Hidden Betrayal (O'Connor Girls Book 1)

by Rhonda Brewer

  “I was only a kid and the father… well, it wasn’t a good situation.” She wiped a tear from her cheek.

  “It was a boy, and he was born in November.” Dean wanted her to know he had an idea of who adopted the baby, but he needed her to say it.

  “Yes, he was so small.” Hannah blew out a shaky breath. “I couldn’t care for him.”

  Hannah was quiet as she stared in front of her. She seemed to lost in the memory of when she gave birth. It was evident with the way the tears ran down her cheeks.

  “I need to know Hannah.” He didn’t recognize his own voice as he tried to get to the truth.

  “What?” She turned to look at him.

  “Am I that child?” Dean watched her for some hint of an answer, but all she did was stare at him. “I want to know.”

  “Wait, you think…. Why would you think I’m your mother?” She appeared to be in a state of shock.

  “It makes sense. I was born when you were fourteen in November. I know mom was supposed to have had me after years of giving up on having any more children.” Dean still found it hard to wrap his head around, but it made sense.

  “Dean, yes I got pregnant at fourteen and gave birth to a baby boy. He was three months early because I went into premature labor. Mom had you a week before that. I’m not your mother, Dean. My baby died three days after he was born.” She sniffed. “I held him while he took his last breath.”

  “Han, I’m sorry.” Dean was relieved, but he could feel the sorrow of losing the child radiating from his sister.

  “Mom told me she’d help if I wanted to keep him, but she’d just had you. It had been a tough delivery for her.” Hannah wiped another tear from her cheek. “He was born too soon.”

  “Can I ask who the father was?” Dean assumed it was Ivan because he and Hannah had been high school sweethearts.

  “That’s a whole can of worms I don’t know if I should open.” She whispered.

  “So, it wasn’t Ivan?” Dean couldn’t think of any other man his sister had dated.

  “No, I dated someone else for a few days before Ivan.” Hannah hiccupped. “I miss him so much.”

  Dean stood and pulled her up from the bench. He hugged her to his chest while she wept. She probably hadn’t had a chance to grieve him with everything that happened. She wasn’t even able to attend his funeral. Trevor couldn’t get her out for it. According to the man, it wasn’t right for her to go to the funeral of the man she killed.

  He didn’t know how long he stood there with her soaking his shirt in tears, but she finally took a deep breath and pushed back from him.

  “I miss them both.” She sighed.

  “I know, Han.” Dean did know. He missed Peyton terribly. He tried to keep it in check until they cleared up the whole mess

  “I guess if you know about the baby you should know everything.” Hannah sighed. “I’ll need a strong cup of coffee to dig into that buried memory.”

  Chapter 16

  Kristy woke slowly and rolled over on her back. The other side of the bed was empty, and she felt a little disappointed, but she could hear the quiet mummers in the kitchen. The other voice was female and sounded upset.

  She jumped out of bed and pulled on her clothes that she tossed on the floor. She hated to put on clothes from the day before, but she hadn’t been bright enough to bring an overnight bag with her. Of course, she hadn’t been sure that she was staying because she didn’t know what had happened at court.

  She pulled her hair into a ponytail and cringed because she knew she’d suffer later for not brushing it beforehand.

  Dean sat in the kitchen across from his sister, and they were deep in conversation. It looked intense, and she hated to interrupt, but when she turned to go back into the bedroom, Dean called out to her.

  “Where are you going, Kitten?” She spun back and met his smile.

  “I didn’t want to intrude.” She shuffled into the kitchen.

  “You aren’t. As a matter of fact, you should know as well. I’m not Dean’s mother.” Hannah gave her a forced smile.

  “I… okay… ummm…. Is that a good thing?” Kristy wasn’t sure how to react.

  “It’s good that Dean knows nobody lied to him.” Hannah reached across the table. “You were always my cute annoying little brother.”

  “I’m still cute but much less annoying.” Dean grinned as he covered her hand with his.

  “Sure, honey. If that helps.” Hannah chuckled.

