Small Town, Big Secrets by Elsie Davis

Author:Elsie Davis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Two-Hour Romance Short Reads; Family Life Fiction; Contemporary Women's Fiction; Contemporary Romance Fiction; Clean & Wholesome Romance; Romance; Women's Humorous Fiction; American Humorous Fiction; single mother; single parent; fake relationship romance; fake engagement romance; marriage of convenience romance; small town fiction; small town romance; contemporary romance; contemporary women’s fiction; family life fiction; politician hero; lawyer hero; rich & wealthy hero; alpha hero; clean romance; parenting fiction; waitress; blackmail; Texas; cattle ranchers; Elsie Davis; Entangled Publishing; Entangled Bliss; Small Town Big Secret by Elsie Davis; Trinity River series; series romance; popular romance; category romance; Waitress; Texas Romance; District Attorney; Houston
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Published: 2020-05-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Steve hadn’t planned to ask Becky tonight, but something about Jack’s presence and the perfect opportunity pushed him forward to make the proposal.

He’d known what to expect from his parents, but Jack was another story. His mother’s cold indifference to anyone who crossed her path was a familiar tune. His father’s patronizing gloating was the same, thinking marriage would destroy his career and ultimately prove him right and that it would be the final nail in Steve’s run for the D.A.’s office.

But it was Jack’s attitude toward Becky that left him reeling.

There was no love lost between the two, which had come as a relief, but it was the tension and fear that radiated from every pore of Becky’s expression and actions since his brother walked in the door that left Steve in high-alert mode. Actually, thinking back, the change in her became obvious the minute his mother announced Jack was coming to dinner.

He did his best to run interference between the two of them, intentionally positioning them at the far end of the table. The whole marriage arrangement might be fake, but they were still friends—at least, he’d like to think they were. And part of being a friend involved protecting her from the likes of Jack.

The whole situation only served to confirm what he’d been thinking all along—Byron was Jack’s son. He didn’t need Becky to confirm or deny anything because the evidence was clear. Everything added up, except he didn’t know why Jack hadn’t acknowledged his son or done right by Becky. His brother was a selfish person and always had been, but this went way beyond that. And the bigger question—why was Becky determined to keep Jack’s identity a secret?

He’d keep digging until he got the answers because Byron was his nephew. A nephew who was about to become his step-son and would gain the protection and benefits suited to him as a Parker. It was also a reason for them to stay together when the year was up. It was definitely something worth considering, since his worthless brother wasn’t owning up to his mistakes and taking responsibility. The fact he cared about Becky only made it easier to make the leap.

His mother signaled for the wait staff to begin serving dinner and then called Randall over, speaking with him privately. After he left, she turned back to face everyone at the table. “Becky, why don’t you tell us about yourself? I feel we should know more about who’s joining our family.”

Becky visibly shrank, as if preferring to stay unnoticed the entire meal. His mother’s question was at least civil, her good graces mandating she make an effort. Becky shot a quick glance at Jack before straightening in her seat and turning to his mother.

“As you know, I work at Charlie’s, but I also have a son named Byron—he’s five. I live with my mother and sister here in town.”

His mother’s eyes narrowed. “My son introduced you as a McAllister. That’s not a common name. Any chance you’re related to Judith McAllister?”

Becky blanched, her face pale.

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