Page 7 of No Regrets

Kaden pinched the bridge of his nose. “The baby’s mine, Mom. No paternity test needs to be taken.”

“So trusting. Why not have it put in writing?”

“Because I know!” Kaden stood taking the few steps necessary to the concrete railing.

“You can’t be certain. You have money. She can’t pay her bills. How do you know it’s not a ploy to get you to support her? Did you think about that?”

“Mother, I’ll not repeat myself again. Butt out and let me handle my business my way.” Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Kaden leaned against the railing.

“Fine. You’re wanted inside for the reading.” His mother turned with a huff and went through the doors she came from.

Kaden could feel Bree’s eyes on his back, though he didn’t know what to say. He just stood up to his mother for her and everything Blair had said could have been true. He didn’t really know if Shiloh was his baby. He’d never seen her and didn’t dare ask questions. Brianna didn’t offer any answers. He believed her when she said she was a virgin and knew she hadn’t been with any other guy. So that ruled Brett out.

“You didn’t have to stand up for me,” Brianna finally said, coming up behind him. “You have every right to assume those things.”

“Yeah, but you’re about the only person outside my family that I trust.” He turned and saw her small body closer to him than he would have thought. Amazing that he didn’t even hear her make a sound. “Thank you for coming tonight, even though I’m sorry my mother did that to you.”

“No sweat. You sounded like you needed a friend on the phone.” She smiled and looked toward the door. “So are we going in, or are we going to sit out here all night?”

“Are you giving me a choice?” He wished she were.

“Sure. I’m just here for the ride.”

He grinned, knowing better than to piss off his father. He thought she knew it too, because she had a sly look in her eyes—the one she had when she was up to no good. God, how he missed hanging out with her. She made his life fun.

“Come on.” He grabbed her hand and led her to the doorway. “It’s like ripping off a band aid. Pull really quick and then be done with it.”

Once inside, every one of his family members gathered around to hear what his grandfather declared. His grandmother received the house and most of the assets. His four kids received equal shares of stock options, putting their small fortune at around five million a piece. And the grandkids received funds set aside for them.

“Oh, Kaden’s has a note beside it.” Greg, who was executor of the will, looked up at his son. “It says here that you are to be married before you receive the money.”

Kaden’s eyes widened. “Married? Why do I have to be married?”

Greg looked toward Bree, who stood next to Kaden, hand clasped hard in his. “Because your grandfather wanted you to be happy. He even stipulated who you are to marry.”

Bree’s face blanched. Kaden knew what was coming before Greg even said it.

“He wants you to marry Brianna Lynn Miller within thirty days of the date of death, or no money will be settled. To anyone.”

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