Page 94 of My Darling Mayhem

Juan was quiet as he replied, “I’m getting him back to you safe and sound, even if it means my own sons shoot me.”

I rolled my eyes because that sounded absurd, but it also seemed to give me the slightest bit of hope that Archer would be okay. My mind flashed briefly with an image of me in a wedding dress, standing outside under a pergola covered in ivy and white flowers. Our family surrounding us while Archer stood in a suit, smiling at me. Our sons standing next to us.

The rightness of the feeling settled into my heart like one of my postcards pinned to the fridge. Cruz was mine, and so was Kane.

“Thank you, Juan.” My voice was thick, and my brother went silent.

Until he added, “I’d like to have another chance to be your brother, Renny. I’m sorry I haven’t tried before this. I’m sorry I waited. I’m so—” His voice cut off with a choke.

“It’s okay if you need time, but I love you. I want to be in your life and see your son and have you meet mine the right way. I wish I was going to be there when you meet my wife and my daughter. They’re the best, and you’re going to love them.”

That made me smile. I wanted to meet them and try again with him. I wanted Cruz and Kane to have cousins and an uncle.

With a shuddery breath, I replied, “I’d like that too.”

Mom had wound her way up a glen with overhanging trees and a narrow road. I wasn't sure how long we'd traveled on this secluded lane, but it felt like forever. Just as I spoke up, she suddenly turned onto a private drive.

White gravel ran along the path, with fruit trees lining the road for nearly half a mile until it stopped at a large gate. Beyond the entrance was a massive house that resembled a mansion.

I leaned forward, my mouth dropping open. "Juan is rich—rich."

My mother's face remained impassive. "This is their safe house…or it was once upon a time. It was supposed to be temporary, but they kept returning, so they made it their home."

The gate opened as I looked over at my mother. "They?"

"Yes, Henrietta. Your brother created a family of his own, and it's made up of people who do not share his blood. While others live here, you will find more than enough space for you and the boys. Don't worry."

I was worried, though. I didn't want to expose the kids to strangers. We drove forward; the gravel had transitioned to black asphalt that was smooth under the tires. Another half mile took us up the driveway that spilled into a massive courtyard. Amyriad of vehicles were parked, each one looking durable and extremely expensive. Past the courtyard were acres and acres of green grass, and along the edge of the property was a dense forest.

My mom pulled up to a free spot near a small entry gate that led to the front door.

"Where are we?" Cruz asked, taking his headphones off. I wasn't even sure what to say. I had no clue where we were or what we were about to encounter, which was visible in how my hands shook.

"We're on an adventure. Doesn't this look fun?" I said, all smiles, as both boys smiled back at me.

My mother exited the car and grabbed Cruz while I pulled Kane up and carried him against my hip. Tipping my head back to take in the mansion, I noticed a man appear in one of the upper windows. He had a solemn expression on his face like he was pissed that I had arrived. It seemed to sour the air as I followed my mother up the steps to the massive home.

An oak door with a wreath made of baby's breath awaited us, with an oversized brass handle in the middle of the wood.

"That's funny, like in The Hobbit," Kane said, giggling.

How did he know about The Hobbit at five? I held him closer as my mother pushed through the door.

A woman appeared, her hair flying behind her as she stopped before us. Her eyes were blue, which matched Gio's, and her pink lips spread wide in a smile I could feel all the way to my toes. This was my brother's wife.

"Wren?" she asked, as if she knew my fake name all this time and had been in my life, seeing my personal details, and was all caught up. Unlike me, who had no idea about her other than I resented her…or I used to.

She walked over and hugged both me and Kane, then Cruz and my mother.

Another woman appeared behind her. She looked just like Taylor but much younger—probably in her early twenties. She wore black leggings and a tight yoga top. Her feet were bare, and her hair was braided back.

"This is Alex, my daughter." Taylor pulled the woman to her side. Alex.

Alexandra. I had heard that was what Juan had named her from one of my mother's lectures years and years ago. She never mentioned the boys, though. Not once.

"It's so nice to meet you." I smiled, feeling a little less nervous at how friendly they were.

Alex stepped closer and hugged me. "You look just like my dad."

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