Page 11 of The Feud

“Because I have to follow the law,” he replies, and while his expression is still kind, there’s a bit of authority in his tone. “And that means I have to place you with your legal guardian, which will be Mr. Blackburn if paternity is proven. But I promise to keep a close eye on your case. Mr. Blackburn has to prove he’s a fit father and can take care of you.”

Sylvie’s gaze cuts away from the judge to her grandfather and then back again. “You’re just going to trust he’s fit? Without making sure?”

“Your Honor,” Todd Gillam interrupts, and the judge doesn’t chastise him the way he’s done twice now to the Mardraggon attorney. “Might I suggest you, Sylvie and I have a private conversation? I think we understand your order and we can release Mr. Blackburn, Mr. Mardraggon and Mr. Rotenburg. Then perhaps we can have a candid discussion with Sylvie on how this might play out.”

“An excellent idea,” Judge Laudermilk booms.

Todd puts a hand on my shoulder and lowers his voice so no one else can hear. “I suggest you go get that paternity test and make your home ready for a little girl.”

Once again, the nerves crash through me as the reality of what is happening hits. I at least have the presence of mind to shake the judge’s hand before walking out. I ignore Lionel’s scowl. I want to say something reassuring to Sylvie, but I can feel the hostility radiating off her so I opt for a friendly smile before exiting the judge’s chambers.

Mind still spinning, I nearly run over my mother as I turn the corner in the hallway outside the courtroom. Hands going to her shoulders to keep her upright, I apologize. “Are you okay?”

“Ah, I’m made of stronger stuff than that,” she chastises, immediately putting a hand to my freshly shaven cheek. I normally have thick stubble, but today I felt the need to make a good impression. “How are ye feelin’, love? I know this has thrown ye for a loop.”

I’m not an overly warm and fuzzy guy, despite having deep love and affection from my parents and siblings my entire life. But my mom’s concern is touching. I rest my hand on hers and pull it away from my face, only to bring it to my lips to kiss the back of it. “Like you, I’m made of tougher stuff. I’ll figure it out.”

“Of that, I’ve no doubt. But we’ll sort it out together. As a family.”

CHAPTER 5

Ethan

“It’s Mr. Gillam,” Kat announces from her seat by the front window in the formal sitting room.

Her words cut through the silence, causing me to jerk slightly from my position at the mantel. Like the rest of the family has been doing, I’ve been quietly mulling over the upcoming events that will change all our lives. My nerves are frayed and have been that way since Todd Gillam called with the paternity results.

Because Sylvie is my exact replica, I wasn’t surprised to find out I’m her biological father. I’ll never admit it to anyone, but a slight fissure of disappointment ran through me upon learning the truth because I know that life is going to become infinitely more complicated. It’s not just the fact I have a surprise daughter out of the blue after nine years of secrecy, but she’s half Mardraggon and that is going to cause problems.

Moments later, the doorbell rings and my mother is there to welcome Sylvie’s attorney into the Blackburn home. She leads him into the formal room where introductions are made to the rest of the family and then she plies him with a cup of coffee.

Sitting on the edge of a dainty love seat, the attorney hands me a three-ring binder. “Everything you need to know about Sylvie, including all of her school and medical records. Please note she has a severe allergy to penicillin but otherwise is in perfect health. Alaine had boxes of stuff she’d saved over the years… things Sylvie has made in school or at home, photographs, et cetera. She wanted you to have them all for safekeeping and those are all in storage, but this binder has the most important stuff.”

History.

That’s what Todd Gillam is offering me. A story about my daughter’s life… years of memories, interesting tidbits and important facts that if I knew right now, I might have a tenuous thread with her. As it stands, I have nothing to offer other than a solid roof over her head and a determination to give her a good life.

Sylvie is due to arrive any moment, the Mardraggons insisting on dropping her off here. After the paternity results were registered with the court yesterday, Judge Laudermilk ordered that custody immediately be transferred to me from Lionel and Rosemund Mardraggon.

It’s all happening so fast and I’m not ready. Not just in a physical sense—setting up a room for her and registering her for school—but trying to figure out how being a single dad will work with my already hectic schedule. I need time to prepare emotionally. Having children has never been something I’ve considered. I’m not built for long-term relationships, which I’d have wanted if I were ever to have a child.

I accept the binder from Todd. “I met with Sylvie yesterday,” he says, his tone full of dire warning. “She’s not happy to be coming here.”

“I expected as much,” I reply cautiously.

“My suspicion is that her grandparents have been filling her head with things. Trying to poison her against you.”

“Typical,” Trey grumbles. He’s sitting in the other chair by the window next to Kat. My parents have settled on the couch and Wade paces back and forth near the bookcase. My entire family has been doing nothing the past few days but trying to figure out all the ways the Mardraggons are going to make life hell on us. One thing I know for sure—the Mardraggons will not care if Sylvie is an innocent bystander in this war.

I, however, refuse to let her be a pawn. That is of paramount importance, not because I know anything about being a dad, but I know a thing or two about doing what is right.

“As it stands,” Todd continues, “you’re under no obligation to let Sylvie see the Mardraggons. I expect they’ll petition for that right soon enough but until such time occurs, I would keep her solidly under your guidance and protection and remove any outside influence. It’s what Alaine wanted.”

“That’s what I don’t understand,” Kat says, shifting in her chair and crossing one leg over the other. She has lessons lined up starting in about half an hour, so she’s dressed to hit the barn, just as Trey and Wade are. I’m taking the day off, though, because I need to get to know Sylvie. “Why did Alaine want Sylvie with Ethan and not her family? By all accounts, she was close with her parents and her brother, Gabe.”

“I’m not at liberty to disclose the conversations I’ve had with either Alaine or Sylvie.” Todd looks around the room at everyone in turn. “I’ll only say that while Alaine was a Mardraggon through and through, she ultimately wanted a different environment for her daughter.”

Kat snorts. “One filled with love, which is a concept the Mardraggons know nothing about.”

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