I let out a long, slow breath. “I’m not sure, yet. I thought we were building trust, but today just blindsided me.”
“Did she say why she hadn’t told you?”
“She didn’t know how to tell me—said she was working up to it. But you should see him. He’s the mirror image of me at that age.”
Chloe sniffs, then snorts and coughs while she laughs. “There are two of you in the world? Lord help us.”
“I came to you because I thought you’d be supportive.” I give her a small smile and shake my head.
She gives me a gentle smile. “I think it’s wonderful. I’m so sad we didn’t know about him until now, but if she’s had that rough a life, I can’t be mad at her.”
“That’s kind of how I feel. The last thing she needs while recovering from being married to this monster is me coming down hard on her.” I chew the inside of my cheek. “I’m not sure Noah would forgive me if I did. They’re obviously close.”
“Of course they are. You don’t survive something like that and not have it bring you together. Is there anything I can do?”
That’s so Chloe. She’s always had a soft heart, and I adore her for it.
“Be her friend? She’s so alone. She doesn’t say anything, but I see it.” I shift my gaze to the ceiling. “She has Noah and three other children who I haven’t met yet. But something tells me she could do with a friend.”
When I look back at my sister, her expression softens. “Easy. Why don’t we have a barbecue next Saturday and you bring them all over? Her children can meet mine, and whatever happens between you two, I’ll make sure that she’s not alone.”
“You would do that?”
“Of course.” She stands and gives me a quick hug. “You’re my big brother. If she’s important to you, then she’s important to me.”
“Thanks, Chloe.”
“You know you’re going to have to tell Mum and Dad.”
I chuckle. “Mum’s going to flip.”
“Not just about you having a son. She’ll love that Emma’s got other children, too.”
Mum and Dad adore Chloe’s children. I can’t imagine how they’ll feel when they find out they’ve got another grandchild.
“I think you need to go the gym and box this anger out. I’m not sure it’ll resolve it all, but it can’t hurt.”
She gives my hand a squeeze.
I meet her gaze. How is my sister younger than me and so wise? I sometimes forget how much she’s been through because she’s still sweetness, light, and all good advice.
“That’s not a bad idea. I’ll give Sean a call and see if he wants to hang out.”
Chloe smiles. “How is Sean?”
Sean’s been a good mate to me for years. We were teammates in a local rugby team for a few years, and if I wasn’t his wingman, he was mine.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen him. His law firm’s grown a lot—he always seems to have a lot of work on.”
“Then it’s a good idea. If he’s not available, call Hunter. I’m sure he’ll be keen on a few rounds.”
I nod. “I will. Thanks, Chloe.”
“Whoever thought all those years ago when you were getting sick of your younger sister hanging around that you’d be voluntarily spending time with her?” She laughs.
“I’m so glad I have you.”
“I’m glad to have you,” she says. “The move here would’ve been so much harder if I didn’t have you taking care of everything here. And I know I can always count on you.”
