Page 132 of An Engagement for Erica

“It happened once,” his mother said. “And that was when your grandfather bought the house and got us out. Was the woman pregnant? I had no idea. I don’t know anything that came about it and it was dropped. I don’t think your grandfather would let it go if he knew he might have another grandchild out there, illegitimate or not.”

Tucker thought that too, but after talking to his grandfather about this two weeks ago he wasn’t so sure anymore.

“I haven’t heard anything since I saw this woman. She said there was one other guy that it could be and I advised her to go try to squeeze money out of him. I don’t care what shesays or does. That it wouldn’t surprise anyone considering Dad’s reputation.”

“Do you think that?” his mother asked. “You’re not worried she might bring bad press to the company? And could it take the hit with everything else?”

“Things are getting better,” he said. “They really are. Morale seems somewhat better, work is getting done on time, and I’m hiring more staff. I’ve had turnover and expected that. There will be more. It’s part of it. I think many are hanging on to see what the first of the year will bring with raises before they decide, but I’ll be prepared too.”

“Good,” his mother said. “I’m glad. And knowing that TC is doing much better helps.”

“It does,” he said. “Grandpa wanted to go to the plant and be seen, but I said no. He doesn’t need to do that. He’s using a cane now to get around. If he has far to walk for an appointment, Michael makes him sit in the wheelchair. I’m not sure how he managed it, but he did.”

“Michael is the only person who can get your grandfather to do anything.”

“That’s a good thing,” he said. “I’m just waiting to see if this woman comes back or not.”

“What are you going to do if she does?” his mother asked.

“Grandpa said I’d have to give DNA for the match. It’d be the quickest thing. I could say no, but I wouldn’t do that. Kristi, that’s her name, she already brought up contesting the will.”

His mother laughed. “She’s not going to get far.”

“No,” he said. “I told her that. But if this woman is pregnant, I think Grandpa is going to want to fight for custody and do everything he can to prove she isn’t a fit parent. You know as well as I do, he can’t raise a child and wouldn’t win.”

“But you could,” his mother said. “And that is what you’re worried about. That he’d want it and you’d do it for him and it’s not at all what you want. Am I right?”

“It’s crossed my mind,” he said. And maybe kept him up for a few nights too. “All of it. She didn’t leave her contact information and I wish she had. Grandpa and Michael are trying to look into her, but I’ve heard nothing. I want to know what I’m dealing with and can’t always do that.”

“Sometimes in life, you just have to fight your way out of the dark and make the first move in the light you can. If it’s wrong, own it. Or fix it.”

“I know,” he said.

“Does Erica know what is going on?” his mother asked.

“She does. I told her.”

“What does she think about it?”

“She hasn’t said much. There isn’t much to say. She’s not the type to voice her opinion either.”

Which at times annoyed him, but he understood it was her personality. Or her career that rolled over to her personality.

“And that bothers you?” his mother asked.

“It’s great for work, but not so great in a personal relationship.”

“Have you told her that?” his mother asked.

“No,” he said. “I feel as if I can’t push her. I mean, she’s already doing that one thing for me.”

“Lying for you,” his mother said, sighing. “And you know how I feel about that.”

“It proves she loves me, Mom.”

There was silence there for a second. “Are you two in love?”

“We are,” he said. “These little nuisances don’t matter in the scheme of things.”

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