Protecting Our Forever by Nicole Vidal

Author:Nicole Vidal
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: military, family, adoption, private security unplanned pregnancy bodyguard
Publisher: Nicole Vidal

Chapter Twenty-Two

Christoph

“What is going on, Madeleine?” Estelle demands.

Madeleine glances around the room. Maia is behind Estelle off to the side. Callen and Connor are a step inside the kitchen but no more. I’m beside her, our fingers linked between us.

She looks over at me, and I nod tightly.

“Who is Mary Jane Wilton?”

Estelle’s face is now ashen. “I have no idea. Why are you asking?”

“Of all people, please don’t lie to me. A woman claiming to be Mary Jane Wilton showed up at my office today. According to the receptionist, she looks an awful lot like me. When is the last time you spoke to Gramps or my parents? How long have you been hiding things from me?”

I squeeze her hand in support and to settle her even a little bit.

Estelle attempts to speak a few times, but falters. “Can we speak privately?”

“Christoph stays. If the rest of you could excuse us, I would appreciate it.” The others immediately leave the kitchen.

“I’m not speaking about my shortcomings with a stranger in the room,” Estelle states forcefully.

“Take it or leave it. It seems you owe me a few explanations. He may be a stranger to you, but he isn’t to me. I suspect I’m going to need his support after I hear what you need to share.”

I love her immeasurably. I won’t ever leave her side unless she asks me to. I thought we were going to deal with my family issues, not hers.

Estelle sits up straighter in her chair and then leaves the kitchen. I move to follow her, but Madeleine stops me.

“Estelle won’t leave. I’m sure the exits are secured anyway.”

“Agreed. Do you need anything? Crackers, water. It’s been a while since you’ve eaten.”

“Good idea. If you want to grab two waters, I’ll find the crackers. Hopefully, they’re in the same place.” She rises from the chair toward the oak cabinetry. On the first try, she locates a box of Town House crackers.

With waters in hand, I take a seat beside her again and press a kiss to her temple. After Madeleine eats a few crackers, Estelle returns with a large box in her arms.

“Those have always been your favorite. Would you like peanut butter too?”

“No. Please answer my question.” Anger is evident in Madeleine’s tone.

I don’t blame her. I’m angry with my parents and I don’t know them at all—although I’m completely confident Betty hasn’t lied to me my entire life.

“All the answers you’re searching for are in this box. Mary Jane Wilton is your mother.”

“No. I may not wish to see my parents or Gramps, but I distinctly recall their names. My mother’s name is Marcea. You never forget those who abandon you.”

I set my hand on her thigh beneath the table and squeeze lightly.

“Mary Jane is Marcea’s sister. She’s six years younger. When she learned she was pregnant, she begged Marcea to claim you as her own. Your aunt Marcea agreed.”

“Is the man who I believe to be my father actually my father?”

Estelle hangs her head. “No. Your biological father was a boy she met at a party on summer vacation.

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