Justice Falling (Falling #3)(77)

I nodded. “How’s Tanner?” I leaned against his chest. The labor and delivery reminded me of my own experience having Tanner. I missed my little man.

“Enjoying his time with Jin and Zach. They’ll keep him again tonight so you can rest. Come, my love. I need to get you to bed.”

We started to leave, but were stopped by a heavy hand on my shoulder. I turned and stared into the green eyes of my brother. I took a deep breath and looked at the ground. My shoes the most interesting things ever.

“We have to talk.” Tripp said. “I know this is weird. It’s beyond strange for me, but Nate updated me on the investigation he had done into your family.” Tripp shoved his hands into his pockets and looked around the room. Anywhere but at me. My heart thudded in my chest.

“Tripp, I don’t know what to say. I meant to tell you privately in a setting a little less…dramatic, but I’m glad it’s out. At least now you know. I’m your half-sister. We share the same father.” I exhaled the breath I was holding.

Nate squeezed me to his side and released me when Tripp grasped my hand and tugged me into his chest. His arms came around me. His hand held the back of my neck. All the tears I’d been storing, the misery of my childhood, the lack of family tumbled out. As I sobbed, my brother held me. He whispered “It’s okay,” into my hairline, over and over. What he said next blew me away. “I’m so happy you found me.”

I leaned away from him. “What do you mean?”

“Our Dad’s a drunken philanderer. One night when he was three sheets to the wind, he confided in me. Said he lost the love of his life when she gave birth to his daughter. He was back with my Mom for a spell then. I was twelve or thirteen. He said his daughter would have been nine or ten. Then, he passed out.” His eyes were haunted by the misery of that memory. It didn’t sound like his childhood was all roses and rainbows either. Later, I hoped he would share more with me.

I cupped his cheek and looked into the misty eyes that matched my own. I smoothed his hair with my fingers. Our hair was also similar, not exactly the same, but the eyes didn’t lie. The shape, color and intensity were the same. Our noses were, too. “I always wanted you. A big brother,” I whispered. He swallowed hard, then put his forehead to mine.

“I want to know you better. Spend time together. Would that be okay?”

“That would be,” I choked and shuddered, overwhelmed with the feeling of finding my family for the first time. Nate’s warmth permeated the back of my shirt as he put a hand on my lower back.

“It would be amazing. You know you have a nephew now.“ Tripp’s eyes widened and a huge toothy grin split his face. “Tanner will be ecstatic to meet his Uncle Tripp.”

Tripp placed one last kiss on my cheek as London came to our little huddle. She placed a hand on his shoulder. Collier was close behind. “Everything okay, mate?” he addressed Tripp. “Brother?” he questioned Nate.

“Never better. I was just meeting my sister for the first time.” Both Collier and London’s face sported matching shocked expressions. “Can I call you?” Tripp pulled out his phone.

“Anytime you want.” I smiled and gave him my number. He tapped several buttons on his phone and I heard a buzzing in my purse.

“That’s me. You have my contact information now. I’ll call you tomorrow,” he added excitedly.

Nate grumbled and pulled me into his chest. “How about you call her in a couple days, mate? We’ll have you over for supper. My girl is tired, needs a good night’s sleep, food, and time with our son.”

Tripp’s eyes widened and he ran a hand through his already messy hair. “Okay, yeah. You’re right. Sorry.” He grinned. “I got a little ahead of myself. This news, it’s probably…” He took a huge breath and stared at me. “It’s probably the best news I’ve ever gotten.”

I melted and flung myself back into his arms, hugging him tight. He returned the hug and spun me around. “My brother,” I whispered against his ear. “I have a brother.” I laughed when he put me down.

When we finally pulled apart, we both were beaming. “See you soon…sister,” he quipped.

“After a while, brother!” I called as Nate tugged me away, chuckling. I waved goodbye one last time and then hugged my fiancé.

“My life is perfect!” I said as he whirled me around and kissed me long and deep against the hospital wall.

“It’s only going to get better,” he promised.

“You’re right, because I’m marrying you.”



***



Camille slept for half a day and was still zonked. I picked up Tanner and brought him home.

“Okay, son, I’m going to teach you how to make breakfast for your mum.”

Tanner dragged a stool, the legs grated along the expensive pine wood floor before he hopped up. I shook my head but figured I’d let it go for now.

“Alright, you crack an egg like so.” I cracked the egg tapping it on the edge of the stainless steel bowl. I tossed the shell in the sink. “Now you have a go of it.”

Tanner’s little tongue came out of his mouth as he focused. It took him awhile to crack the egg. Finally I covered his hand with my own and wacked it hard enough to break the shell.