But I want to get to know you. I mean youre with my dad, so that makes you family. Ryan was now giving me a pleading look.

I b.u.mped Fordes knee with mine. This was his place to speak up.

His eyes were filled with mischief. Shes nice to have around. She always picks the best food on the menu.

Plus, I think shes pretty, Ryan blurted then ducked his head.

I warmed to his compliment. Then, I would love to go out and eat steak with you, Ryan. I might even buy a new dress for the occasion.

Well, I guess while you all are making plans, I can just sit in the hotel and order room service.

Uncomfortable, because Tessa obviously wanted sympathy, I picked up my gla.s.s and drank.

Mom, you can go to the spa or watch a movie. You always tell me that that you need quiet time.

Tessa sighed loudly. If you want to go out with Forde and his secretary, then Ill find something else to do.

Woman, Forde growled, Lays, my woman. Shes going to be my wife and have my babies.

I gave him a look I hoped told him how much it meant to me to hear him say those words.

Im going to get a brother or sister? Ryan jumped on that part. That would be awesome. He looked at my stomach area. Is it going to happen soon?

Were working on it. Forde smiled and winked at his son, then pulled me closer and kissed my cheek.

I watched Tessa from under my lashes, wondering how she would handle this.

She rolled her eyes.

So when are you getting married? Can I come? Ryan asked.

Well, she has to say yes first, and then we can plan the wedding, Forde said.

I thought about interjecting that he needed to ask, but that was a discussion for a time when it was just the two of us. No way was I going to show any weakness in front of Tessa.

Maybe you should buy her some presents. Mom says that getting a present from a man makes her more agreeable. Ryan sat back in the booth and crossed his arms over his chest, very proud of his advice.

I laughed. I couldnt help it. I loved this kid. He told the truth. Tessa looked furious, and Forde was checking his phone, trying not to laugh.

Maybe you can think of some ideas and share them with him. I winked at Ryan and b.u.mped shoulders with my man.

When we got home from our lunch that ran well into the afternoon, Forde asked Rick to come over so that he could go for a run. Rick arrived with Nahla and stayed for dinner.

Later, I was going through the closet, trying to figure out what I would wear to dinner the following night. It was going to be a special time. Forde was already in bed, texting, with the covers pulled to his waist.

I glanced over my shoulder. So, are you reeling?

He put his phone on the nightstand. Yeah.

I moved a navy maxi skirt to the front of my hanging clothes. I could pair it with a pale pink cardigan and my new black boots. I moved to the side of the bed. Totally understandable.

I untied my new robe. It was a deep ocean blue and silky. Zoe surprised me with it the night we planned the party. Can you tell me how all of this happened? Why n.o.body told you?

Yeah, I waited because I didnt want to do it in front of Rick. Its too fresh. Im too angry. Plus, Jesus, I have a son.

I crawled next to him, leaned in, and kissed his cheek.

He took my hand. Tessas story is that this is all her fathers doing. I cant help but think shes putting the blame on him because he isnt here. He leaned his head back and looked at the ceiling for a moment. The gist of the story is that when I was in Germany, Tessa moved back to the ranch because she didnt like being alone and got lonely. She ran into Gary McReynolds, and they rekindled their relationship. She found out she was pregnant, and her dad started the divorce proceedings so that there could be a quick wedding to McReynolds.

Hmm, their rekindling was quick. I know I sounded s.h.i.tty, but it was a c.r.a.ppy thing to do to a man whod been half a world away.

As Ryan got older, it was apparent to anyone who had seen our wedding photo that Ryan was my son. Her dad told her to destroy all of those photos.

So her father wanted her marriage to Mr. McReynolds to continue and to be cemented with a son?

Forde started to run his index finger over the back of my hand. Their family ranches are adjoining. It made good business sense for the two to stay together. The s.h.i.t hit the fan about two years ago when McReynolds needed a new kidney, and when they tested Ryan, well the results showed there was no way he could be his son. Soon after, he and Tessa divorced.

