A Family Affair

by Marilyn McPherson

Epilogue

  Three days later, Tom was thinking about the DNA test results. They were due today. His physician had promised to call Tom’s mobile as soon as the results were known.

  As if his thoughts had prompted the phone to ring, it suddenly chirped. Tom answered it immediately. “Tom Bradley.”

  “Tom, this is Dr Walsh. I have the results of the DNA test.”

  “I’m ready, doctor.”

  “Actually, I’d rather you came in and discussed the results in person.”

  “Please, doc. Please tell me over the phone. I need to know now.”

  Dr Walsh breathed in and out while thinking. “Alright. Just promise me that you won’t do anything rash for at least ten minutes.”

  “Agreed.”

  “It’s bad news, I’m sorry.”

  Tom’s heart sank. Of course Ellen would be in his life going forward, one way or another. But he didn’t want her as a daughter. They had done things which could not be undone. He wanted her as a wife.

  Dr Walsh continued. “There is a ninety-seven per cent probability that Ms Jackson is not your biological daughter. I’m sorry, Tom.”

  Tom’s heart leapt high into the air. The doctor had assumed he was trying to confirm his paternity to Ellen. “Is there any chance that the result is wrong, doc?”

  “I know you are disappointed, but there is no other way to interpret the results. Ninety-seven per cent is very high. She is not your daughter, and not related to you in any way, I would say.”

  “Thank you, Dr Walsh. I appreciate you rushing through the lab work and phoning me with the result. “

  “I’ll see you soon, Tom. Take care.”

  “Goodbye.”

  Tom smiled as he ended the phone call. It was time for Ellen and him to get away – somewhere far from this city. They would spend quality time together, with no work holding them apart. Their love and commitment was going to be formalised, and one day soon, Ellen would become his wife.

  The end

  Note from the Author

  If you enjoyed my book, please support my writing by leaving a review or purchasing the sequel. Thank you.

  How to Contact Me:

  Email: marilyngmcpherson@gmail.com

  Facebook: Marilyn-McPherson-Author

  Books by Marilyn McPherson

  A Family Affair by Marilyn McPherson

  From the moment they first met, life would never be the same again. Despite their age difference, Ellen Jackson allows herself to be swept into the rich and powerful life of Tom Bradley, the CEO and owner of Satinol Cosmetics. They believed nothing could come between them, but they were wrong.

  A Family Affair - First Born by Marilyn McPherson

  Although plagued by the tragic events of the previous year, Ellen Jackson continues her whirlwind romance with Tom Bradley, the fabulously successful CEO of Satinol Cosmetics. Tom’s devotion is unmistakable as he plans an opulent wedding for Ellen, but a small misunderstanding may cost them everything. Will Ellen’s unplanned pregnancy strengthen their love or tear them apart?

  A Family Affair - Next of Kin by Marilyn McPherson

  Whilst the foundation of Tom Bradley’s life is the love he has for his wife and son, he is compelled to understand the mystery force which has been manipulating those relationships. In the final chilling conclusion to A Family Affair, the Bradley closet will be prised open, and the family’s dark secrets revealed.

  Stray by Marilyn McPherson

  Ever since Jane Thompson lost her husband, her long days at the office and solitary nights at home have been filled with a sad emptiness. But just as she is giving up on life, a new employee starts work in her office. Cameron is successful, charming and handsome, his presence alone able to light a beacon of happiness inside her. But is he everything Jane imagines him to be?

  The Faithful Watcher by Marilyn McPherson

  Lucy Shaw is a young girl with an extraordinary gift. Kept isolated by her aunt in a small rural town in Australia, she senses that one man has been in her life all along, watching her from the shadows. When Lucy turns 18 and her Aunt dies, she moves to the city to attend university. The man in the shadows follows her there. Will Lucy work out who the watcher is, and what he wants with her?

  Lottie’s Patch by Marilyn McPherson

  Like the companion plants in their vegetable patch, Lottie and Walter Brown’s long marriage had been enriched by their mutual care. Their daily lives revolved around the rich bounty harvested from the patch given freely to the neighbours who shared their small cul-de-sac. Theirs was a simple quiet existence until a new season brought change, and Lottie’s patch would never be the same again.