Lottie gave a slight nod. ‘I believe he’s family. I believe you.’
‘Why?’ was all Beth could think to say.
Samuel smiled. ‘Part from the fact he’s Lottie’s double, we’ve got to know you, and we’re struggling to believe you’re a liar.’
Beth warmed at their trust. ‘Thank you, and I want you to know I didn’t lie. I looked up online testing places, and during my search, I discovered results can sometimes be wrong. Labscan make mistakes, but so can the person who performed the test. Anyway, I want you to know I’ve ordered five testing kits from different places, all fast delivery. Should arrive first thing. I want to carry out the tests myself.’
‘In case Spencer messed it up,’ said Samuel.
‘Oh, I know someone messed something up, because there is no way anyone else can be Archie’s father. It’s just not possible.’
Lottie moved forward. ‘I do believe you, Beth, but my brother is all over the place right now. When he calms down, he’ll see what’s staring him in the face, and these new tests will help settle him, I’m certain.’
‘Do you think you can get him to do more tests?’
Lottie nodded. ‘I think it’s for the best. Like you said, things can go wrong. If you like, we can do the tests at my house. Neutral ground, and all that. I can do them with you both watching, if that helps.’
‘Thanks, we can do that. And I just want you to know I’m not mad at Spencer for not believing me. I was just thrown by it all. I’m annoyed he didn’t speak to me about this though. I’m not sure why he thought he couldn’t.’
‘He thought it might upset you,’ said Lottie.
‘Did you know?’
‘I knew he considered the idea after a friend of his told him a paternity horror story, but I didn’t know he had gone through with it. I guess it must have niggled at him.’ Lottie clenched her fists. ‘Ooh, I’ve a good mind to sue that DNA place.’
‘Spencer could have easily contaminated part of the procedure. As soon as I read about it, I knew more testing was in order to help him see that. Also, it helps if the mum takes a test too, which, obviously, I didn’t,’ said Beth.
‘We’ll get this sorted, Beth.’ Lottie offered a warm smile.
Beth sighed. ‘I think if the next five tests come back negative, I need to see a doctor to find out if there’s another way, because Archieisyour nephew.’
Lottie bobbed her head. ‘I know, Beth. Truly, I believe you, and I’m so sorry this has happened. I can only imagine how awful you must feel. But please know, we’re on your side, and not because I want you and Archie to be our family, but because I believe in my heart of hearts you are.’
‘I really appreciate that. Thank you.’ Beth took a slow and steady breath. Lottie and Samuel both had kind eyes, and she was so grateful for their friendship and their trust.
Lottie nodded. ‘Come straight over as soon as the tests arrive.’
‘I wish we had them now.’
‘Me too, for my brother’s sake mostly. He’s in so much pain right now.’
‘He won’t speak to me, but please tell him I’m not lying.’
Lottie raised her chin defiantly. ‘Oh, I will. There’s one thing you have to learn about Spencer. He can be his own worst enemy at times. I’ll not take any of his stubbornness, not when I know it’s for his own good.’
‘He should have a clearer head by morning,’ said Samuel, looking hopeful.
Beth smiled at them. ‘I’d do anything to prove I’m not lying. Even if Spencer didn’t want to be with me, I want him to know Archie is his son. I know the tests won’t hurt my son. It’s the results I’m worried about, after the last one.’
‘There was obviously some sort of glitch,’ said Lottie. ‘And by this time next week, that will be proven.’
‘I do hope so, because I honestly have no idea what to do if every test in the world doesn’t match father and son.’
‘It’ll be all right, Beth.’ Lottie raised her hands. ‘I’ll do the tests in front of you both, and we can all see that each and everystep of the process is done correctly. I’ll sterilize the table, wash my hands four times over, make sure everything is super clean. Nothing will go wrong.’
Beth breathed out a small laugh, not really finding anything funny. ‘Let’s hope not.’
‘I’ll try to get him to call you tonight.’ Lottie glanced at Samuel, who smiled her way.
