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“No, he didn’t tell me. About six years ago a gentleman from England came to see me. He claimed he was my brother and that I had been named in the will of his father. Apparently, my biological father had a guilty conscience about abandoning your grams.”
Lucas ran his hand over his face and let out a mumbled curse. “Dad, I just found out only a few days ago. Granddad said you didn’t know and asked us not to tell you.”
“I know. I never told him about the visit. I had been willed some land in Scotland. Apparently dear ol’ Dad was a lord or a duke or some bullshit. I informed them that I didn’t want anything and that it belonged to their family. We went about having it legally turned over to my half-brother. He’s a nice guy. We’ve kept in touch over the years, as friends. I didn’t tell your granddad. I figured he and Grams had their reasons. But it was never lost on me how much you looked like William, Paige. The connection the two of you shared. It’s a small town, rumors still got around. No one will say it, but everyone knows Dad gave up his son that his first wife had the night she passed way.”
A tear ran down my cheek. “Does my father know?” I asked.
Carl rubbed the back of his neck. “He’s heard the rumors. We grew up together and people talked, but we both ignored it. I think deep down your granddad knew we both knew. Phillip adored William, and William adored him. Just like he adored you, Paige.”
Lucas paced across the room. “This is so fucked up. Why didn’t Paige and I hear any of these rumors? Y’all didn’t think to say anything to us? If you and Phillip knew why William left the house to us like he did, why the hell didn’t you say anything? Why make us find out like that?”
He shrugged and gave us a half-smirk. “I think your granddad wanted you both to go on that adventure together, the one you never got to go on with each other. He’s probably laughing as we speak.”
I could see that Lucas didn’t find any of this funny. He shook his head and walked out of the store.
Carl looked at me, and I pulled in a deep breath before letting it go. “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster the last few days.”
He chuckled. “I can only imagine. May I give you a piece of advice, Paige?”
I nodded. “Yes, please.”
“Let the past go. None of what happened two years ago, or even ten, is going to change your future. You decide the path you’re going to take. I see the way the two of you look at each other. Everyone has seen it from the first time you walked hand in hand up the pathway to that house. Be there for each other. Stop and listen to your concerns, fears, dreams. And most important of all, follow your heart. It will always lead you home.”
My chin trembled as I attempted not to release my sobs. The words of two different Foster men felt like they had pierced into my soul and instantly grounded me.
Nothing else in this world mattered but being home. And home wasn’t a house. Or a job. It was him.
Lucas was and would forever be…home.
Paige
I LOCKED THE store and turned to face Carl and Jen. “He left?” I asked Jen. She gave me a sympathetic smile and nodded.
“He said he was heading to the ranch to fix a fence for you, Carl.”
With a hearty laugh, Carl pulled me in for a hug, then kissed me on the forehead. “The boy always did take to hard labor to work out his anger.”
I echoed his smile with one of my own. “I remember.”
“Stop by. I’ll have Lynn make us some dinner.”
“I will after I run home and change. Can you get me your estimate for the front of the shop if I draw up some ideas?”
He nodded. “The building is in great shape. I think if you purchase it, you’d be making a wise investment.”
“I agree,” Jen said.
There was no way I could contain my smile. “I’m going to put in an offer, but I know the bank will want to see a business plan. I can have one written up quickly once I get the bids in.”
“We can chat at dinner, maybe then you can give me your vision.”
Reaching up on my toes, I kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”
He winked, then turned to Jen. “I’ll see you girls around. I need to run a few other errands.”
We watched as Carl made his way to his truck. Once he was in and pulled out, I faced Jen. “Am I crazy?”
“Do you really want me to answer that?”
“Yes,” I said, wrapping my arm around hers as we made our way to the car.
