Just as I was about to ask for more details, a knock at the door made me jump.
Ethan rose. “That’s probably Dec now.”
Declan entered and kissed me on the cheek before heading into the nursery to visit Cian. He picked him up, swirled him gently, then kissed him. That son of mine was going to be well and truly loved. That thought made my heart sing.
Once Declan had his cup of tea and settled down at the table, the brothers looked at each other and shook their heads, wearing the same stunned expression.
I had to ask, “Who’s this half-sister?”
“Bethany.” Ethan’s sober response took me a moment to think of who he was talking about.
“The maid?” My brow crinkled. “The one who Declan spied kissing Will?”
They both nodded simultaneously.
“Holy shit.” My jaw dropped. “Did you know your mum had another daughter?”
Declan exhaled. “No. We haven’t gotten to the bottom of it yet. Mother’s got a migraine and has refused to see anyone.”
“Still?” Ethan asked.
“What about Will?” I asked.
“He’s still in London,” Declan responded.
Ethan turned to his brother. “Has he returned your call?”
Declan shook his head then took a sip of his tea. “He’s mysteriously disappeared.”
“Shit. Just like that.” Ethan bit his lip, looking lost in thought. “Do you think Will knew about Bethany all along?”
“Who knows? It’s definitely a question worth asking,” Declan responded.
Ethan looked at me and smiled sadly. He laced his fingers through mine. The little gesture of affection made my soul smile. It was as if he were reminding me that he was there for me.
Declan paced our kitchen, pausing every now and then to stare out the window, which looked out to an ancient elm. “They all look alike. How did we not see it?”
Ethan nodded. “Even though Bethany does bear a resemblance, it’s Manon who’s the spitting image. And now that I come to think about it, she even holds herself the same, and I noticed the same steely expression in her eyes as our mum.”
Declan nodded reflectively. “I’ve noticed that too.” He rubbed his face. “There are so many questions still.”
“Do you think Dad knew?” I asked.
Declan shrugged. “Savvie asked that same question, but then Mum told us to leave. She wasn’t up for any discussion. You know how she’s always been evasive about her past?”
“Well, she’s going to have to tell us. We have a right to know. And what’s Bethany’s story? I’ve never seen her smile. Ever.”
I sniffed. “Then she’s her mother’s daughter.”
“They are all very similar in personality for sure, even Manon,” Declan said.
Ethan’s eyes widened as though slapped by a sudden thought. “Shit. Crisp.”
“What do you mean?” Declan frowned. His face always turned dark whenever that ginger-haired man came up in conversation.
“Crisp was all over Manon. Remember?”
Declan nodded. “How can I forget?”