Revealed: His Secret Child by Sandra Hyatt Read Free Book Online Page A

discussions.”
    â€œYou always were good with details.”
    â€œThank you.” Although she didn’t think he’d meant it as a compliment, more a statement of fact. And she so wasn’t looking forward to fronting up to two more versions of Max.
    â€œMom and Dad?”
    â€œLaura loves gardening and her charity work. She’s cultured and reserved and can come across as a little aloof, but there’s a chance she’ll warm to me. And Stephen made his money in property development, plays golf and enjoys single-malt whiskey and, surprise, surprise, watching baseball.”
    â€œYou’ll pass.” Max turned into the drive, pressed a code into a keypad and as the gates swung slowly open, eased through them.
    They swept past stately oaks to a wide circular driveway and stopped in front of an imposing two-story home. Gillian clasped her hands together and took a deep breath. “It’s easy enough to do sitting here in the car, but—”
    â€œYou’ll be fine.”
    He could have dismissed or ignored her concern but therewas reassurance in his tone, and in his brief glance. They got out of the car and flicked their seat backs forward for access to the rear. Gillian looked from the previously pristine backseat of Max’s Maserati to his face. In the space of the thirty-minute drive from the airport Ethan had managed to strew quite some mess. “I did suggest my car,” she said. “Just imagine what he can do on a long trip.”
    â€œI dread to think.”
    By the time she straightened with Ethan in her arms, the front door of the house had opened to reveal a slim woman, wearing tailored pants and a lilac cardigan—Gillian guessed cashmere. Her silver-blond hair curved precisely below her chin. Max came round to Gillian’s side. “Your mother?” she asked.
    â€œYes. Let me take your bag. I’m starting to realize it must weigh a ton.”
    She dropped her shoulder to let him ease it from her. He tested its weight experimentally, then, holding it in one hand, put his free arm about her shoulders, his warmth surrounding and supporting. “Let’s do this.” For the first time it felt not as though she was alone against Max but as though he was on her side and they were facing something together.
    They walked toward the front door. His mother’s gaze was firmly fixed on Gillian and Ethan. She was smiling, but the effect was diminished by a puzzled frown pleating her brow. By the time they stood under the portico, Laura had given up any pretense of smiling and was staring openly at Ethan.
    â€œHi, Mom.” Max released Gillian’s shoulder long enough to kiss his mother’s cheek. “You’re looking terrific.”
    â€œMax?” The word sounded strangled and Gillian felt for the other woman.
    Max stood back beside Gillian and slid his arm around her waist and she was grateful for that show of support, not only because she desperately needed the assurance it offered,but because he could have made this difficult for her. More difficult, she mentally corrected. There was no way this was going to be easy. “I want you to meet Gillian and Ethan. Gillian, this is my mother, Laura.”
    Laura dragged her gaze from Ethan to smile at Gillian, but the smile faltered and she looked back at Ethan. “Max?”
    â€œI’ve got some news for you, Mom. Let’s go inside.”
    Laura recalled herself and stepped back. “Of course, come in. You’ve just driven up from Vista del Mar?”
    â€œActually, no. We’ve just flown in from Las Vegas.”
    Laura’s eyes widened and her gaze darted to Gillian’s left hand where it was tucked around Ethan, supporting his weight, and then to Max’s hand. His wedding ring glinted. “Stephen,” she called, a faint plea for help registering in the word. Though she’d spoken so quietly that Stephen, wherever he was, couldn’t