  “Did you want something to eat?” Dean asked her as he pulled out the chair next to him for her to sit.

  “No, I need to head home and get showered and changed.” She glanced at Hannah.

  “I’m gonna take Hannah to see your dad this morning but if you want we can meet for lunch at the pub.” Dean offered.

  “Sounds great. Hannah, I hope you can join us.” Kristy stood and pushed in the chair.

  “I’d like that.” It was the first time in the short time she’d known Dean’s sister her smile reached her eyes. It also showed how much Dean and Hannah looked alike.

  “Great, I look forward to it.” Kristy made her way around the table toward the front door.

  “I’ll walk you out.” Dean stood up and grabbed her hand as they walked to the exit.

  He held her hand the whole way down the steps to the driver side of her car. Giving it a little squeeze when she stopped by the vehicle.

  “You seem more relaxed.” Kristy turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

  “It’s a relief to know my parents and Hannah weren’t lying to me. They did hide a pretty big thing from me, but it wasn’t something that affected my life.” He kissed her forehead.

  “That’s true.” Kristy closed her eyes and allowed his lips to move down the side of her face. “I’m guessing Ivan was the baby’s father.”

  “Actually, no but Eric was.” Kristy’s eyes popped open, and she pulled back from his comforting kiss.

  “Isn’t that Ivan’s brother? The one that she said to keep away from Peyton?” Kristy had heard Dean mention the name.

  “One in the same. Apparently, Han dated Eric first but she was convinced he only wanted to get her on her back. After they had sex, he stopped calling her. A couple of weeks later Ivan asked her out.” Dean shook his head. “In the tiny town we lived in there wasn’t a lot of choices in dating.”

  “You’re telling someone who grew up in a town that at least a tenth of the guys were either my cousins or friends of my cousins.” Kristy laughed. “And look here I am madly in love with a friend of my cousin.”

  “He’s also head over heels for you.” Dean ran his finger down the side of her face as he lowered his lips to meet hers.

  Kristy’s lips met his in a soft sweet kiss. It wasn’t as intense as the night before. It was more of a promise of forever.

  “Mmm… I’ll text you when Hannah and I are on the way to the pub.” Dean gave her another quick kiss before he opened the car door for her.

  “I love you, Dean.” She touched his cheek and stared into his hazel eyes.

  “I love you too, Kitten.” Dean covered her hand and pulled her palm to his lips. “With every beat of my heart.”

  Kristy drove to Isabelle’s, and she couldn’t keep the smile off her lips. For the first time, she saw a future with Dean, but she still didn’t want to get her hopes up.

  Kristy pulled up in front of Isabelle’s and hopped out of her car. She was almost halfway up the steps when she noticed the sold sign on the house next door.

  “Damn. Someone bought it. I hope they don’t tear that down and build some modern thing there.” Kristy mumbled to herself.

  “I’m pretty sure the owner is renovating it.” Kristy spun around when she heard a male voice.

  “Matt, you scared the shit out of me.” Kristy laughed.

  “Better get inside and change then.” He chuckled as he tossed something into the back of his truck.

  “Keith has the contract for the renovatio
ns?” Kristy hoped so because her cousin would do everything to get the owner to stick with the general building style of the old house.

  “Yes, but I’m designing the layout inside.” Matt rested his arms on the front of his truck. “The new owner wants it the same as when it was first built on the outside but an open layout on the inside.”

  “Good, I love that old house. I think it’s one of the first ones built in Hopedale.” Kristy couldn’t ever remember the house not there.

  “What would you do with it?” Matt tucked his fist under his chin.

  “I don’t know. I’m not a designer or architect.” She laughed.

  “I know but if you were the owner what would you want to be done with it?” Matt motioned for her to come over. He propped his tablet on the bonnet of the truck and tapped the screen a few times. “This is what I’ve got done. What do you think?”

  Kristy grabbed the tablet and studied the screen. Matt was a good artist. The front of the house was much like Isabelle’s with the full covered front porch. Large bay windows jutted out on both sides of the main entrance to the house.

  “This is great.” Kristy thought it looked exactly the way she imagined.

