Page 93 of The Bonus

“How do you have the energy to cook a three-course meal for me every night?”

“Looking after you is my favorite thing to do.”

My heart sinks. “We need to talk.”

She smiles and goes up onto her toes to kiss me. “I know, but first the suits.” She takes me by the hand and leads me to a stool by the kitchen counter where I sit down. “Now, I know that you wanted the black…”

I stare at her as I pretend to listen, but my mind returns to Gracie in the bank. Cut the bullshit, Grace. Do you have something to tell me?

The tears welled in her eyes, and by the look on her face, I instantly knew it was true.

The way it put a hole in my heart.

How could she have done this? How could she have hidden my own children from me for six years? My mind returns to us in the shower that night, naked and kissing in each other’s arms.

The level of intimacy that ran between us was like nothing I’ve experienced before or since.

I grieved for her for years, and to think that… I get a lump in my throat.

She had my babies the entire time.

“Gabriel?”

I glance up with no idea what Ariana has been saying. “I’m sorry?”

“Are you not listening to me at all?”

“Forgive me, I’m… Busy day.”

“What did you have to tell me?” she asks.

She looks up at me with her big brown trusting eyes.

Tell her.

“I…”

Do it.

“I have to go away for work tomorrow.”

“Oh,” she replies. “How long will you be gone?”

“A few days.”

“Okay.” She smiles. “Do you want me to come?”

“No.” I sip my wine. “I’ll be working the whole time,” I lie.

“So anyway, back to the suits.” She changes the subject and once again my mind goes back to the unfolding catastrophe.

My life is a mess.

Grace

The sound of their cries echoes through the silence, wings flap against the water as they take off.

A bird in flight is a beautiful thing.

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