The craziest thing of all was that, even with his entire life in complete and utter disarray, he believed her. Because Paige never lied. She simply didn’t have it in her.

Just as he had to face the reality that he didn’t have it in him to turn his back on his mother if she was in danger, no matter what her mistakes had been.

“I can’t do much if she really wants the loser she’s dating,” he finally said to his brother and sister, “but if you’ll give me the guy’s full name and address, I can at least keep an eye on him.”

This time when Paige gripped his hand, it was more than a show of support. It was approval. That meant more to him than any compliment Whitney had ever paid him.

“Thank you,” Kelsey said, beaming at him as if he were entirely responsible for the rising sun each morning.

But though Tony was clearly pleased with Evan’s offer, it was obvious he had something more to say. “She shouldn’t have left you, and I can’t imagine what your childhood must have been like.” As Tony paused and cleared his throat, Evan was suddenly certain his brother was about to make the biggest and most gut-wrenching request of all. “But if she could believe she was forgiven, then maybe she might not need assholes like Greg.” Tony held up a hand, making it clear he didn’t want Evan to respond too quickly. “I’m not asking you to give us your answer yet. All I’m asking, all we’re saying—” He glanced at his sister before turning back to Evan. “—is that we hope you’ll think about it.”

Forgiveness?

The Mavericks had taught Evan how to fight a bully and make sure no one got up from his punch. He understood complicated mathematical theories. He had the vision to start an investment firm and build it into a billion-dollar powerhouse.

But forgiving his mother for abandoning him?

That would be impossible.

Chapter Twelve

Of all the things for Tony to ask Evan for, of all the things to even bring up today, Paige couldn’t believe he’d chosen forgiveness.

It was too soon to even broach the idea. Evan was already on the edge dealing with the fact that his mother was back and in his house, topped with learning he had a brother and sister. He needed a heck of lot more time to consider forgiving his mother.

If that was even possible, given the hellish place she’d left him in.

A muscle was jumping in his jaw—and his siblings looked desperately hopeful. It was the worst possible scenario, certain to end in disappointment and deeply ravaged emotions for everyone involved.

Paige hoped she could do something, say something to salvage the tentative bond Evan and his brother and sister had begun to forge over pizza and conversation. He was clearly impressed with their smarts, their courage, and their fierce protection of their mother. She needed to remind him of all those things. Thank God she had several years of experience with family therapy to draw from.

“I’m really proud of the three of you.” Every eye turned to her. “The way you’ve spoken so honestly with one another today isn’t easy. Not even for family members who’ve known each other their whole lives.”

Kelsey abruptly reached for Evan’s hand. “I know this has all come as a huge shock, but I’m so happy to meet you. And to have another brother. One I already know I’m totally going to like.”

Paige choked up as Tony nodded. “You could have kicked us to the curb and shut Mom down completely. But you haven’t.” He swallowed hard. “Whatever you decide from here on out, you’re a good man. And I’m proud to know you’re my brother.”

For several long moments, Evan didn’t speak. He was too good at burying his emotions. It wasn’t his way to put his feelings out there for everyone to read, but since his return from his self-imposed exile in Europe, he’d armored up like every day was war. Even his apologies to Susan, Bob, and the Mavericks, though heartfelt, had still masked his deeper emotions.

The only time his guard had dropped was the moment he’d kissed her in Chicago, with snow falling all around them.

Finally, Evan said, “We should all exchange contact information.” He reached for his cardholder in his pocket—like a true investment banker, he was never without it—and handed one to each of them.

Tony and Kelsey gave him their own cards with huge smiles transforming their faces. Though there was no discernible change in his expression, Paige silently applauded this major step for Evan. She was proud of him for not cutting them off entirely. And her heart bubbled over with joy for him and these true blood relations who’d managed to find him.

Even if her own blood relation had proven herself beyond redemption.

As if she’d conjured Whitney up, Paige’s phone suddenly jumped in her pocket. Her heart was in her throat as she slipped it out just far enough to see the name on the screen.

Whitney.

“How about we walk off some of this pizza in the garden while we wait for Theresa to come back out?” Evan suggested. “I’ll have Mrs. M. bring her out to us when she’s ready.”

“Actually,” Paige said, “I’ve got to deal with a quick phone call that just came in, so I’ll wait for your mom inside.”

As the three siblings headed outside, it struck Paige how they were not only similar in looks, they also moved with the same long-limbed grace and confidence that belied their humble childhoods.

Pulling the phone from her pocket, she saw that Whitney had left a message. Odds were her sister had finally returned from the south of France and was still hoping to convince Paige to change her mind about whose side she should choose.