LITMIR.BIZ

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was also a very good mother to Emery. He wanted what was best for his child. It was this desire that conflicted him.

      Austin intended to be a part of his son’s life, but he worried about the effect it would have on Emery. He was safe and secure with Bree. The little boy didn’t know he had a father. How would he respond when Austin made his presence known?

      * * *

      Austin walked back to his desk and picked up a file. He had just returned to the office from the courthouse. It was after five, but he wasn’t quite ready to call it quits for the day. He’d always driven himself hard, putting work ahead of pleasure.

      He also wanted to make his father proud. Austin had a lot of respect for both his father and uncle. Etienne and Jacques DuGrandpre had the same passion for law as their father, and his father before him. It was no wonder he, Jordin and Jadin all became attorneys.

      It was in their blood.

      He worked another two hours before shutting down his computer.

      Tonight, he was leaving work earlier than usual. It was 7:30 p.m. Austin wanted to spend some time at the gym before he went home.

      Just as he did every time he was on his way out, Austin paused in front of the large, looming portrait of Marcelle DuGrandpre, his grandfather. Austin’s heart swelled with pride. Despite all odds during a time of racial tension, his grandfather opened the doors of the DuGrandpre Law Firm in 1960. When he died, Austin’s uncle and father took over, the legacy continuing with their children.

      “I miss him.”

      He hadn’t heard anyone enter the room. Austin glanced over his shoulder. “Jadin, I didn’t know you were still here. I thought I was the only one working late.”

      “Unfortunately, I will be putting in some long hours all week,” she responded.

      Austin had grown close to his twin sisters, Jadin and Jordin, since moving to Charleston a little over a year ago from Dallas.

      “I met him once,” Austin told his sister. “Granddad was in town for a conference or something. He came to the house.”

      Jadin smiled. “I’m not surprised. He was all about family.”

      “I remember thinking that I was in trouble.” Pointing to the portrait, he added, “He had that same stern expression on his face. But then he smiled at me.”

      “People used to think he was mean, but he wasn’t. He would do anything he could to help others. He even offered his services pro bono to those who couldn’t afford to pay.”

      “He was a good man. I’m glad I had the chance to meet him.” Austin escorted Jadin to her car, then strolled down the next row to where his SUV was parked.

      * * *

      He drove the short distance to Holbrooke Boot Camp Gym, which was owned by his brother-in-law, Ethan.

      He needed a strenuous workout to expend some of his pent-up energy. He’d been on edge ever since locating his son. Austin gathered his bag and navigated inside.

      After a two-hour intense training, Austin still found himself wound tight, his frustration banked, but not eliminated.

      When he arrived home, he pulled up his contact list on his phone. He stared at the names for a solid ten minutes before shutting it down. Austin considered calling a young woman he’d spent time with in the past, but changed his mind. She’d made it clear on several occasions that she wanted more than he was willing to offer.

      Austin liked her, but she reminded him of Jasmine and that was a path he wasn’t willing to travel down again.

      He wasn’t looking for a serious relationship now—his thoughts were consumed with his son. Austin’s heart ached with the knowledge that he had a child who was just beyond his reach.

       Chapter 2

      Bree Collins exited through the doors of New Beginnings Preschool, heading to her car. She checked her watch. She had taken Monday off to wind down after Jordin’s wedding. Since Jadin was currently working on a high-profile case, Bree volunteered to run the necessary errands for the wedding, returning rental items and finalizing payment.

      Today she wanted to get to the office early enough to have her first two cups of coffee while reviewing notes before the arrival of her clients.

      Her receptionist was on the phone when she arrived.

      “Good morning, Casey,” Bree greeted.

      “Hey, beautiful.”

      She loved the woman’s bubbly personality and genuine demeanor. Her patients adored Casey.

      “How was the wedding?” the receptionist asked.

      “It was very romantic and beautiful,” Bree responded. “I don’t think it could’ve been more perfect.”

      Casey’s infectious grin always set the tone for the day. “I know Jordin looked stunning.”

      “She did,” Bree confirmed with a smile. “Speaking of weddings, have you and Eric set a date yet?”

      Casey nodded. “We’re getting married in October. On the tenth.”

      “That’s wonderful.”

      “Now that we’ve picked our wedding day, the engagement feels more real to me.” Casey handed her a stack of files. “You’re booked all morning and two appointments after lunch.”

      “Light day...”

      “Don’t worry, you have a full day tomorrow.”

      Bree strolled into her office. Her eyes landed on the photograph of her son that sat on her desk. Her heart sang with delight whenever she thought about Emery.

      When she lost her husband, Caleb, just before their second wedding anniversary, Bree wasn’t sure she would ever recover. As a psychologist, she worked with others who were dealing with grief, but when it came to her own... Bree found herself in a bad state of mind.

      It wasn’t until she decided to adopt that she found hope again. When she met Emery, it was love at first sight. The moment she laid eyes on him—Bree knew he was the child for her.

      * * *

      Bree picked up Emery and headed home. She was thrilled to see her little boy and looked forward to spending some quality time with him after dinner. He was a very happy and secure soon-to-be three-year-old.

      “Mommy, I wanna ’nana.”

      “Don’t you want to eat dinner, sweetie?” she asked. “Mommy’s making fried chicken and macaroni.”

      “Shick’en...mac’roni...yummy.”

      Bree laughed. “That’s what I say. Yummy.”

      As soon as they arrived home, she turned on the television for Emery, then went straight into the kitchen, where Bree washed her hands, then poured oil into a fryer. While it heated, she seasoned four chicken drumsticks and boiled water for the macaroni.

      She placed the chicken in the fryer and the cheese and macaroni in the oven, put a load of Emery’s clothes in the laundry and then returned to the kitchen. She washed her hands and checked on the food. Bree enjoyed being a mother. She considered it her one true purpose in life.

      For a moment, she allowed herself to think about her late husband. He had been her best friend and she missed him. Enough time had passed since Caleb’s death for Bree to consider dating.

      Although she had gone on a few dates, she had not met a man who could hold her interest for one reason or another.

      After dinner Bree cleared the table and filled the sink with hot water.

      She was down to washing the skillet when the telephone rang.

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