by Loraine Mer
Armand's heart hammered inside his chest and an uncomfortable emptiness took hold of his stomach and chest.
He had a daughter. He'd spoken to her for the first time this morning. He wanted to go home and hold his child, hug her. He wanted to see her, to look for any similarities with him and Rebecca.
His mind urged him to calm down, to take things easy. Attend first to the matter at hand. Searching for courage, he decided to clear the matter with Frank later on. Right now, he was more interested in dealing with the other, more pressing situation. Also, he didn't know this emotion that beat inside of him, when he'd first heard he had a daughter. It was strange, unsettling.
He opened the doors with a bang.
The occupants of the room broke off in mid-conversation and their heads snapped around toward him. Four pairs of eyes fell upon him, four men who held the strings of his company's finances and investments in their hands. He'd been a fool to trust strangers. He noted though that Frank's gaze was directed to the floor in shame.
"Kelvin McPherson. As of this moment, you're not working anymore for the company. Leave!” His face blank of all emotion, Armand waited, his stance dangerous and his eyes glinting as he stared at McPherson. At first, McPherson held his gaze, his chin lifted in stubbornness. After a few minutes, he was the first to look away. He gathered his briefcase and left the room, brushing by Armand without a glance.
Armand continued, his voice remarkably calm and steady as he moved around the room, staring at each one in turn. “I applaud you, all of you. Such loyalty. Now I know I have a pack of hyenas in my employ. What else can I ask for, I ask you?” His voice turned hard and angry. “I revoke all of your authorities. You'll all stop in your negotiations in the projects assigned to you. All of you! Your assistants will take over. Be sure to brief them well before you take a one-week no-pay leave from the company, starting tomorrow. Yes, that's right, Ryan,” he directed his speech toward the newly-hired Securities Manager when he made a move as if to protest. “You won't receive any commission or salary until I decide what to do with each of you. Now I want you all to get out!” He ignored the beseeching looks some of the youngsters were giving him. After some hesitation, the people began shuffling to the door, and he caught sight of someone who should have stayed put. He barked, “Not you, Frank!” He locked eyes with his brother and waited until the room was empty.
"How could you, Frank?” His voice was so charged with emotion it was a mere whisper. “First, she lied to me, then you hide her and my child from me?” His voice rose with each succeeding word.
"No, Armand.” Frank was already shaking his head before Armand finished speaking. “It was never like that. Rebecca didn't love you, but she never loved me either. I was just a plaything, something to amuse herself with,” Frank said with obvious bitterness. “She came to me when I discovered her with Josh. Do you remember the bastard who called himself your best friend? It seems they were plotting behind your back at the same time that they were lovers. She tried to explain things to me, but obviously, she didn't explain herself quite well as I thought she was offering herself to me. I admit I had a crush on her and, seeing her with Josh, well, that hurt me. Rebecca left you and ran away with Josh, but they had an accident, as you know, where Josh died. I found her, and her only words before falling unconscious were ‘my baby'.” His voice broke.
"That's not important anymore. I just want to know one thing.” Armand didn't care what he looked like, whether his eyes were shooting hellfire or not. All the better if they were. Hopefully, they would knock some sense into his brother. “Will I have any problem in keeping my daughter?"
Frank shook his head.
Armand breathed a sigh of relief. “This is the last time you'll have anything to do with something related to me, brother. It has been a silent war between us for so many years now, and I'm still asking myself what had happened.” He turned to go, too incensed to discuss anything with Frank anymore.
"You've always had everything.” Frank shouted after him. “I wanted some of you in me. Father was never proud of me, and mother never showed me any affection. It was always you. Now I'm happily married to Melanie with two children of my own, and each time I remember that, I thank God. But you've never seen me as family, have you? I was always a stranger, an outsider who competed with you for mom and dad's attention—"
"Not at all,” Armand countered. “I was your family. In fact, I still think of you as family. Now, I see that it is only one-sided and you were taking advantage of it.” A sudden thought struck him, something from what Josephine had said. “Who's the baby's father?"
Frank turned his head away, but not before Armand saw him swallow. Hard. And Armand knew. He said flatly, “Yours."
"She told me that I would never have him.” Frank's lips twisted bitterly. “She made sure of that.” He stormed out of the room.
Armand barely heard him go. He was too busy thinking about the wife and child he'd lost years ago. Not knowing of the child for so long enraged him. Feeling the need to move—anywhere—he walked out of the room, without any idea of where he was going
* * * *
Josephine got down from the cab just as Armand arrived. She held the baby tightly after one look at his face. His reddened face and hard stare told everything. She couldn't understand how taking the children to shop for food could be wrong. “Come Clare, we need to go inside.” She hurried up the steps as the taxi driver got her shopping bags out of the trunk and left them on the entry.
Armand watched them scurry into the house and wondered if the anger and frustration of the day was still showing on his face. He gave the cab fare to the driver and brought the bags into the kitchen, having to make several trips as there were a lot. The marble counters and stainless steel appliances matched perfectly, but they never looked as good as today with people around. He usually found the kitchen to be big and empty, but it cheered up considerably with Clare's and Josephine's presences.
