y I can’t be with them.
“What I’m about to tell you not even my sister knows. It has killed me to keep this from Mary, but I had no choice. My parents refused to let me tell Mary.”
Greg squeezed her hand. “Tell her what?”
“I was raped. God, I haven’t said those words for a very long time.”
Rage appeared on both their faces.
“Where is this bastard?” Grant’s tone left nothing to the imagination what he planned to do if he ever met up with her attacker.
“Dead. He died five years ago in prison of lung cancer. Maybe it’s cruel, but I’m glad he’s gone. It happened when I was just a teenager. My parents were hosting one of their many social events at our house. Mary was at a sleepover with one of her friends. The bastard was drunk and stumbled into our room. He was one of my parents’ important clients.” The horrific memory poured out of her. “It happened so fast. When I finally had the courage to tell my parents what had happened, they called the police. I actually was surprised. I hadn’t been sure if they would choose their practice over me. Still, their reaction at the news was so very cold. I wanted them to hold me and tell me everything was going to be okay. But they didn’t. That’s never been their way. The police officer, a complete stranger, who I gave my statement to, was warmer to me than my mother and father.”
Grant put his arm around her shoulder. “Go on, honey.”
“We’re here for you,” Greg said gently.
“After the asshole went to jail, I discovered I was pregnant. My parents shipped me off to a home for unwed mothers. Mary was told I was going to boarding school. I had the baby. I wanted to keep my little girl.” More tears fell. “I swear I did. But I was only sixteen when she was born. My parents would not support me keeping the baby. They made that very clear, saying it was in both our best interests that she be given up for adoption. Without my parents’ support, I had no way of caring for my baby. I never stopped begging and pleading with them to change their minds. They never budged. When I turned eighteen, I left and got a job. Every spare dime I’ve ever made has been to try to find my daughter. But the Clark & Thompson Adoption Agency in St. Louis keeps all their records confidential. None of the investigators I’ve hired have been able to find any leads. But I won’t stop. I can’t. I have to find her. I have to know she’s okay.”
Grant and Greg gave her a joint hug, and she sobbed in their embrace.
When she finally gained her composure again, she continued with her story. “I always wanted to tell Mary, but I never had the courage. I know I must tell her, but I have to wait for the right time.” She looked into their eyes and saw such compassion and understanding it melted her heart. “Now you know everything. As much as I wish I could take the leap of faith with you, I’m scared. I’m scared for the boys. If it was just the three of us exploring this unusual relationship, then it wouldn’t be an issue. But it’s not just us, is it? I’m not willing to take that risk, are you?”
“Sweetheart, there is no risk with us,” Grant said.
“He’s right,” Greg added. “We already know. You’re the one for us. There’s no doubt. I realize it’s a lot to ask you to come into our home and be a mother for four boys. But we knew right away at the Horseshoe when you brought Toby back to us. The way they took to you and the way you took to them—it was a perfect match.”
“I love them. I truly do. I would love being their mother. But how can I be sure about your feelings for me?”
“You’ve stolen my heart. There’s no other one for me but you.” Greg kissed her tenderly on the cheek. “Sweetheart, trust me, it’s not just about the boys with us, though their well-being is very important, too. But you’ve already proved how much you care for them.”
“And they are crazy for you. How can they not be?” Grant kissed her on the other cheek. “You’re the woman of my dreams.”
“My head is spinning.” She stood. “I need advice about all of this.”
Grant and Greg also stood. They had told her she was the woman of their dreams. They definitely were the men of her dreams, too.
“I want to talk to Mary.” Now that she’d finally opened up about losing her child, she knew she could finally open up to her sister about everything. It would be hard, but the load that she’d been carrying for so long would finally be lifted. “Can you understand that?”
“Of course we can,” Grant said.
Greg nodded. “Take all the time you need, sweetheart. We don’t mind waiting for you.”
* * * *
Grant stood next to Greg, watching Maude drive away. “Did we screw everything up with her, bro?”
“I don’t think so,” his brother answered. “We just need to give her time and space.”
“I agree. I could use a drink.”
“Took the words right out of my mouth.”
They went back inside and got out their favorite bottle of Scotch. They always cracked it open when they needed to talk with each other about anything serious. And winning Maude was the most serious endeavor they’d ever faced together.
He and Greg sat silently for a few minutes, allowing the warm, gold liquid to do its magic and relax them.
Greg broke the silence first. “Maude needs advice from her sister, and I think we could use some advice of our own.”