Page 27 of Lenkov

It’s a painful process, going from single parenting to co-parent. His world is opening up, and I’m no longer his only option. I answer his questions the best I can while working through the twinges of jealousy at becoming the most known and, therefore, not the interesting parent. I’ve always wanted more for him than I had. This way, he’ll have uncles, aunts, grandparents, and maybe even cousins.

Be careful what you wish for.

***

LENKOV

“Why have you hidden this from me?” His voice's hurt cuts through me.

“I just found out a few days ago. I’m making arrangements, and before you ask, the Doc already came by to take the DNA test, though you’ve seen my son, so you understand why it was overkill.”

“You know what women will do to align themselves to us. How could you fall for a trap like this?”

“Rylee did not trap me.” I snap.

“Rylee.” He spits her name out like it sickens him. “The waitress and gas station attendant—”

“Whose raised my child well for the past five years and asked for nothing? I found her, Papa. Not the other way around. She didn’t want to be involved with me because it would put Jaycee in danger.”

“Jaycee?” He scowls. “Such an Americanized name. He knows nothing of our ways or customs—”

“He can learn. And I won’t have you nit-picking him apart the way you did us. You wanted to make us perfect little copies of you. My son will be the person he was always meant to be. I owe that to his mother, who sacrificed everything to raise him on her own. Our relationship isn’t up for debate.”

“You’d turn against your family for that she-devil?” Dad gestures toward the closed door of the office.

“I’ll stand up for my family against anyone who tries to come up at them with anything less than respect. We aren’t blind to your misdeeds behind our mother’s back. We’re not. And I intend to make her my wife, eventually. It will be harder to accomplish after how you just acted.”

“Me? You’re the one who seemed to forget the family-first motto. I should’ve known about this the minute you found out.”

“Why? So you could try to sweep them under the rug?” I snort. “Not going to happen.”

He flinches. “I don’t even recognize you right now.”

“And I’m okay with that. The moment I found them, everything changed for me. Isn’t that how it should be? You tour the family-first motto, but when it interferes with your plans, it’s a different story. The family business is small potatoes compared to what you have on your plate. You’ll be turning over the keys to the kingdom soon enough. Why you’re clinging to it so hard, I don’t understand. Isn’t this what you wanted? A bigger slice of the pie and a powerful set of sons to run the business in your stead.”

“Of course it is.” He splutters like an engine running out of gas.

“Then why are you tearing it apart with your bare hands? This isn’t the response I expected from the man who raised me. It’s the one I expect from the monster you’re slowly becoming.”

“I’m trying to do what’s necessary to keep my family–”

“This is about you. Not us. You want to tell me the actual truth?” I cross my arms and lean back against my desk.

Pacing the floor, he runs a hand through his thick graying hair. “With you guys growing up and pairing off, your mother is talking about a divorce. If that happens, I’m not naïve enough to pretend I’m the parent you’d side with. I didn’t get away with anything. Your mother is sharp as a tack and tough as nails. She stayed until she thought you’d all be okay, and then she dropped a bomb on me.”

“Jesus.” I rub my hand over my head. “And you made us miserable to match yours?”

“No.” His voice cracks. “I tried to give myself a head start on the separation I see coming. I pushed you away now to prevent pain later.”

“That’s a bitch move.”

His head snaps up.

“Why not try to fix things with mom? You always said she was the love of your life.”

“And she still is. But we’re talking years of damage.”

“You’re a resilient man. I think you can handle it” Suddenly, his swift changes make sense. I pity him, but I won’t excuse his behavior.

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