Ethan’s remark was a hit Paul didn’t see coming.
“Now that’s a really bad idea.” Paul trusted that he could keep his attraction hidden for another week or two, but pretending she was his first cousin wasn’t a long-term solution. In fact, it was more like endless hell. “We can’t keep lying to the whole family about her being Ava’s daughter.”
“About that...” Ethan stared out the windows that overlooked his expansive back lawn. “We’re no longer lying to the whole family.”
Ethan’s statement was a streaking comet along Paul’s nerve endings. “What does that mean?”
“It means that Mom ran into Taylor English the other day and she had a lot of questions about how Lia’s mom came to adopt her.”
“Do you think Taylor suspects that Lia’s not Ava’s daughter?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. Mom shared her concerns with Dad and he was worried. So...” A muscle flexed in Ethan’s jaw. “I told Dad the truth.”
“Damn it, Ethan.”
“He suggested running another DNA test,” his brother retorted in a reasonable tone that Paul found irritating. “And I was able to explain what we’re doing and why. It took some convincing, but I reminded Dad that Grady was on the verge of slipping away from us before he started believing his granddaughter had returned.”
Paul sputtered through a string of curses, until the revelation of what Ethan had not said sank in. “He knows we lied about Lia, but he hasn’t told anyone?”
“He hasn’t told Grady,” Ethan said, his precise wording catching Paul’s attention. “But I’m guessing he told Mom.”
“And his sister?”
“I don’t think so,” Ethan said. “Can you imagine Aunt Lenora keeping that secret to herself? She might be able to avoid letting it slip with Uncle Wiley, but she talks to the twins about everything.”
“Okay.” Paul rubbed his temple where a dull ache had developed. “So, you explained the plan to Dad and he was willing to keep Lia’s true identity a secret?”
“For a few days.” Ethan finished his beer and set it aside. “So you can see why it’s probably not a good idea to ask Lia to stay longer.”
“Just one more week can’t hurt,” Paul said, convinced he couldn’t make a decision about Lia in a few days. “I’ll talk to Dad.”
Ethan looked doubtful. “You should also check with Lia. She’s pretty keen to get back on the road.”
“Speaking of that,” Paul said. “I think we should revisit how much we’re paying her.”
Ethan studied him for a long moment before nodding. “Okay. But I thought you believed she was only in it for the money.”
Paul made a dismissive gesture. “That was before I got to know her better.”
“How much better?” Ethan demanded, his eyes narrowing.
“Well enough,” Paul retorted, unwilling to expound on the time he’d spent in Lia’s company. He pivoted the conversation back to something he was comfortable discussing. “She can’t leave town without a truck to pull her camper. I’ve been thinking that our grandfather’s health is worth a whole lot more than a brand-new truck, don’t you?”
“Okay. Let’s get her a truck with all the bells and whistles.” Ethan got off the couch and headed for the beverage cooler. “Just don’t be surprised when she decides against sticking around longer after she has the means to leave.”
Ethan’s warning plunged deep into the heart of what had been bothering Paul for days. He didn’t want Lia to disappear out of his life. The free-spirited nomad had entangled him in her quirky web of metaphysical nonsense and selfless generosity. Where he kept to himself and focused on business, she told fortunes, spread joy and showered positive energy on everyone she met.
He had yet to decide if being complete opposites would work for or against their romantic future. Since meeting her, Paul had begun noticing the concerns of those around him. He’d spent more time with his family in the last week than he had in the last few months. While he’d done so initially in order to keep an eye on Lia, as his suspicions about her faded, he’d realized how much he enjoyed interacting with his family.
“Do you think the lack of a vehicle is the only thing keeping her in Charleston?” Paul asked.
“That’s always been the impression she’s given me.” Ethan paused and regarded Paul with raised eyebrows. “Has she indicated that she’s ready to give up the road?”
“No.” And that was the problem. “But you’ve known her longer. I thought perhaps she’d mentioned what it would take for her to settle down.”
Ethan hit him with an odd look. “Why are you so interested?”
“It’s just...”