Still without speaking, he sat on the stool in front of the kitchen island and watched as they unpacked the foodstuffs and arranged them in the different cabinets. Somehow, he was soothed by the domestic scene. He suddenly noticed something missing. Rather, someone. “Where's Oscar?"
Two pairs of startled eyes looked at him.
"He's in the living room. I placed a blanket over the rug and put him to sleep there until I can assemble the playpen for him. I bought a few things he would need, if you're going to keep him. Are you?” she asked with a frown on her face.
He couldn't stop himself. He laughed, because he was happy. Here was a woman who cared about someone other than herself. That particular trait was obvious from the start—when she'd cornered him in the lift so that some homeless children could still have a home on Christmas Day. He didn't blame her confused stare. His sudden mood changes were enough to give anyone a headache. “Yes, I will. I'll keep them both.” Her smile almost blinded him.
"Can you help me then? I'm going to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. I found your brother's home phone number in your address book and talked to his wife. She promised to come over after they've finished their meal. I didn't know they live only a few blocks from here."
"You did what?"
"I can cancel,” Josephine said hastily. “You didn't tell me if you've plans, but I'm sure they'll understand. Today being a festive day, I thought, that is—” She stopped at seeing his raised hand.
"I don't have anything on. I was just surprised. What do you want me to do?” He looked at the numerous shopping bags and boxes he had brought in and wondered if she was moving in with him. He was surprised to find he didn't feel repulsed at the idea but even liked it. His intention of keeping both children already made up, he focused his attention on her. Can I possibly woo her to stay after the month is over? The idea took root in him and he determined to spend as much time with her as he could. After all, he would need a mother for the children.
He looked up from his musings to see her moving through the big box
es stacked against the kitchen wall, frowning as she did so. Finally, she removed one from the back. Her smile at finding the box accentuated the dimples of her cheek, and he made a mental note to taste those dimples as fast as possible. What better time than now?
He went over to where she was and placed a hand over hers. Her warmth invaded him, surrounded him. She looked up. He felt a tightening in his loins and he wanted to take her then. Remembering the children around them, his head descended and his lips met hers in a soft and promising kiss. Only a brush of the lips, and yet, they left him thirsty and for the more.
Chapter Five
Armand had just finished assembling the stroller and the playpen that Josephine had bought when the phone rang, startling them all. Clare looked up from where she was playing with Oscar on the floor and Josephine called out from the kitchen, “Can you get that, please? I'm peeling the potatoes I'll be serving tonight."
"Sure.” Armand stood and picked up the phone, which was resting on a small stand beside the sofa. “Hello. Oh, hi, Frank. You will what?” He shouted from the living room, startled, as he looked at the empty and cold fireplace. “No, don't get me wrong, I love the idea but I thought you wouldn't want to—I mean, after our not so successful meeting...” His voice trailed off, cracking on the last word. He listened for a while and finally said, “Okay, for Melanie's and the children's sakes, let's try again and be a family. I'm willing to let the past go if you are, Frank, and start anew. We'll wait for you."
His eyes lost in thought, Armand pressed the off button and continued to stare absently at the fireplace. The last time he ate with his brother, their mother was still living with their father. Not long afterwards, they divorced, and if he wasn't mistaken, it had been over fifteen years. He couldn't believe a single woman could seduce him so easily and take charge of his life as well. He'd once preferred his life completely alone, but maybe not so much now, as he found himself getting used to Josephine's presence in his home. Maybe in his life as well?
A giggle from Clare brought him to the present.
His eyes focused, and he saw Clare playing with Oscar on the floor, her blue eyes sparkling with joy while her brother stared back at her, not knowing who she was, yet trusting her enough to take her finger inside his small hand. The picture they presented, so tiny and alone, caused love to well up in him. His daughter needed him, and he decided that he would keep his nephew as well, and in the process, he'd redeem that which he'd lost five years ago.
He moved toward the children and took Oscar in his arms. The baby stared at him, his big brown eyes fixed on him. He knew that for a baby of only a few days’ old, a few weeks at most, Oscar wouldn't really be seeing him yet. Armand's hand explored Oscar's soft hair, and he wondered how such a small thing could be real. He never thought of children that way.
"He's perfect. Mommy checked him all days,” Clare declared proudly from beside him.
Armand directed his smile toward her. “Why don't you go upstairs and change before people start arriving, little one?"
"Okay.” She ran off.
Smiling indulgently after her, he placed the baby in the playpen and went to the kitchen. For the first time, he noticed the fragrant mixture of the rich aromas of the food. Josephine had whipped up apple and pumpkin pie for dessert, mashed potatoes, corn knobs, and a green bean casserole in what seemed like the blink of an eye. Still, she was busy running to and fro the refrigerator and the stove.
He liked a woman who could move inside the kitchen, her culinary arts adding to the attraction that she already held for him. It stirred him, and still tasting the promising kiss on his lips, his cock started to harden, aching to be inside her once again.
