Page 69 of The Addendum

“Yes, the girls are playing together,” Jaxson said with a grin. “Well, Kylie is bossing her littler cousin around, more like it.”

I chuckled. “She’s not that bad. They play well together.”

“I still don’t know why you asked us to come alone,” Gracie said, her voice worried.

“No great mystery there. Mom and I needed some privacy with you to talk.”

“That’s what makes this so freaking scary,” she muttered and headed to the kitchen.

I looked at Jaxson, who shrugged. “I told you earlier, she’s emotional. She was when she was pregnant with Kylie, and this time, it’s a bit worse.” He put his hand on my shoulder. “Be prepared.”

I had met with Jaxson earlier and told him. His eyebrows had flown up in shock, and he had been silent for a moment.

“Ashley? Luc’s girl?” He paused. “Is your daughter?” He repeated slowly.

“Yes.”

“And you just found out?”

“The DNA test confirmed it yesterday.”

“Jesus, Richard. And she confronted you after the wedding?”

“Yeah.” I ran a hand through my hair. “She was pretty angry.”

“What is it with weddings and this family?” he mused. “Gracie and me. Now you and Ashley. Drama.” He pursed his lips. “Common denominator here is you—the father.”

I appreciated his attempt at levity.

“What can I say? We love drama.”

He chuckled, then became serious. “Obviously, this has been stressful. Katy okay?”

“She’s amazing. Supportive. Understanding.”

“And you?”

“I’m a fucking mess.”

“And you’re telling me first because you’re worried about Gracie’s reaction.”

“Yes.”

“You really didn’t know?” he asked quietly.

“No.”

“Then she’ll come to terms with it. I’ll stand by you—and her.”

“Thanks, Jaxson.”

“Favorite son-in-law now?”

“Meh. I suppose.”

“Excellent.” Then he clapped his hand on my back. “It’s going to be fine, Richard.” He paused. “Eventually.”

Somehow those words didn’t bring me any comfort.