No, she’s not pregnant with Track’s baby. And if she is, now is not the time to discuss it.
“Be his as in…”
“His woman or wife, I guess.” She winced like she was repulsed by the idea of being with Dorian. Good, she should be.
“I’m stunned, Brynne. I didn’t know any of that.”
“Of course you didn’t because you—” She stopped and covered her hand with her mouth. Her amber-colored eyes roamed over my face. It was the first time she really looked at me.
“Say what’s on your mind, honey. I can take it.” Or I’d try too. I needed to be strong for her, be the parent, be her mother.
“I’m so angry and hurt. I want to scream at you and say hateful things. But I also want you to hug and kiss me.” She buried her face in her hands and cried.
“Oh, honey.” I sat next to her on the bed and cautiously lowered her hands. “Can I comfort you?”
She nodded and sagged in my embrace.
“I missed you so much, my sweet girl.” I rubbed small circles on her back the way I used to and touched the ends of her hair. “I’m sorry to be gone for more than half your life.”
We cried there, holding on to each other for a long time.
We both jerked when we heard a knock at the door.
“If it’s Joseph, I’m not ready to see him.”
“Okay, honey. I’ll get the door.” I opened it and blocked Brynne’s view. “Hi, Copper.”
“He thought you two might need something to drink.” He handed me a bag with several bottles. “If you guys need anything, just ask, and I’ll get it for you.”
“Thank you.” I peered down the hallway and didn’t see Track. “Is he okay?” I whispered.
“No,” he replied in a clipped tone.
I issued him a single nod and closed the door.
“Water.” I showed Brynne the bag.
“Any chance there are crackers in there? I’ve been dealing with a queasy stomach. If Joseph sent the bag, maybe he put some in there.”
I peeked into the bag. “Yup, crackers.” I passed the package to Brynne.
“Thank you. He seems to always know what I need.” Her bottom lip trembled. “I can’t believe he deceived me like this.”
“He was under strict orders to not tell you about me.”
“What about orders to not have sex with his step-sister?”
I gasped, taken aback.
“Why would he encourage me to fall for him if he knew I was your daughter?” She nibbled on a cracker.
“Did he encourage you?” That didn’t sound like Track at all.
Brynne thought for a long minute and sipped her water. She shook her head. “No, he didn’t encourage me. But he could’ve been a jerk, so I wouldn’t fall for him.”
“Yes, he could’ve done that. But he’s always been respectful toward women. His mama had raised him right.”
A sob caught in her throat. “I know she was gunned down in front of him.” Tears rolled down her face.