Rebecca's Little Secret by Judy Christenberry

Author:Judy Christenberry
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2004-12-25T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

After Joey was tucked in, the two ladies headed back down to the library, where Will and Vivian were waiting.

When Vanessa entered with Rebecca, she immediately said, “I’m here to support Rebecca and she’s okay with that.”

Will raised one eyebrow. “You thought we were going to browbeat Rebecca?”

“We didn’t know why you wanted to talk to her. She was nervous and I wanted to support her,” Vanessa said again, challenging her stepfather with the lift of her chin.

“She’s definitely got the Barlow chin,” he said to his wife.

“Of course we don’t mind if you’re here, Vanessa, as long as Rebecca doesn’t mind. And, my dear Rebecca, we didn’t ask you to come talk to us because you did something bad. Jeff wanted Will to talk to you about his financial arrangements. He said you didn’t want to accept what he offered.”

Vanessa turned to stare at her sister. “Why not?”

“I didn’t even tell him about Joey until he was almost four years old, Vanessa. It hardly seems fair that he wants to give me money for that time period. Besides, I’m doing all right, thanks to your parents, so why should I take his money?”

“He wants to provide for the two of you, for your future,” Will said quietly.

“Dear,” Vivian began, “I know you’re doing fine right now, but no one knows what twists and turns fate will bring us. If you don’t need his money now, have him put it in a trust fund for you or Joey. If after Joey reaches a certain age you don’t need the money, you can give it back to him.”

Rebecca nibbled on her bottom lip. Finally, she raised her head. “I could do that. We could put it in a trust for Joey. But Jeff’s already started a college fund for him.”

“How about I call Jeff tomorrow and we hammer out a trust fund agreement? He can draw up the papers and have you sign them when you go into work,” Will suggested.

“Will you encourage him to reduce the numbers he originally offered this morning?” Rebecca asked.

“I’ll certainly tell him that’s what you’d like.”

“Well, while you’re all here, I’d like to ask something that’s been on my mind. Will, are you and Vivian sure you don’t mind Joey and me staying here?”

“Of course we’re sure,” Vivian immediately answered, without pause. “You’re family, and we enjoy having you here.”

“But with the baby coming—”

“We’ll need you even more,” Will assured her.

“You’re the only one in the house who has been through delivery. You’ll be a great support for Vivian. And you’ll provide an extra set of hands and be another baby-sitter in the house.”

Her eyes watering, Rebecca smiled. “You two are such wonderful people. I can’t thank you enough for what you give to me and Joey. He’s just blossomed since he’s been surrounded by family.”

“He’s a wonderful little boy,” Vivian assured her. “We only hope ours is as good.”

“He or she will be, Vivian, because they’ll be surrounded by such a loving family.”

“Well,

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