Peter shook his head. "Dad's lawyer said variouspeople would receive inheritances. I thought he meant illegitimate, though the numbers add up to be perhaps the triplets and afewmore."
Vicki then wiped her face. "Peter, this isn't about themoney."
"This isn't about that, sis." He sat through enough sales pitches to know there was something else. He leaned closer in his seat to not scare her again. "I am trying to calculate howmany siblings we might have out in theworld."
She closed her eyes as if she didn't want to see him. Peter's heart ached like it was a rejection, though he held Belle's warm hand as his mother said, "Out of the triplets, Luke is the oldest. He's a doctor. He took care of me in the hospital, but couldn’t come tonight. With luck he’ll get a job in Miami and I’ll see him more. Then there isElizabeth andMatthew."
"The woman outsidethedoor?"
"Yes, that's Elizabeth. She's having a hard time adjusting to being aMorgan."
"She doesn't have to adjust toanything."
"She and her brothers thought I was sick, and that's why they were sent away, but they don't want anything from any of you. I wanted to let you know that you have morefamily."
Victoriamassaged her mother's back. "Elizabeth looks like Johnandme."
She opened her eyes and pools of tears threatened to emerge. Peter didn't have the heart to hurt her ever again. His other half deserved better as she said, "Elizabeth?"
John then asked, "And Matthew? Who is he and what doeshedo?"
She turned to stare at John. Peter saw how his brother's face was white as theirmom said, "Matthew hasn’t opened up to my return yet. From what I understand, he performs as MattKilroy."
“The singer is my brother!” Vicki scooted closer to Colt. "Is that why you had to tell us now? You didn't want to start the new year with twofamilies?"
“He doesn’t want his stage name to be revealed as a Morgan.” Their mom shook her head and wiped her face. At least tears hadn'temerged, so Peter could breathe as his mother said, "We're all one family. All six of you are my children with your father, and for better or worse, you all need eachothertoo."
Peter then stood and stormed to the door. The room went absolutelysilent.
He summoned his maid. "Caro, bring Elizabeth Morgan to the study. She was the pregnant lady with my motherearlier."
No onesaid anything as he retook his seat. The room remained silent. He placed his hand on Belle's shoulder andasked, "What?"
His sister smiled and asked, "Is that all? Are you okaywiththis?"
"Belle's going to marry me. I'm happy for Mom that she has all of us and a home shereturnedtoo."
His mother then teared up. Peter's heart stilled. He hadn't wanted to hurt her. He heldhis breath as Belle squeezedhishand.
A moment later, Caro knocked on the door and then opened it. His mother stood and opened her arms to hug the young woman with blonde hair. The woman hugged her and didn't stare at any of them. The rest of themstood.
When their mom was done, she turned around and fluffed the woman's hair. "Peter, John, Victoria, this is your sister, ElizabethMorgan."
Peter hugged Belle. He had his family. Mom had hers. He kissed Belle's check and then said, "Elizabeth, you're invited to ourwedding."
“Okay.” The woman's eyes were wide as she held their mom. "Thankyou."