Finally, she stood still behind the sink, washing her hands.
He took advantage and pressed her back against his front body. Sweeping aside her hair, he kissed the back of her neck. A moan escaped her lips as she felt his huge erection pressing against her back.
"I look forward to tonight,” he whispered in her ear.
She blushed. “Is there a room for the children?” She asked, evading his amorous intentions.
Highly amused, he decided to humor her. “Yes, there is. The only problem is, no one's ever slept there. The room is small, but it has a bed and nightstand. Rebecca insisted on having a bedroom for the guests.” The words left his mouth without his thinking it through.
Her body stiffened in response.
"Rebecca?” Carrying one of the dessert plates, she slipped away from him. “You sound as if you still ... love her?” Her voice sounded muffled and far away as she moved toward the farthest kitchen counter.
"I just discovered this morning that she didn't die, until recently, that is. It's a long story. I, uh, I'm going to take a shower.” Confused by the suddenly-charged atmosphere, he made an excuse to leave.
Josephine felt her heart sank, and she supported herself against the counter. She couldn't understand why the mere mention of his ex-wife would upset her so much. She would only be staying a month, and after he solved the problem of the tenancy, she'd have accomplished her objective and the bargain. Her kids would also have a place to call home for a little while longer. She considered the orphans hers after so many years of attending to their needs. She treasured them more than anything in the world. She even went so far as to promise not to fall in love and abandon them.
She heard the muted sounds of his steps heading toward the bedroom, and she wondered if he liked her idea for tonight. She knew her attitude was really forward and sneaky, but she didn't care. She'd noticed his loneliness the previous night and the emptiness in the house. Having his brother and sister-in-law around may be a change he needed.
A strong smell assaulted her nostrils, and she remembered the gravy for the potatoes still simmering on the stove. She let out a small scream as she tried to save what was left of the gravy.
* * * *
Melanie and her brood arrived at the scheduled hour. The kids raced out from the car, playing a game as to who would be the first to ring the bell. She felt a shiver of trepidation, not knowing how they would be received, although admittedly, they came by invitation. Beside her, Frank was tensed. She reached out to cover his hand, which was gripping the steering wheel tightly. “Shall we go, dear?"
"Okay."
By the time they arrived at the front door, Jason and Junior were bestowing hugs and kisses on their Uncle Armand, who laughed along with them. Both kids then ran toward the library, aiming for the treasure hidden behind the doors—a set of swords that were replicas of the ones used by knights during the medieval times, and which Frank and Armand used to play when they were children.
When the children had disappeared, Armand offered them some drinks, and after being refused, he helped Frank bring in the stuffed turkey. The chilled silence was so sharp Melanie felt it cut into her skin. The three of them had grown up together. She loved both brothers, but Frank was the one to steal her heart from the beginning. She never approved of this silent war between them, but she didn't know what to do to stop them. That was why when she received the call from Josephine, she quickly grabbed the opportunity, hoping the brothers would come to some understanding.
She heard fast steps coming down the stairs and turned around to find a little girl about five years old running toward the kitchen. Her fiery red curls bounced up and down her back. She reminded Melanie of Rebecca instantly. She discarded that idea as soon as she saw Josephine coming down the stairs with a baby in her arms, her auburn hair spilled about her shoulders. She went to meet them at the foot of the stairs. “Josephine?"
"Yes, I am. Nice to meet you, you must be Melanie. You can call me Jossie if you like.” Josephine smiled at the stranger taking in her features. Armand's sister-in-law sported a short hair that suited her. The short style didn't surprise Josephine one bit, since most women who had children wore the same style to make their lives easier. However, Melanie's aqua-colored eyes shocked her, since it wasn't a usual color for eyes.
"Yes, they're playing inside the library. That's their favorite place here.” Melanie giggled.
Josephine liked her immediately. “Oh, why's that? They love to read?"
"No.” Melanie erupted into laughter. “They love the playing swords that hung by the door."
Josephine had to laugh as well. Boys would truly be boys.
Several times during the meal, Josephine would look up to find Melanie's perceptive eyes on her. She hoped the woman wouldn't be able to read anything on her face. She tried to hide her sexual attraction to Armand, though goodness only knew how successful she was. She couldn't keep her eyes off him, which, she was sure, would give her away sooner or later. All the children got along well, even with their difference in ages. With the adults, the atmosphere was cordial, and everyone was polite with each other. Josephine kept thinking of a way to lighten up the atmosphere, but her mind drew a blank. After the dessert was served, Melanie spoke up, directing her words to no one in particular. “What are your plans for tomorrow?"
Josephine opened her mouth to reply, but Armand beat her to it. “We're going shopping to prepare Clare's room and to convert my study into Oscar's room. This would mean I'd have to use one of the downstairs room as my study. There's a lot to do, and I'd like to attend to them during the weekend."
Josephine was startled. She didn't know anything about this. “We are?” Beside her, Clare clapped her hands and jumped up and down with glee in her seat.
