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If he is dead, I’m even more pathetic. I resent a man who can’t defend himself. That makes me pitiful, doesn’t it?
“Wait until you have your own children, and you’ll understand. Now, let’s focus on the buildings since you insist on being a part of this amazing scheme.”
Her phone rings, and she groans.
“Let it go to voicemail.”
She snorts. “Yeah, Pa will send the National Guard if I do something like that.”
“Hey, Pa, what can I do for you on this lovely day? Is our boy already born?” She nods, shakes her head, and smiles. “Of course, we can make that happen. You should’ve mentioned it last night, so I could’ve started planning it… That makes sense. Well, I’ll call Teddy, who loves to organize parties, so she can help me.”
She smiles. “Do you think Dad is going to like…? Well, he’s your husband. You know him better than me. Yep. I’ll take all the credit or blame you if he doesn’t love it.”
She laughs. “Love you too, Pa. I’ll make sure to be home before the due date unless you call me with the surprise that our little boy decided to arrive before it was time.”
“Everything okay?” I ask after she hangs up, a little puzzled by the fact that her father has a husband.
“Yeah, Pa wants us to organize a surprise birthday party for Dad.”
I’m puzzled by her family, and I have to ask. “So, your mom and dad are divorced, and you call your stepfather Pa?”
“Nope. It’s a lot less complicated than that.” She gives me a suspicious look. “Should I make you sign an NDA, Derek Yates Farrow?”
“If you need to, but I’m discreet. When you’re part of a wealthy family, you learn to keep your mouth shut at all times. Add that I was a SEAL, and I’m practically a safe-deposit box for secrets.”
She studies me. Is she wondering if she can confide in me?
“My full name is Piper Bradley CoopersonDecker.” The way she emphasizes the last name turns the wheels inside my head on. She clears her throat. “I’m the daughter of Matthew Decker, Aggie Levitz, and Tristan Cooperson.”
The first thing that clicks is the famous last name. “So, you’re a Decker?”
She places a finger on her lips. “That’s a secret, and no one should ever know it. If anyone ever finds out, I lose my freedom.”
“It stays with me. So, your parents are a throuple?”
“Yeah, and we call Matt, Pa, and Tristan, Dad, to avoid confusion.”
No wonder she didn’t judge me when I told her about my past relationships. She was understanding. “That’s interesting.”
“Why would you say that?”
“You’re music royalty, but you don’t use the status to push either one of your careers.” Then I arch an eyebrow. “Is it safe to say that Grace is also a Decker?”
Piper smirks. “That’s her secret, not mine. We enjoy what we do but would hate to be in the spotlight because we’re related to Chris Decker. Don’t get us wrong, we adore Grandpa Chris, but people can be very intense when it comes to our family. Thankfully we both have the Bradley genes, so no one ever thinks we’re related to anybody famous.”
I bet there are many stories about how being a Decker isn’t what everyone believes. I won’t press now, and if she ever wants to tell me more, I’m here for her. If only we could have more than just a friendship.
Why is life so fucking unfair?
Before I think more about us, I concentrate on her family. “Wait, is she your cousin or your sister?”
“We’re cousins. Her dad is Mom’s brother, and her mom is Dad’s sister.” She points at the building pictures on her desk. “Now that you’re privy to some Decker family tea, let’s continue with our project. Then we can talk about the new hires. I feel like they’re working well, but I want your opinion.”
Everyone seems to be perfect for their roles. I like that we’re going to buy another building to give our patients more space. We haven’t discussed what she wants to do with the Washington practice, but knowing her, it’ll be a slow process. Piper seems bold and unafraid, but what many don’t know is that she plans for months or years before she even mentions that she wants to do something.
That gives me a smidge of hope for our future. Archer, whatever his fucking last name is, will become part of her past, and I’ll be here next to her.
How long will it take her to finally admit he’s never coming back?
