Her olive skin went white but she shook her head like she wanted to argue. “I’m supposed to believe that? I saw his funeral on TV and toasted my television, but I didn’t see any of you there.”
What could he say? He hadn't gone. They hadn't been invited.
Rebecca spoke from behind him, in a gentle way, “You recognized Bart’s face when I showed you his picture.”
“He looks a bit like our father in his profile.” He turned and Rebecca took the seat beside him, handing him a hot coffee in a paper cup with a plastic top.
Perhaps he was spoiled, but in Rome his secretary personally cleaned his porcelain cup before she served his coffee--he sniffed with low expectations.
Aurelia glanced in her cup and not at either of them when she said, “I didn’t expect the Morgans to show back up in my life. I’ve been avoiding them for years.”
If this was Aurelia, he’d hand her the shovel and they could both beat their father together. The image was visceral and tense. He'd gladly do it. “Aurelia, our father kidnapped Catherine from her mother too. She’s your half-sister. He kidnapped Victoria’s daughter from her and let her think her baby had died. He was an awful man.”
She wiped her eyes to hide any tears. “I read about Victoria. I read the news before I go to work in the morning, and the Morgans are always in the headlines for something. The heir that was promised to our father, Peter, somehow lost the love of his life, Jennifer-”
Bart shook his head. “That’s not true. Peter loves Belle. They are having a baby and planning a new wedding.”
Melissa sipped her coffee and didn’t say a word though her cheeks were red. When she finished, she said, “I don’t want to care.”
Rebecca took the lid off of her cup and blew, sneaking glances at her best friend, who obviously hadn't shared her life story.
Aurelia remembered them, and knew they were here, but hadn't contacted them? Had she wanted to? He stared at the plastic pretend-wood table top. “Then you know Gio recently married a shoe designer, and that he joined Victoria. Gio would have wanted his sister there.”
She winced like he’d hurt her. and turned the cup in her hand. “Their line of clothing is a possible acquisition for my high-end customers.”
Like that, he believed everything. If he thought for one second that he hadn't been wanted, he’d have avoided everyone like the plague. But Bart wasn’t their father. None of them were. Mitch Morgan Jr. had been a horrible human being. He reached for her hand. “Look, Aurelia, will you meet with our half-brother Luke to do a blood test? I know who you are, but let's get proof before we meet up with the family.”
A lone tear rolled down her cheek. She sniffed and pretended nothing was wrong. “Why would I do that?”
The lawyers and everyone else would want hard proof. Rebecca had delivered a miracle. He let Aurelia go. “There is a lot of money in it if you’re… you.”
“I don’t want Morgan money.” Aurelia scooted back in her chair, but no more tears washed down her face.
He didn’t move a muscle. “Our mother tossed our father out of her life the day you disappeared. Mama died thinking you were dead. But she made the four of us, your brothers, all swear to be family. She’d have been thrilled to have you back.”
Melissa trembled. “Don’t tell me that.”
She scooted back to the table and leaned closer. Another memory ran through his mind. Aurelia had painted her name on the hall in bright red. Their father had been furious and their mother had screamed, defending her daughter over Mitch.
How long after that defiance had Aurelia disappeared?
Tears welled in her deep brown eyes. “If I start believing that then I’ll just be sad with no defenses left.”
They needed her back to complete their Italian branch of the family. He kept his head down and said, “Aurelia, Anthony’s your twin, and he’s a mess.”
“Fine. I’ll do the test.” She covered her mouth with her palm, then bowed her shoulders. “Because I want to see him, and Lorenzo and Gio. It is so good to see you, Bart.”
With a gasp, she fought for emotional control. He got up and hugged his sister tight as she cried.
“Come with us," he said when she'd calmed. "Axel is throwing a goodbye party for family only--we are all in Miami to support Gio.”
She nodded and trembled. Aurelia kept her gaze on the table and said in a low voice, “Okay. Thank you. I’m super nervous and scared. It was easier just being angry.”
Rebecca rushed around the table to Aurelia's side.
“Rebecca’s coming too,” he said.
Aurelia gave Rebecca a watery smile. “Good. I need my best friend and my brothers.”
