Page 18 of Wylder Ranch
In fairness to her, she’s likely still traumatized over the battle Hendricks had with Max’s mother, so I’ll allow her a little grace.
“She’s staying at the bed and breakfast,” Miles continues, ignoring her, “and she’s agreed to a paternity test. It was her idea, actually.”
“I’ll bet it was.”
“Mother, she’s not after our money. She’s got her own,” I reply wearily even though I don’t know for certain.
But I doubt she’s after our money. Haven doesn’t strike me as a gold digger. Not since witnessing her work so hard to save her place, when she could have sold it for a hundred mil. And she’d only need to sell an acre or two to raise a couple of million if she were really struggling.
It’s all props to her that she’s saved it because of her family.
Family is as important to her as it is to me.
My mother’s still talking, though. “After what we went through with Hendricks, I don’t want to have to do that again.”
Miles pushes out of his chair and pours himself a cup of tea from the tray brought in for my mother, then proceeds to search through all the tins in the kitchen cupboards, which usually contain biscuits of some sort. Pierre, our chef, likes to ensure they’re filled. But it’s still early.
He comes up empty and sits back down at the table. “Well, you need to figure it out. She’s leaving on Monday.”
My head snaps up. “Monday? That’s in two days.”
“It is.”
“Two days? Two fucking days. How am I supposed to decide what to do in two days? She’s had ten months to get used to the idea, and she’s giving me a matter of hours.”
Miles shrugs.
“Why is she leaving so soon?” I press.
Miles shakes his head. “I don’t know. I’m not her travel agent. But I’d imagine as you stormed off and have yet to speak to her, she’s not inclined to change her flight and stick around.”
It gives my mother another reason to wave her authority and opinion. “We’ll have to arrange for the paternity test before then. Today is preferable.”
I groan and drop my head on the table.
Twenty-four hours ago, I was single, somewhat happy, and working hard to build the Burlington Estates international division. Now, I’m discussing paternity tests for a baby I didn’t know about, for a fatherhood I may or may not be about to take on.
“And we will,” he replies firmly. “Come on, Mum, thought you’d be happy getting another grandchild to add to the brood. And it’s a girl. Think of all the ribbons you can buy.”
“Ribbons?” she snaps. “Don’t be ridiculous, Miles.”
He sounds like he’s getting as annoyed with our mother as I am, which is rare. He’s the baby boy and usually has her wrapped around his finger. One reason I don’t mind him being here for this conversation. He can help sway her back to the middle of any argument.
Though perhaps not today.
“Why do you know so much about this girl anyway?”
“I havemether before, remember? And because after Al stormed off, the baby was sick, and Clementine took her to my place to clean up.”
I still feel guilty about leaving her there. I shouldn’t have done it. I should have handled it better.
The look on Haven’s face as I left her standing by the fountain will haunt me for a long time.
When I’m done here, I’ll find Clementine to thank her for picking up my pieces, and I throw Miles a grateful smile. Then I ask the one question I’ve been hesitant to hear the answer.
“What’s she like?”
“Everly?”