I wonder how much of that Ryan knows about? My heart hurt for him. It was frightening enough when a parent was seriously ill, but then to learn that there were secrets Tessa skated over those facts, and I was so surprised by it all, that I didnt push her. Forde frowned. Plus, I cant count on her to tell the truth. I imagine Ryan will fill us in.

So, how did Ryan find out about you?

He was helping his grandfather clean out the attic and found a box of old pictures that his grandmother had stored. Ryan went through them and found our wedding photo. The kid immediately noticed we look alike. Forde shook his head.

Tessa said Ryan went ballistic, and she finally had to tell him about me. His mouth went hard. The kid did an internet search and found me. Tessa and her father tried to keep him from contacting me. When Ryan learned I had no idea that he was mine, he booked a flight to come meet me. He said I deserved the truth. Forde shifted his gaze to mine. His eyes were shining.

I swallowed around a huge lump in my throat. Hes a great kid"brave with a real sense of right and wrong.

Yeah, Tessa and McReynolds raised him right. Forde ran a hand over his mouth.

They did, but I think your DNA was a good foundation. Today, I saw some of the same traits in Ryan that I see in you. I raised our hands and kissed the back of his.

I can forgive her for maybe the first five years, not knowing or purposely not seeing, but after that, what she did He closed his eyes and shook his head.

I dont know the woman, but from what I saw, shes spoiled, and I imagine she likes her lifestyle. If she thought telling McReynolds the truth might upset him or her dad, well I can see her holding her tongue and living the lie. Id wanted to slap her during lunch, but now, I wanted to punch her for all of the lies.

She was spoiled even back when I met her. A part of me thought it was cute, entertaining, you know? I think what you said has merit. Forde loosened his hold on my hand, and then put his arm over my shoulder, pulling me in close.

So what do you do from here? I asked softly.

I dont know. Im going to meet with Tye tomorrow morning. I hope that youll come. He sounded like he was unsure that I would want to be with him at the meeting.

Ill be there, I promised.

Good, I dont want this to be my issue. I want it to be ours. His arm tightened around me.

I think I fell in love with the kid the moment he walked into the office and charmed me with his drawl. Of course its ours. I turned my head and kissed his collar bone.

Im also hoping that if youre at the meeting, Tye wont go ballistic. Forde let out a sigh.

He thinks of you as a brother, so hes protective. Plus, he missed out on Ryans life too. I wouldnt mind seeing Tye tear into Tessa, but I kept that to myself.

I have a son, he said, his voice was filled with wonder.

Yup, and hes smart, kind, and funny. Hes going to be good for us.

He moved his head in for a kiss. I think we should try to make a brother or sister for him.

Like a dog with a bone. I giggled as his lips ran down the sensitive tendon in my neck.

Chapter Twenty-One.

Forde and I were in Tyes office at seven. Needless to say, the attorney had been beyond furious, but after hed thrown a book across the office, hed focused on our questions.

Then we met Ryan and Tessa at the Natatorium where Forde and Ryan swam in the famous pool. Ryan was so excited. He and Forde raced, and Ryan managed to beat his dad twice. Upon arrival, Tessa had taken a seat on the sideline bench and immediately got out her phone. Earlier, shed set the tone by asking why I hadnt put on my suit to join the guys.

Earlier, Id decided I wasnt going to put up with the s.h.i.tty remarks, so I called her out.

I sat down next to her. I kept my voice low and even. So, lets get something straight between us. You were married to Forde for about a minute many years ago. You two havent spoken in eighteen years. You appeared yesterday, out of the blue, and we find out that he has a son. The evenness left when I continued with some heat. One that youve known about for years, if not from the beginning.

I cant believe that he told you. Thats private, she said, starting to work up to a rant.

Save it, I told her coldly.

She rolled her eyes again, and then looked at the ceiling then to the far wall, ignoring me.

