Amy blushes at the contact and love pours out of the shy smile she gives him.
Joseph turns his attention back to his children, the stress of the secret released from his stance.
“I want you to know that I’m sorry for what I’ve done, but I’m not sorry that I was given this wonderful gift. You all need to know that Avery didn’t know anything about me. We were given a letter twenty years ago that said she had been given up for adoption and we’ve been searching for her ever since. Instead, she found us. I’m sure you’re all feeling confused and upset, but know that Avery being here doesn’t change the dynamic of this family. You’re all more important to me than anything else in this world.”
He sits back in his chair, Amy leaning close and kissing his cheek. Other than a few moments with Logan, Avery has never seen or heard a man speak so freely about his emotions. It is refreshing.
Seven faces turn in her direction, five of them gazing at her expectantly. Logan squeezes her hand in reassurance.
“Hi, I’m...um...Avery Poindexter. I’m fro
m Atlanta and I moved to Carson about three months ago. I work as a medical assistant at the doctor’s office where Logan works.”
A question barks from the far end of the table and when Avery turns in that direction, she’s startled at the similarities of their features. From what she noticed, he seems to be the only sibling that shares the same eye color as her and Joseph.
“Are you here because of the money?”
Avery gulps and squirms in her seat, uncomfortable with the accusation, but she’s saved by Austin’s deep voice.
“No, she’s not. She has more money than anyone at this table.”
Everyone’s eyes widen in surprise as Austin continues to speak, addressing her, “Sorry, Avery. I don’t think anyone mentioned that we all have trust funds worth a couple million and we all do well in our respective jobs. No one here needs to worry about you using them.” He leans forward and rests his arms on the table, looking at Avery as a grin grows along his lips. “And it makes sense that we’re related. Why else would you turn me down right?”
And with that joke, Avery bursts out in laughter, thrilled for the ice-breaker. The rest of the family follows suit and she laughs even harder when she hears Logan mutter, “Fucking bastard,” under his breath as he joins in with a snicker.
Now that the tension has dispersed and most of the awkwardness subsided, Amy takes the opportunity to introduce her children, Avery’s brothers and sisters.
She starts with Austin, who is closest to her side of the table and works her way around.
“This here beside your father is Joseph Jr., or Austin as he likes to be called.”
“That’s why I never put two-and-two together; you only ever called him Joseph Jr.”
“Yes, well, he was my first born and we wanted to pass down his father’s name. He owns Connelly Construction and works as a contractor.”
“Oh, I know. We’re working on a project together. He does great work. I’m hoping to turn the old school into a pediatric clinic and what he’s come up with is remarkable.”
Austin blushes under Avery’s admission and his mother beams with pride.
“A pediatric clinic is exactly what this town needs, with the surge of families moving to the area and all. Sorry, I’m Everleigh, I’m a pharmacist at Nelson’s Drug Store.”
Her hair is a few shades darker than her sisters’ and mother’s as if her chromosomes couldn’t decide on a color and chose a combination of both her mother’s and father’s.
Amy nods to the woman sitting next to Avery. “This is Sydney; she’s a baker and just revamped my old place. It’s now called Wake and Bake.”
Sydney chimes in next to Avery, “I bought the lot next door and I’m looking to add a coffee shop and grill.”
“That sounds amazing.”
“Next we have Jameson beside Logan. He just graduated with a degree in software programming. He also creates and sells apps for companies. His twin is Ryker, who couldn’t be with us. He’s busy touring with his band overseas.”
“Ryker Connelly...why does that name sound familiar?”
Logan leans in and says, “That’s because he’s the lead singer of the band Exoneration.”
“Oh...wow.”
“Finally, this is your sister Cassidy. She runs the world-famous label under the same name.”