What If You by Sandi Lynn (epub ebook reader txt) 📗

“She never told you who your father was?”

“No. But then again, I was only five when she died. As I got older, I asked my grandmother, but she said she had no idea and that my mother said she didn’t know who my father was.”

“I never met your grandmother. It’s not that I didn’t want to, it was Laura who kept me from meeting her.”

“I think it was because she was afraid of what my grandmother would see. For people like us, with this gift, it’s hard to have relationships because people can’t understand. I’m sure that’s why she never told you. Believe me, it’s hard.”

A small smile crossed his lips. “You and Asher seem to be doing just fine. That man adores you. He talks about you all the time.”

“We had a rocky start.” I smiled. “But now he’s accepted it.”

“Listen, Everly. If you are truly my daughter, I will fully accept it and you. But I need to make sure. Maybe through a DNA test.”

“I totally understand, and I would be happy to do that.”

He reached over and placed his hand on mine as Asher and Christina walked into the room.

“Asher explained everything to me. Are you alright, Richard?”

“I’m fine, darling.” He got up and kissed her cheek.

“Is she—”

“We’re going to do a DNA test, but I’m pretty sure she is.” He smiled at me.

Asher

I was sitting in my office when Everly and Richard walked in. They had gone together for the DNA test and then went and grabbed some lunch.

“How did it go?” I asked as I got up and gave Everly a kiss.

“It went good. We should have the results back in about three days,” she spoke. “I need to go. I have a meeting with a client in about thirty minutes. I love you.” She kissed my lips.

“I love you too, baby.”

“I’ll see you, Richard. Thanks for lunch.”

“You’re welcome, Everly.” He smiled.

“She’s a great woman, Asher,” Richard spoke as he sat down across from my desk.

“She certainly is.” I gave him a smile as I took a seat behind my desk.

“How do you deal with it. You know—”

“It was hard at first, but now I’m used to it. Sort of.” I smirked.

“I remember when I was with Laura. I didn’t even have a clue what was going on, but those dreams she had frightened her to her core.”

“Everly is stronger than her mother ever was, and she learned to deal with it and accept it. Thanks to her grandmother. Hell, she even puts up with my father.”

“Your father?” He cocked his head.

“He likes to visit her. He can’t seem to move on for some reason.”

“But you don’t see him, right?”

“No. Only she can.” I sighed. “I know you know she is your daughter, Richard. And I think you knew it the night of the fundraiser. I saw the way you looked at her. It was almost as if you were seeing a ghost.”

“I just had this weird overwhelming feeling when I met her. I can’t explain it, Asher. I’d never felt anything like it. So, when you asked if the two of you could come over, I knew something wasn’t right.”

“I just hope this doesn’t complicate things for you and your family.”

“Christina and I already spoke to the girls. We sat down with them and told them everything. I didn’t tell them what Everly can do. I didn’t want to add that to the mix.”

“How did the girls take it?”

“They took it well and they want to meet her. So, after we get the test results back that prove I’m her father, we’re going to have you two over for a family barbeque.”

“Looking forward to it.” I smiled.

“You’re a good man, Asher. And I’m not just saying that because you’re my boss. I see the way you love Everly, and it makes me happy that she’s being taken care of by someone like you.”

“Thanks, Richard.” I chuckled. “But trust me, Everly takes care of herself and the more you get to know her, the more you’ll understand what I mean.”

He let out a laugh.

42

One Week Later

Everly

I was sitting on the edge of the bed thinking when Asher walked into the room.

“My father isn’t here, is he?”

“No. Why?”

“I don’t know. It’s just the way you’re staring into space. I thought maybe you were talking to him.”

“I was just thinking,” I softly spoke.

“About?” He hooked his arm around me as he sat down.

“My life and how it’s changed so drastically in the last few months. I mean, I go from having no family besides Daniel, to having a father, stepmother and two sisters. All of a sudden, I have this new family, and it’s a lot to take in. I’m nervous to meet Richard’s girls.”

“You mean your sisters?” I smiled at her.

“What if they don’t like me?”

“They’ll love you. Richard told me that they’re excited to meet you.”

“We’ll see.”

“Aw, baby.” He pulled me into him and kissed the side of my head. “Stop being ridiculous. Now we have to go, or we’ll be late. And you don’t want to be late the first time meeting your sisters.”

“You’re right. I’ll meet you downstairs. I’m just going to check my hair one last time.” I kissed his lips.

When I walked into the bathroom, I saw Curtis sitting on the edge of the bathtub.

“Curtis. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I’m just here to wish you luck, darling. I’m happy things worked out for you.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. And you know what? I would be so happy for you if you crossed over to where you’re supposed to be.” I smiled at him.

“Yeah. I’ve been thinking about that, and I think I’m going to stick around for a while.”

“Why?” I shot him a look.

“Because I like seeing my son happy, you’re like the daughter I never had.” He smirked before he disappeared.

“Everly? Are you coming?” Asher asked.

“Sorry.” I turned the light off in the bathroom and grabbed my purse. “Apparently, your father plans on sticking