Page 13 of When We Dare

Parker paused before replying, “Maybe, but I don’t know yet.”

Nate’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t press. “Family is what you make it.”

Just then, Nate’s phone chimed and he slipped it out of his pocket. “Oh, I’ve gotta take this.” He winked before he turned away.

When I glanced back at Parker, he looked thoughtful. “I remember you talking about Nate.”

I nodded. “He’s from the stable part of my family.”

Parker chuckled, and I added, “I’m glad you’re here. If your sisterisin town, I hope you connect.”

“I’m tryingrealhard not to have any expectations.”

Chapter Ten

STELLA

“You have a long-lost brother?!” Tiffany exclaimed.

“I think so,” I said, a little surprised at her enthusiasm.

While I knew Tiffany, I’d only been in town for a few months, so it wasn’t like we were besties. Friendships brought insecurity screeching loudly in my doubts. Fireweed Harbor was the closest thing I had to a hometown because we’d lived there the most when I was growing up, but we’d moved around a lot. It felt like I’d always been the nervous new girl. Even though I gave myself little pep talks all the time, it wasn’t easy. I tried to believe in myself and scrounge up the easy confidence I was convinced others felt. I desperately wanted friends.

This move to Willow Brook had opened an unexpected door into a circle of women who had friendships. They all seemed nice and were welcoming. I just hoped none of them could tell how anxious I was to have friends, to feel like I belonged.

Hallie pushed her glasses up on her nose as she cast a warm smile toward Tiffany. “She’s enthusiastic about it because when she and her brother did a DNA test, Chase discovered he had an entire group of seven siblings.”

“It was a big deal,” Tiffany said as she nodded vigorously. “And amazing. I love this for you! Have you met your brother yet?”

Tiffany was definitely a heart-on-her-sleeve kind of woman. She’d hugged me the first time we met. I wished I could be as brave and vulnerable as her.

I took a quick breath. “Not yet. I just found out from my mom the other day. I love her, but she’s not the most stable mom.” This wasn’t a big secret in my life. I wasn’t trying to bash her, but it was my life.

Tiffany’s gaze sobered. “Well, that’s another thing we have in common. My mom was a fucking nightmare.” She swallowed and breathed in slowly, almost as ifshe were trying to calm herself down. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was glad my mom died, but it was a relief.”

My heart squeezed tight. I knew I would miss my mother terribly when she wasn’t here.

“I’m so sorry. My mom is—” I let out a gusting sigh. “She spent my entire childhood trying to find the right man who would make her life better. She wasn’t a nightmare, but that meant we moved around a lot. I attended eleven schools growing up.”

Maisie caught my gaze, her eyes widening. “That’s a lot. My mom passed away when I was young and I loved her, but my dad was a total flake. The only useful thing he did was teach me to play cards. I would’ve traded that for stability in a hot second.”

“My mom is loving and means well, but she had a radar for jerks. I’m not shocked to learn I have a half-brother, but I don’t know what to expect.” I glanced toward Tiffany. “So everything went well when you found your brother’s other family?”

Tiffany’s nose wrinkled. “Everything’s good now. It was a little awkward because my bio-dad isn’t Chase’s bio-dad. For our dad, it didn’t change a thing emotionally, but it was kind of a hitfor Chase because he adores our dad. Chase got over that hump and got to meet his siblings. Our mom had a fling with his bio-dad before he got married. All in all, it’s worked out. Griffin is Chase’s half-brother.” She thumbed toward Tish who was sitting at an angle across from me.

Tish nodded and explained, “Griffin’s family went through some stuff when they were younger, but doesn’t every family?”

“Where do things stand with this brother? If you have a DNA test, I’m assuming you know it’s a sure thing?” Tiffany prompted.

“According to my mom, it’s a sure thing. Long story short, my bio-dad had my brother before me, but he didn’t know about him. She stayed away from my dad because he had some legal trouble. All that to say, my brother’s name is Parker. He got my mother’s number from the DNA place because she listed it because that’s the kind of thing she does and she manages my account.” I paused, pressing my lips together. “I plan to reach out to him. I just don’t know when.”

Tiffany smiled softly, reaching over to curl her hand over mine and squeeze. Her eyes were bright with tears. “Call him. It could be amazing.”

I swallowed through the thickness in my throat. “Maybe, but what if it isn’t?”

Despite her emotional excitement over this situation, Tiffany nodded sagely. “Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. Expectations can make things complicated. Try to see how it goes. If you want an emotional support person, I will be there for you.”

“Are you an emotional support person?” Lucy teased.

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