  He showed the layout of the inside. It was all open concept on the bottom floor. Four rooms on the bottom floor flowed together. On the front of the house next to the kitchen was a smaller place marked as the office. She thought it would give the owner a great view of the beach when he or she worked.

  “It’s great, Matt.” She handed him back the tablet, and he grinned.

  “Thanks. I’m really enjoying this part of the job.” He opened the door to his truck.

  “You were made to do that type of work.” Kristy backed toward the house.

  “I’ve got a meeting with the owner, so I need to run.” Matt jumped into the truck and waved as he drove off.

  At noon, Kristy was joking with Aaron in one of the window booths when Dean walked in with Hannah. Aaron said something to her but when she saw Dean, she completely tuned out her cousin.

  “Oh yeah, you’re only killing time with me until your man gets here.” Aaron feigned shock.

  “Isn’t that what all women do with you, A.J.” Dean chuckled as he slid next to Kristy.

  “Bull, you have no idea what women do with me, and since I’m in the presence of a beautiful lady, I’ll remain the gentleman I am.” Aaron held out his hand to Hannah. “Aaron O’Connor or you can call me A.J. Either way you can call me anytime.”

  Kristy glanced up at Hannah who seemed in total shock as Aaron kissed her hand. She glanced between Aaron and Kristy as if she couldn’t believe what she witnessed.

  “Stop hitting on my sister, Ass,” Dean growled, and she heard the toe of his boot hit the seat next to Aaron.

  “There is no way you’re related to this stunning lady.” Aaron shook his head. “No, that’s impossible.

  “Does this stuff really work for you?” Hannah laughed, and Aaron winked at her.

  “All the time.” He sat back and tapped his hand on the seat next to him.

  “Don’t you have to go to work?” Kristy groaned.

  “Not yet.” He smiled.

  “Okay let me save you some time, honey. If you think this kind of stuff is going to get you a date with me. You may as well leave now. First, you are a little young. Second, I’m not looking for a date, and finally, you should probably know I’m being investigated for killing my husband.” Hannah crossed her arms over her chest, and Kristy pressed her lips together to keep from laughing.

  What Hannah didn’t know was Aaron knew all about her. When he didn’t show any change in his flirtatious behavior, Hannah seemed to get uncomfortable.

  “Well, Honey, I know all about your investigation because I’m one of the officers trying to figure out the screw-up. You can thank me with a little kiss on the cheek.” Aaron turned his head and pointed his finger to his cheek.

  Kristy glanced at Dean and laughed at his expression. He looked about ready to leap over the table and strangle her cousin.

  “A.J. I’m going to rip off your head and shit down your neck,” Dean growled.

  “Fine, you can thank me when Mr. Grump is not around.” Aaron slid out of the booth and stood up. “It is nice to meet you, Hannah. Welcome to Hopedale.”

  With that statement, Aaron sauntered out of the pub leaving Hannah staring after him and Dean ready to chew nails.

  “Wow, well he’s …. Interesting.” Hannah finally stammered as she slid into the seat Aaron had left.

  “He’s a little full of himself sometimes but he means well, and he wasn’t lying about working on your case. He’s a police officer and another cousin.” Kristy picked up her menu and pointed to the main counter. “That girl over there is also a police officer and my older sister. She’s helping mom train a new waitress.”

  “Dean said your family was close.” Hannah folded her hands in front of her on the table.

  “Yes, and really big.” Dean chuckled and nodded toward the other side of the pub.

  Kristy glanced up as Ian, Sandy and their kids walked through the door. Well, Ian walked through, Sandy mostly ran as she tried to corral the four children.

  Evie was Sandy’s daughter from a former relationship and the oldest at ten. Lily was Ian’s little girl also from a former relationship and just turned Ten in August. The two little girls were best friends as well as step-sisters.

  Then there was the whirlwind that was little Grace. She was almost four and had a mind of her own. She was also Lily’s full sister. Alexander was the baby of the family at two years old.

  How the couple found time to do anything with all the kids was beyond her, but they were happy, and the kids were the joy of their blended family.

