Family Matters Book 2

Xavier

A wave of nausea washes over me. My gaze flickers between the paper in my hand and Charlie’s face.

“Someone’s claiming to be Ana’s dad?” I question. Charlie meets my eyes with a sorrowful nod. “I don’t get it. Sadie confirmed the DNA test. You’re Ana’s dad.”

“I’m as lost as you are,” Charlie admits. “I asked Sadie if she was sure about the DNA results. She said yes.”

“Does Sadie know about this letter?” Dad chimes in.

“I haven’t told her yet,” Charlie confesses. “I want to understand what’s happening before I involve her.”

“I’m with you,” I agree. “I don’t want to worry Cassie. She doesn’t need the stress. It’s too risky.”

“What do you mean?” Dad looks at me, puzzled. Damn! I forgot they didn’t know about the baby. I let out a sigh and sink into the couch.

“Cassie’s expecting,” I reveal. “But keep it quiet. She wants to announce it tomorrow. She doesn’t want to overshadow Ana’s day.” Dad pulls me into a warm hug, grinning.

“Congratulations, son. I’m thrilled for you both,” he says. Charlie also hugs me, offering his congratulations.

“I don’t want to stress her either, Xavier. Especially not now.” He gives me a reassuring smile. “We’ll keep this to ourselves until we have more information.”

Dad and I nod in agreement. As Charlie tucks the letter back into his pocket, my brother, Ethan, Evan, and Leo make their entrance.

“The party can start now! I’m here!” Austin announces.

“Of course, it can,” Ethan retorts. “A kid’s party isn’t complete without the clown.” We all erupt into laughter as Austin playfully punches Ethan. Dad, Charlie, and I rise from the couch to greet them.

“Where are the girls?” Dad inquires.

“They’ll be here soon,” Evan replies. “They went to get a few more things for the party this morning.”

Evan’s gaze lands on Charlie, and his smile fades. “Dad?”

Charlie attempts to mask his emotions with a smile. But Evan can read him like an open book. “What’s up?” Just like I thought.

“Nothing’s up,” he dismisses. “Just a bit tired, that’s all.” Evan looks at him skeptically before turning to his brother, Leo.

“Dad,” Leo addresses him. Charlie’s smile wavers. He’s never been able to lie to Leo. Charlie sighs and retakes his seat on the couch.

We all join him, but I retreat to the window to watch Ana, Selena, and Isaiah playing in the backyard. Charlie begins to explain the letter and our discussion to the others.

“Who’s claiming to be her dad?” Evan asks.

“The letter doesn’t specify. It just demands a DNA test on Ana. Then we’re supposed to meet with this person and their lawyer before they take it to court,” Charlie explains.

“That sounds sketchy,” Leo comments.

“I agree. That’s why my lawyer is looking into it,” Charlie assures him. “I should hear from him later today.”

“Does Cassie know?” Evan asks.

“No,” I respond quickly, turning to face them. “And you can’t tell her or the girls. She can’t find out about this until we know what’s really happening.”

“She should know, Xavier,” Leo argues. “Imagine how she’ll feel if she finds out too late.” He’s right. She’ll be angry and hurt that we kept this from her.

“I understand, Leo, but I can’t risk adding to her stress,” I explain.

“Austin believes she’s strong enough,” he says. “It’s not like she’s carrying a baby or anything.” A small smile tugs at my lips as I imagine our child growing within her, and naturally, Austin notices.

“Seriously?!” Evan, Leo, and Ethan’s eyes widen in surprise. Austin springs up and pulls me into a warm embrace. “That’s incredible! Congrats!” Evan, Leo, and Ethan follow suit, offering their congratulations and hugs.

“Remember, you guys can’t breathe a word about this or her pregnancy, alright?” I caution them. “She wanted today to be all about Ana. So, no blabbing to the gossiping banshee crew about any of this.” They all chuckle and nod in agreement.

“Don’t sweat it. Our lips are locked,” Ethan assures me. Suddenly, the back door swings open and Ana bursts in.

“Yay! You’re here!” she squeals in delight. She rushes to each of her uncles, hugging them tightly. When she reaches Evan, she turns his head to examine his hair.

“What are you searching for, Ana?” Charlie inquires.

“I’m checking if Uncle Evan lost any hair like daddy said,” she explains. “Mommy and daddy said the ‘b’ word to Uncle Evan, but daddy said since they didn’t know it was bad, you wouldn’t lose any hair.

“I just want to be sure because I don’t want you to lose your hair. It’s nice,” Evan bursts into laughter and plants a kiss on her cheek.

“Your daddy is correct, sweetheart. Since they didn’t know it was a bad word, I didn’t lose any hair when they said it,” he chuckles.

“Alright. I’m confused,” Austin admits. “What’s this ‘b’ word and why would you lose your hair if someone said it?” Evan shares the story he told Ana about the term boyfriend and they all erupt in laughter.

“I don’t think Uncle Evan will be the only one losing his hair if you called any of your friends the ‘b’ word,” Austin warns her. “Daddy would lose that and his eyeballs.” He chuckles. Ana’s eyes widen and her face fills with concern.

“WHAT?! Daddy is going to lose his eyes?” She turns to me, her eyes filled with fear. “No! I don’t want daddy to lose his eyes!”

Her lower lip begins to tremble just as Cassie, my mom, and Sadie enter the living room.

“What’s happening here?” Cassie asks. She glances at Ana and then shoots me a scowl. “Why is Ana upset?”

“Don’t blame me,” I defend myself, pointing at Austin and Evan. Cassie, my mom, and Sadie whip their heads towards the two culprits. I discreetly retreat and hide behind my dad.

“EVAN NICHOLAS MALIKOV!” Sadie bellows at Evan.