I wasnt done. Tessa, look at me. I barked, and she did. Forde and I are together. Of course he told me. The only reason I wasnt in his office when you came clean is that I thought it would be better for Ryan not to have to hear about your questionable decisions. I paused, waiting to see if she was going to try to argue about that with me.

Tessa bit down on her glossy lip but said nothing.

Maybe I was getting through to her? Now, heres the thing. I dont like your b.i.t.c.hy comments. I dont care that you think Im fat. I know what I look like. I waited to see if she had a comeback, but she kept quiet. Ive ignored them because there are many more important things going on. But, if you continue, then we are going to have problems. I let two beats pa.s.s while I stared into her eyes. Tessa, I cant take your sons love away from you, and I dont want to. Hes a great kid, but Im never going to try to be his mom.

Like you could be? she snarled. Her lip even curled and her eyes turned hard.

Tessa I rolled my eyes. You are going to have to up your level of self-control.

I dont know who you think you are in all of this. Look at you, and then look at me. She ran her manicured hand down her body. If I wanted, I could get Forde back. I mean, now that he knows we have a son. He seems really focused on family. Her smile was cruel, and it made her ugly.

Oh, honey, Id like to see you try. I shrugged my shoulders. Not in a million years would Forde want her back. I was attempting to find even ground here. I pointed between the two of us. But you really are a b.i.t.c.h, so let me set you straight. You have a great kid, and luckily, Forde welcomed him into our lives. Stop the negativity, or Ryan might decide he likes being around us more. I ended with my version of the b.i.t.c.h smile.

Without him, where would you be? She glanced at the two guys getting out of the pool, but her eyes travelled over Fordes muscular arms and chest.

Lost, but Id be a better person for knowing and loving him, I said, and then headed toward them with their towels. I was done trying to communicate with stupid.

Layla, did you see me beat dad that time? Ryan yelled although I was within arms reach.

I sure did. I hope there was a bet involved, I said, tossing him a towel.

No bet, thankfully. Forde smiled so big that the corners of his eyes crinkled.

Ill email you all the photos and video, I said as Ryan dried his hair.

Cool, Lay. And then, hed flashed his fathers charming grin.

I glanced at Forde as he was running his towel over his chest. I already sent it to you and Tye.

His smile made my knees weak. You and Tessa have a nice talk?

I should have known. Do you miss anything?

Nope. After he wrapped the towel around his hips and pulled me closer, careful not to get me wet, hed kissed my cheek. Was she being a b.i.t.c.h?

I shrugged. I gave as good as I got.

Ryan made his way over to his mother and was talking to her.

Dont let her be rude to you. His arms tightened for a fraction of a second. I knew that he was telling me that he had my back, which I already knew.

I tried telling her Im not going to replace her as mom, but the s.h.i.tty comments have to stop. I kept my volume low. No way did I want Ryan to overhear.

What did she say to that? hed asked, raising an eyebrow.

I looked away and bit down on my lip. I really didnt want to tell him. I wasnt worried he would rekindle anything with Tessa. Forde didnt have time for games.

Babe?

I tried to smile confidently, but it felt so fake. He probably saw right through it. She said that if she tried, she could get you back. Id felt stupid telling him.

Christ, she is a piece of work. He glanced upward as if he was asking for strength.

I told her to try. He was holding me, his body leaning as much into mine as I was into his. Yeah, bring it, Tessa. I dare you.

Hey, mom has to go get a ma.s.sage, so can I hang out with you guys? Ryan yelled in our direction.

I gave Forde a squeeze. I loved it that Ryan wanted to be around us.

Sure buddy. Fordes voice was warm.

When we neared Tessa and Ryan, she put her phone away and looked at her watch.

I tried to organize a game plan. Why dont you guys. .h.i.t the showers, and then well head back to the condo? Tessa, if you agree, we can drop Ryan off at your hotel after dinner?