I blew out a breath. “I guess it’s a good thing I engaged the recorder when she came into my office.”
Connor might have responded if not for my son who ran into my home office.
“Uncle Connor,” he yelled and wrapped himself around my brother’s leg. Connor scooped him up. “Are you eating with us?”
Connor looked at me and I said, “If he wants to.”
“What are we having?” he asked Gabe.
Gabe rattled off the menu.
“Absolutely,” Connor said to my son before setting him back on his feet.
When he smiled at my brother, I felt the familial bonds tug at me, something I didn’t have growing up.
Gabe ran over to me and climbed in my lap.
“Are we making deals?” Gabe asked me.
Griffin laughed. “Like father, like son.”
“We’re making dollars,” Gabe said proudly before glancing back at me. “Or is it pounds?”
I smiled. This boy was my entire world. “Both. All money is good.”
“But Scottish money is best,” my son announced.
“Aye.”
“Aye, aye,” Griffin agreed.
That might not technically be true, but I wanted my son to be proud of his heritage.
Connor chimed in, “You do know your da is American, right?”
Gabe looked at me for confirmation. “I told you I was born here,” I said.
“But Grandma is Scottish, right?” I nodded. “And you’re Scottish?” he asked Griffin.
“Born and bred,” Griffin answered.
“And you’re American, Uncle Connor?”
“Yes, but my mom is Irish.”
“Irish?” Gabe asked, his nose wrinkling. “We’re better at football, right, Da?”
Elspeth, my son’s nanny, came in. “Dinner is ready. Come, Gabe, and wash yer hands.”
Gabe scooted off my lap and followed Elspeth out.
A few seconds later, Connor spoke up. “Did I ever mention how hot she is?”
“Leave her be, Connor. She’s had enough trouble in her life without having to deal with the likes of you.”
Connor acted pained. “I would never.”
“Those three words have never been true out of your mouth.”
Griffin laughed. “Leave the lass alone.”
Connor shrugged. “Back to why I’m here. Dad is expecting you. With everything going on, he expects you to be there.”
My time in the shadows had come to an end. It had been decided for me to make a very public appearance. My father had even chosen my date for the evening. I was never more grateful that Bailey was home. A place that didn’t have TVs and such. Maybe she wouldn’t find out about my night out before I had a chance to explain.
Eleven
My stomach continued its warpath as I made my way to the square after working on the books that afternoon. It was potluck night on council meeting nights. On these occasions the food would be plentiful. Every family brought at least one dish. There would be more than enough to choose from. Dinner would be served in the town hall.
Spotting my father, I headed in his direction with a folder of the information he needed to start the elders’ meeting. The sun was just visible on the horizon. Thankfully, I wasn’t late. When he spotted me, it was the first time since I arrived back home I saw approval on his face.
Before I could reach him, I was stopped by Turner stepping into my path. He didn’t know that I needed to get this information into my father’s hands before I could breathe again. The need to please Father was like a pressing weight I didn’t think I’d ever overcome.
“We need to talk,” Turner insisted. He didn’t give me time to answer. “Because it feels like you’re going to run again.”
“No,” I said softly, closing my eyes to the emotion that hit me every time I was near him. “I just have to get these numbers to my father.” I raised the folder as proof.
He ran a hand through his brown hair and nodded before he stepped out of my way. I gave Turner a smile before I found a scowl on my father’s face. I sighed, because I was starting to wonder if a hotel would have been a better hiding place than coming home.
“Here,” I said to my father, handing him the ledger.
“Remember, everything you do, doesn’t just reflect on you, but the whole family.”
“I know, but Father—”
He halted like he’d been ready to bolt.
“I need to use the computer.”
The computer was locked away in the offices on the second floor of the community center.
His eyes narrowed on me.
“I need to check on word from my job in case they need something from me.”
The real reason was I wondered if official word had come through about my future as an employee.
He reached into his pocket and handed me the keys. With that, he marched off like he couldn’t stand to be in my presence. I sighed, feeling trapped between two worlds.
I headed there straightaway. After logging in to my email, I found I had two. The first was the formal letter from Human Resources placing me on leave. The second was from Kalen. There were two lines.