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Instinctively, he pulled out his chair and drew her into his lap. “Hey, Doc.”

“I don’t mean to sound trite, but… How are you feeling?”

“I’ve never wished I was wrong more than now. My Mom. When everything sinks in, how is she going to feel?”

“I don’t know. It is a lot to process, but we will be there to help her through it all. His deception ran so deep. God, what do we tell the kids?”

Christ! Emmanuel had been so grateful to have them around he hadn’t thought about what this revelation would do to them. They owed their children the truth. He wouldn’t keep this from them. No more secrets concerning this matter. They worked out how much to tell them tonight, and then they would tell them the rest tomorrow.

“Your mom and our children aren’t the only ones who deserve the truth.”

Emmanuel knew exactly where Ivy’s train of thought was headed. Hell, he had almost told Leonardo when the suspicion had first taken root, but he felt he needed to protect… who? The man who lied to him his entire life?

“I know Doc, I wanted to speak to you first. I think Leonardo deserves to be told face to face.”

Emmanuel couldn’t believe he was considering the feelings of the man who almost cost him the woman in his lap.

How could he not? He’d read the hospital and CWA reports. Now, he was certain he knew how Leonardo remained in those abusive situations. He was a fucking kid. His father, their father, with all his considerable resources, used them to keep him in an abusive life.

“Of course, but we really can’t go back out there… not with things the way they are.” His lovely wife was right. They needed to be home, for their family and the company.

“No, I think Frank is still in Vancouver. Maybe he could fly back with him.”

“Well, let’s call him and find out,” Ivy prodded.

Frank picked up on the first ring. “Hey, Frank.” They both greeted.

“Well, this is good news. Emmanuel, you stayed out of jail?”

“Why would I be in jail?” Emmanuel asked, even though he had an idea what Frank was referring to.

“You didn’t confront him then?” Frank asked.

Emmanuel would not pretend that he didn’t know the ‘who’ Frank was referring to. “I sure the fuck did. Larson admitted to fathering us. How did you know?”

“Larson, is it?” Frank chuckled. “Your reaction is valid. I didn’t know it was him for sure. It’s more like I got a sense it was Larson.Then the way you took off… well, it became clearer. Larson is still amongst us?”

“Yes, Frank. Manny didn’t lay a hand on him.”

“Hm. I don’t know if I would have been able to keep my composure.” Frank seemed impressed. Although Emmanuel didn’t feel as if he accomplished any great feat.

“It’s probably the shock of it all. Not just for us, but for my Mom too.” The couple gave Frank the CliffsNotes about what happened.

“How is your mom holding up?” Grace and Frank always had a warm relationship. She accepted Frank as one of her own.

“I don’t know, man.” It was an honest answer. Emmanuel hoped she would be alright, but it would probably take some time.

“The big question is, are you going to tell Leonardo?” Frank inquired. Did his friend really think he would keep his brother in the dark?

“Of course. We both deserve to know. I was wondering if you could give him an escort here.”

“I got you,” Frank responded, and he did.

Emmanuel went on to explain that he needed to run his plans by his Mom and then reach out to Leonardo. They had just finished their call when someone tapped at the door. That certainly couldn’t be Sage.

“Come in,” Emmanuel called as Ivy stood from his lap.

“Hello, you two,” His Mom called as she entered the office and moved towards them. “I was sent to come and get you. It’s time to eat. Dinner smells wonderful. Plus, once I eat, I can have a cocktail after the afternoon I’ve had. I need a drink.”

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