  “Bull,” Grace screamed as she broke free from Sandy’s grasp and scooted right to Dean.

  “Hello, Goldilocks.” Dean caught her as she launched herself into his arms. The Goldilocks comment was probably because the child had incredibly curly hair.

  “We got Evie’s name fixed.” She squealed excitedly but stopped when she noticed Hannah on the other side of the table. “Who are you?”

  “Gracie, what did mommy tell you about being rude?” Sandy sighed as she handed Alexander to a smiling Ian.

  “Sorry, who are you please?” Gracie tilted her head, and Sandy rolled her eyes.

  “This is Hannah; she’s Bull’s sister.” Kristy used his nickname because Grace refused to call him Dean.

  “You got a little sister. You’re so lucky. I only got a brudder.” She sighed.

  “Actually, Bull is my little brother.” Hannah smiled at Grace, and everyone laughed at the adorable little girls shocked expression.

  “He’s not very little.” Grace pointed out the obvious.

  “He used to be, and he was a big pain,” Hannah said with a sigh.

  “Little brudders are the worst.” Grace wiggled around until she was sat comfortably on Dean’s lap.

  “But you love them anyway, huh?” Hannah winked.

  “Daddy, says I have to.” Grace rolled her eyes.

  The little girl lost interest in the conversation when Dean began to introduce Hannah to Ian and Sandy. Kristy glanced out through the window while the rest of them chatted. She had an eerie feeling of someone staring at her.

  Harbour Street was the busiest road in the town with most of the businesses located from one end of the street to the other on one side and the harbor dock on the other. It was common to see people walking up and down or stopping to talk to other people. What she didn’t see was anyone looking toward the pub or her.

  “Kristy,” She faintly heard Sandy’s voice.

  “What? Sorry.” Kristy glanced up at her cousin's wife.

  “I asked if you’re going to continue to work at that place.” Sandy had sat next to Hannah.

  “Of course, I…” She started.

  “Absolutely not.” Dean’s voice was loud enough that most of the patrons in the restaurant turned.
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  “Excuse me?” Kristy stared at the man next to her, but she didn’t know if she was more shocked or angry.

  “Yeah, I’m gonna go now.” Sandy stood slowly. “Nice to meet you, Hannah.”

  “I know I didn’t stutter.” Dean glanced up as Jess placed their order in front of them.

  “No, you didn’t, but there was no way I heard you properly.” Kristy snapped.

  “Hannah, I’m Jess. Come on I’ll introduce you to some of the other family here.” Jess stepped back, and Hannah all but jumped out of the seat.

  “You’re not going out there when there could be a killer out there.” Dean jabbed his fork into the potatoes on his plate.

  “I’ve got a job out there, and I made a commitment to Sophia to finish out the month until her other nurse returns.” Kristy tried to keep her voice from raising, but it wasn’t easy when Dean sat next to her as if he made the rule and that was that.

  “I’m sure she will understand when you don’t return.” Dean picked up his sandwich and took a huge bite.

  “Wait a minute. Who gave you the authority to tell me what to do?” Kristy snapped.

  “I’m not telling you what to do. I said you aren’t going back there.” Dean shrugged his shoulders as he continued to eat.

  “Do you hear yourself? Listen, here, nobody tells me what I can or can not do.” Kristy pushed him to try and get up from the table, but he had her on the inside. It made it very difficult to stomp away.

  “Your dad did.” Dean chuckled.

  Kristy didn’t see anything but red. She grabbed the edge of his plate and tipped it into his lap. Dean jumped to his feet which gave her the space to get up from the booth.

  “What did you do that for?” Dean grabbed a handful of napkins and wiped the front of his shirt.

  “You’re lucky I didn’t dump it over your head. It’s no fun when the food will only slide off your bald head.” Kristy stomped away from him about ten steps and spun around. “If you want to get together later, Hannah. Jess will give you my number.”

  She spun back around and left the restaurant. She was so pissed she didn’t even take her car. She walked back to Isabelle’s house the whole way complaining about men and their Neanderthal ways.