Page 117 of Mistaken Intention

“No,” Hunter says, shaking his head. “As far as I know, that was a first for you. The way you told us the story was that you were drunk and forgot to use a condom. You said Lexi was on birth control, but she’d been sick, so it hadn’t worked.”

Drew looks up at his brother. “I told you that? You and Ella?”

“No. You told me, and Ella… and Livia.”

Drew’s eyes widen. “And Livia?”

“Yeah. You were in shock. Lexi had only just broken the news to you. I don’t think you knew what you were saying.”

“Lexi told me the same thing, Drew.” He looks back at me. “She was fearful that you’d think she’d either been lying about the birth control, or that she’d gotten sick on purpose, or something. I pointed out that you could’ve used a condom, and she said you were both a little drunk… that it hadn’t been top of your list of priorities.” I can feel myself blush, but I owe him details… and a lot more besides.

Drew sighs. “What made her change her mind… about telling me, I mean?”

“I did.”

He frowns. “You did?”

“Yes. I knew it would mean the end of any hope for us, but I couldn’t deny you the right to be a father to your child, knowing that, even if we got together, that was the one thing I could n—never give you.” My voice cracks, although there’s nothing I can do about that.

His eyes darken, and he steps closer, facing me. I might have hoped for kindness, given what I’ve just said, but there’s none in his face. Instead, I’m looking at nothing but unbridled rage. “How can you say that?” I cower against his thunderous voice and Hunter grabs his arm. Drew shakes him off, his anger getting the better of him. “How can you say you couldn’t deny me the right to be a father to my child when you’ve been doing precisely that ever since the accident?”

“It wasn’t just Josie who did that,” Hunter says, putting himself between us, protecting me from his brother’s fury. “That was my decision, too. So, if you wanna get mad at someone, get mad at me.”

“I am mad at you.”

“Fine. Carry on. Don’t let me stop you if it makes you feel better. But are you honestly suggesting we should have let you look after Maisie? You think you’ve been in a fit state to do that? Caring for a baby is a full-time job, and it’s damn hard work. You’ve been recovering from the accident while trying to figure out who you are. Do you really think you could have factored Maisie into that?”

“No, but that’s not the point.”

“Then what is?” Hunter raises his voice, exasperated.

“That you kept herexistencefrom me. Can’t you see?”

“Of course we can,” I say, stepping out from behind Hunter, so I’m standing beside him, looking up at Drew. “We’re not inhuman, you know? This hasn’t been easy for either of us.”

He shakes his head at me. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize this was all about you.”

“Oh, grow up, will you?” Hunter says, standing up to his full height.

“Drew, please.” I reach out and touch his arm, but he pulls back and tears fill my eyes. “How do you think I felt when I told you I can’t have children? Do you think I enjoyed telling you that, knowing you already have a child of your own, but that being parents is something we can never share? It’s been difficult for Hunter, too. And for Livia. These weren’t decisions we took lightly… believe me. Keeping things from you hurt us, too. But we were just doing what we were told, and what we believed was best for you. The doctor said we couldn’t tell you about your past. He said it might harm your recovery if we revealed things you weren’t ready for.”

“Do I look like I’m ready now?”

“No. If you want me to be honest, the way you’re reacting is evidence that the doctor was probably right. Finding out hasn’t done you any favors… especially not in this way, with all the information coming at you in an avalanche. I was supposed to manage your recovery, and I’ve failed dismally.”

I step back, but Hunter reaches out and grabs my arm just above the wrist. “You haven’t failed, Josie. This is no-one’s fault. You couldn’t foresee that scene with your step-father. No-one could have seen that coming.”

“No, but it was going to unravel anyway, even before he arrived.”

Hunter frowns. “It was?”

“Yes. Drew had worked out that Maisie isn’t yours.” I turn to him. “Hadn’t you?”

“Yes,” Drew says.

Hunter looks at his brother. “How?”

“Because you told me you and Livia discussed having a baby for the first time just a few weeks before your wedding. Then Josie told me you and Livia have only been married sinceFebruary. It was a simple matter of doing the math. Maisie can’t be yours. Obviously, I didn’t realize she was mine, but…”

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