Page 84 of Boss with Benefits

I shared my screen. The email was open, but I had to click on the attachment to read the official results. We took a collective breath, counted to three, and I scrolled down until the whole page was visible.

Dear Rachel Arya,

Thank you for choosing Gene Diagnostic Corp for your DNA testing needs. We understand the importance and sensitivity of these results and appreciate your trust in us.

Test Report:Paternity DNA Test

Reference Number:XC456BCV-984

Results Summary

Tested Individuals:

Alleged Father: Bradley Reynolds

Child: Rachel Arya

Based on the analysis of the DNA samples provided, the probability of paternity is 99.9%.

If the value is 0%:The tested male isexcludedas the biological father of the child.

If the value is 99.9% or higher:The tested male isnot excludedas the biological father of the child.

"Oh my God!"

I didn't know who said it—me, Eva, or my mom. There was a ringing in my ears as I tried to comprehend.

"Wait, does this mean..." Eva trailed off.

"Yes," Mom said, her voice thick. "It means Brad is...that you're Rachel's..."

But when I looked at the screen, his square was gone. He was off the call. I stared at my computer, shocked and hurt.

"He hung up," I said stupidly.

"What the hell?" Mom said, anger in her voice.

Eva held my hand tighter.

"You don't need him," she said.

Confused and stunned, my stomach twisted. Then he was suddenly there again, his face on the screen. Brad’s eyes were red and his face splotchy.

"Sorry," he said, his voice wet with emotion. "I'm so sorry. I was, well… ugly crying. It was too much. I needed a moment." He laughed self-consciously.

"If you don't want—" I started, my voice raw with tears.

"No!" he said, tears plopping down his cheeks. "I'm happy. Really happy. I had no idea I wanted this. That I wanted you. But I do. If you'll let me."

Tears blurred my vision, and I started to cry. Full on cry like I hadn't done in years. Mom was crying too. And when I glanced at Eva, her cheeks were wet.

"I think I do," I said. "I mean, I definitely do. Yes. Please." I shot my gaze to my mom's screen. "I mean, if it's okay,Amma. I don't want to hurt you."

"Of course it's okay! I'm so happy. Thank you, Brad. Thank you for...I don't know. Just thank you."

We all laughed and cried a little more, shocked and thrilled and stayed on the call, basking in the moment. Mom suggested we all spend a day together in Central Park soon to get to know each other better, and Brad agreed enthusiastically.

"I think I'm still in shock," Brad said, his voice steadier now.

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