. Knowing he’d tell her, and she’d be equally as disappointed in me, I didn’t answer.
I took Andrew’s hand and led him to the door. “Say goodnight to Grandma and Grandpa.”
“G’nite.”
I hurried out before my father could hook me into staying.
The next morning, my mother sent Andrew to the kitchen when I dropped him off.
“Is it true? Devin is his father?” she said in a low tone.
“Mom, I can’t talk about this now. I’m going to be late for work.”
“Serena!” Her terse voice stopped me in my tracks. “Don’t brush me off.”