Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold #11)(81)

Carter stared at the paper but didn’t touch it. “You’re my dad?”

“Uh-huh. Not a surprise for either of us. I’ll talk to a lawyer and find out what the next step is to make it official. There will be a few legal things. You can keep your last name. It’s what you know and a connection with your mom.”

Carter drew his knee to his chest and poked at the envelope. “Felicia told you that last part, didn’t she?”

“Yes. She said it was important for you to maintain your identity. Or at the very least, that it should be your decision.”

He had more to say, but Carter was already running down the hall.

Gideon followed more slowly. He found them in the center of the master, Carter nearly wringing his hands as he apologized.

Felicia let him finish, then shrugged. “We need to establish some rules and consequences.”

“I can help with that,” he told her earnestly. “I’m sorry I hurt you.” He brushed away tears. “I mean it.”

“I know.”

Carter sniffed. “He’s my dad.”

“Are you surprised?” she asked.

“No, but it’s nice to know for sure.”

“Confirmation can be soothing.”

Carter started to laugh. Gideon expected him to hug her now, but the kid turned and reached for him. The teen pulled her along and it was the three of them, holding on for a very long time.

Gideon suddenly understood what Dickens had meant. The best of times and the worst of times. Unexpectedly, he started to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Carter asked.

“Felicia.” He looked at the woman in question. “You’re a dangerous influence.”

She smiled. “I try to only use my powers for good.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“YOU’RE NOT GOING to believe it,” Isabel said, reaching for a chip.

Felicia dipped into the guacamole and waited for the news.

Lunch with her friends was always fun and interesting, she thought. There were plenty of jokes and a real sense of caring and connection. Just a few months ago she’d been a stranger in a new town, but now she belonged. She had a job she loved, girlfriends to hang out with, a gorgeous man in her bed and a growing bond with a teenager. The best part was she honestly couldn’t say which element was the most surprising. She never would have expected to be so happy, but here she was.

Patience smiled at Isabel. “We’re not, so tell us.”

Isabel waved her chip. “I got an email from my parents, who are very close to Hong Kong, by the way, and they’ve rented out the apartment over the garage. Just like that. A note telling me the tenant will be moving in at the end of the week, and could I please get the cleaning service in and air out the place.”

“Who’s the tenant?” Noelle asked.

“I have no idea.”

“Could be a serial killer,” Charlie said cheerfully. She was looking tanned and relaxed after her exotic honeymoon.

“Thanks for that,” Isabel said with a grimace. “I can’t believe they didn’t ask me to interview whoever it is. Or at least meet them.”

“If he kills you in your sleep, they’ll feel guilty,” Noelle said. “I mean that in a helpful way and it didn’t come out exactly as I planned.”

“Oddly, I know what you mean,” Isabel said and bit down on her chip.

“I understand your point,” Patience told her. “The apartment is close enough that you’ll be seeing a lot of your new tenant.”

“Not if he only goes out at night,” Charlie pointed out.

“Somebody kick her,” Isabel said.

“While I’m closest and capable,” Felicia said with a smile. “I don’t want to take Charlie on.”

“Thanks.” Charlie grinned. “Because, of everyone here, I think you’re the only one who could take me.” She looked at Consuelo. “Okay, you, too. Even though you’re small.”

Consuelo winked. “People underestimate me all the time. It takes away the challenge, but I always enjoy having the advantage.”

Jo appeared with a big tray. “It’s food time, people. Move your stuff.”

Salads, burgers and tacos were passed out. Felicia accepted her BBQ chicken salad and wondered what Carter would make of the place. While he was too young to come into the bar at night, during the day, children were welcome. There was even a play area in the corner for the toddler set.

She thought he might get the joke of reality TV playing and the female-skin-tone-flattering paint colors. He’d been home the past couple of days with a cold. She’d stayed with him, and they’d enjoyed hanging out together.

Since the big fight a few days before, life had been a lot calmer. She and Carter had written up house rules and consequences. He’d been extremely fair when suggesting punishments, offering up items he valued most. He’d admitted to testing boundaries and apologized for hurting her.

For reasons she couldn’t explain, the incident had brought them closer. Logically she should have been worried he would hurt her again, but she wasn’t. Gideon, on the other hand, seemed to be more wary around them. She suspected having the DNA test confirm his relationship with Carter was something he had to deal with. Connections were difficult for him, and there was no way to un-make Carter his son.