Im Evan, he said, walking toward her with his hand extended.
Claire swallowed again. Im sorry about your loss, she said as she allowed him to wrap her small hand in his much larger one. Up close he was even bigger than he seemed from across the room. And much more imposing. Not only could she smell the fresh, spicy scent of his aftershave, but she could see that his eyes were green. Cool, misty green.
Before Evan Brewster had a chance to reply, Arnie Garrett bounded into the room. I see youre meeting everyone, Claire, he said as he strode to the head of the table, his arms piled high with file folders stuffed to capacity. His short gray hair was tousled in spite of the fact that there was no breeze on this bright May day, and his suit was oddly wrinkled.
Youre shaking Evans hand, Arnie continued. The dark-haired gentleman is Grant. And the last, here, is Chas. He paused and smiled at the three men, all of whom suddenly looked sheepish and docile. Everybody take a seat anywhere around the table, he directed as he began rummaging through the top file. Claire, you remember witnessing Mr. Brewsters will last summer?
Yes, she said, though she didnt believe her witnessing Norms signature was the reason shed been summoned. Norm had asked for the favor on her second day of employment, and she hadnt seen the specifics of the document.
Well, theres been a codicil, Arnie said as he carried the instrument to Claire and motioned for her to identify her signature.
She nodded.
The codicil doesnt change anything, only adds to it, he explained as he returned to his chair. When the will is officially probated, you, Jennifer and I will need to go to the Register of Wills office and sign papers. For now, though, this is nothing more than an informal reading.
Claire relaxed, but as she did she glanced over and saw Evan studying her, his elbow resting on the arm of his chair and his cheek braced between his index finger and thumb. He was a beautiful man, a perfect specimen. His thick sandy-brown hair fell in a soft wave to his forehead and had enough body that it stayed where he combed it. His skin had a very natural, healthy tone that emphasized his opaque eyes.
spoken to him in two years, they didnt know their father had triplets!
Grinning from ear to ear, Jennifer entered carrying two adorable little girls, one on the crook of each arm. Both were around six months old and were dressed in pink ruffled dresses with white tights and black Mary Janes.
My God, twins! Grant gasped.
No. Triplets! Jennifer all but sang, stepping out of the way and allowing everyone to see Arnies wife, Judy, as she walked into the room carrying a little boy. Wearing a miniature suit and tie, he was every bit as beautiful as his two sisters. But not only were the three children darling, they were also picture-perfect matches for the Brewster brothers. One of the girls had black hair and dark eyes. The second girl and the boy had light brown hair and pale green eyes.
For the next thirty seconds, Evan felt as if all the air had been drained from the room as he struggled to comprehend that he had not only another brothera baby brotherbut two sisters, as well.
Sisters!
He pressed his hands to his face, then rubbed them down his cheeks. What had his father done?
Angela wasnt pregnant when Dad married her, was she? Grant asked angrily.
Because that was an excellent question, Evan came to attention.
No, the kids are only six months old.
And theyre that big? Chas gasped.
Theyre actually average size, Jennifer happily said as she brought the girls farther into the room. Walking around the table, she eased the dark-haired baby onto Grants lap and then handed the other girl to Evan. Judy gave the boy to Chas.
Awestruck, confused, numb, Evan stared at the little girl, who took one look at him and let out a screaming wail. Purely on instinct, he grabbed her under the arms and held her away from him. I swear to God, I didnt hurt her.
Shes only frightened, Judy soothed as she set the baby girl on Evans lap again. She needs to get to know you. Give her a few minutes to get familiar with you and she wont cry anymore.
As the words came out of Judys mouth, the real meaning of what she was saying hit Evan, and he glanced at Chas, whose wide-eyed stare told him hed also figured everything out, then at Grant, who also had a glazed expression in his brown eyes.
Evan looked down at his little sister. A child. A baby. Babies. These kids are our responsibility now, arent they?
Arnie nodded once. Im afraid so.
My God, he peed on me! Chas cried, and bounced from his seat, holding the baby away from him as if that could protect his already damp trousers. At his sudden movement, though, all three babies started to cry and scream.
Unfortunately, Im not very good with these disposable diapers yet, Judy confessed, shouting to be heard over the noise. My babies wore cloth diapers and plastic pants. Im afraid this was the best I could do.
Since the accident, my wife and I have been caring for the children, Arnie explained. But I researched the law and the bottom line is that the triplets belong to you.