“AUSTIN MICHAEL MONTERO!” my mom shouts at Austin simultaneously. Cassie stands with her arms crossed, glaring at both of them.

Evan quickly sets Ana down, and she rushes into Cassie’s arms, burying her face in her neck.

“Explain,” Cassie commands them. Evan and Austin glance at each other, each waiting for the other to speak first. “One…”

Oh shit! Cassie begins her infamous countdown, the one she uses when the kids misbehave. Evan and Austin stare at her, their eyes wide with fear. “TWO…”

“Okay! Okay!” Evan interrupts. “I was explaining what I told Ana about using the word boyfriend and Austin mentioned that I wouldn’t be the only one losing my hair.” All eyes shift to Austin.

“I might have suggested that Xavier would lose his hair too,” he admits.

“And his eyeballs!” Ana adds, her face still buried against Cassie’s neck.

“YOU SAID WHAT?!” my mom screams at him.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Austin apologizes. He quickly approaches Cassie, who is still shooting daggers at him with her eyes.

He bends down towards Ana and places his hand on her back. “I was just joking, Ana. Daddy won’t lose his eyeballs. I promise.”

“Or his hair,” Cassie adds sternly.

“Or his hair,” Austin reassures her.

“Uncle Evan isn’t going anywhere either, right Evan?” Cassie prompts him.

“Absolutely. I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart. I promise,” Evan assures her. Ana lifts her gaze to meet theirs.

“So, if you and daddy aren’t going anywhere, does that mean the word isn’t bad?” She inquires. Evan and Austin exchange a glance before turning to me.

Oh, great! How do I agree without actually agreeing? Cassie, my mom, and Sadie are all shooting me expectant looks now.

“No, darling. It’s not a bad word,” I reassure her. She swivels to face Cassie, who grins and nods in agreement. She hops down from Cassie’s arms and dashes towards me. I scoop her up, and she wraps her arms tightly around my neck.

“I’m glad. I love your hair and your eyes, daddy,” she whispers, hugging me tightly. She pulls back to look at me, a smile lighting up her face.

“You’re the best daddy, and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” I can feel the sting of tears, but I manage to keep them at bay.

“And you are my perfect little princess,” I respond. She giggles as I shower her face with kisses before setting her down. My mom, Sadie, and Cassie take the kids upstairs to prepare them for the party.

I slump back onto the couch, burying my face in my hands. Evan and Leo settle on either side of me.

“We’ll sort this out, Xavier,” Evan assures me. “No one is taking her away from you and Cassie.” I lift my head to look at him. “We’ll face this together. I promise.”

“Face what together?” I glance up to see Mia and the other girls standing at the entrance of the living room. “What are we up against?” Mia questions.

Oh, for heaven’s sake! When did they become so stealthy? How did we not hear them or the other kids enter? All the girls are eyeing us expectantly, bags in one hand and their children in the other.

“We’re tackling this boyfriend issue with Ana together,” Austin explains.

“Yeah. Uh…Ana invited this boy, Nathan, to her birthday party,” I add. “We were just brainstorming a strategy to deal with him.”

“All eight of you…grown men…are conspiring against a six-year-old?” Donna asks, skepticism lacing her voice. I stifle a laugh at her attempt to avoid swearing in front of the kids.

“Seriously?” The girls exchange glances before their eyes drift towards our bedrooms.

“No! Don’t even think about calling for Cassie,” I warn them before they can utter a word. There’s a hint of irritation in my voice that doesn’t go unnoticed by my sister.

“What’s your problem?” Donna questions.

“Nothing.” I dismiss her, running a hand over my face before sinking back into the couch.

“Bull crap!” she retorts. She then turns to Leo, shooting him a glare. “Leo?” Naturally, she turns to him, not just because he’s her husband, but because he’s the most likely to crack. He glances at me before turning back to Donna.

“Ask your brother.” He deflects. I swear, I’m going to kill him! Donna turns to me, arms crossed. In fact, all the women are now staring at me, arms folded.

“What’s happening?” My mom asks as she and Sadie enter the room. She releases a frustrated sigh upon seeing the girls’ expressions and immediately turns to Austin. “Again?!” she exclaims.

“What?! No! Not me!” He points an accusing finger at me, and suddenly my mom and Sadie are both glaring at me. Jerk!

“Where’s Cassie?” I ask my mom.

“She’s still upstairs getting the kids ready.” She informs me. I turn to my brother with a smirk.

“Why don’t you and Leo go help her?” I suggest, giving him a meaningful look. He and Leo quickly usher the other kids upstairs, hoping to keep Cassie from coming down while I fill everyone in on the situation.

The girls sit in stunned silence as Charlie, my dad, and I explain about the letter. “I don’t want to tell Cassie yet.”

“What?” Mia exclaims. “Why not?”

“I just don’t want to worry her right now,” I explain. My mom and Sadie exchange a glance, one that I recognize all too well.

“Xavier has a point,” Sadie voices. “No one should breathe a word to Cassie until we’re certain. Got it?” She shoots them all a look that screams “you better comply or face the consequences.” They all bob their heads in agreement.

“Alright. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, why don’t you ladies head out back and finish prepping for the party?” my mom suggests, essentially shooing them out of the room.

Once they’ve exited, she and Sadie approach me and wrap me in a warm hug. “When did you get the news?”

“She broke it to me this morning,” I confess. “We were going to share it with everyone tomorrow.”

“Congratulations!” Sadie exclaims, her eyes shimmering with joyous tears. “We’ll keep it from the girls. God knows they spill secrets faster than light travels.”

I laugh at her comparison before we join the girls and lend a hand with the party preparations for Ana’s birthday. I’m aware there’s a mountain of issues we’ll have to tackle soon, but first things first.

We’re going to make Ana’s birthday special—and I have to handle this Nathan situation.