Chapter 353
Summer’s POV
I was still processing the fact that I was pregnant with twins when my phone rang, Brandon had just stepped out to take a call from James about some urgent Stark Group matter, leaving me alone in the study of The Hamptons estate. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw it was my grandfather, Jonathan Thompson.
“Hello, Grandpa,” I answered, smiling.
*Well, imagine my surprise when that old man‘ George called to brag about becoming a great–grandfather before me! Hmph!” Jonathan huffed. “That fool had the nerve to gloat, as if he has more right to know about my granddaughter’s pregnancy than I do!”
My pupils constricted in shock. How did hel already know about my pregnancy? We’d only confirmed it this morning!
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Grandpa, are you seriously having a competition about who gets to be a great–grandfather first?”
“Don’t change the subject, young lady,” he grumbled. “Why did I have to hear this news from that smug old goat instead of from you?”
“Grandpa, don’t be upset,” I said quickly. “I was planning to tell you, swear! Brandon just wanted to make sure everything was confirmed before we started telling people. We didn’t want to get everyone’s hopes up in case it was a false alarm.”
And? Is it confirmed?” His voice softened slightly, anticipation replacing his annoyance.
“Yes, it is,” I said, unable to keep the excitement from my voice. “I’m definitely pregnant.
“Ha! Wonderful! I’m going to be a great–grandfather!” His voice boomed with delight, all traces of irritation vanished. “When did you find out? How far along are you?”
“The test results came back today. I’m about five weeks along,” I explained, still marveling at the reality myself.
“Excellent, excellent! This calls for a celebration!” Jonathan declared,
“Actually, Grandpa, there’s something else–something that old man doesn’t know yet,” I said, feeling a little mischievous.
“Oh?” His interest was immediately piqued.
“The tests came back from Dr. Sean’s clinic today. I’m having twins!”
There was a moment of stunned silence, then an explosive whoop of joy that forced me to hold the phone away from my ear.
“Twins! My God, twins!” Jonathan was practically shouting. “This is fantastic! Oh, I can’t wait to tell George–his face will be priceless!”
I laughed, picturing the two elderly rivals trying to one–up each other with grandfather bragging rights.
“Summer, you must come to dinner tonight,” he insisted. “Come to my place in upstate right away. I’ll prepare all your favorites. What would you like to eat? Just name it, and I will make it happen!
“Grandpa, I-
“No excuses! You and Brandon are coming tonight. I insist,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “And from now on, I’m sending Parker to The Hamptons to take care of you. You need proper looking after, especially with twins!”
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Chapter 353
I bit my lip, trying not to laugh at how everyone was suddenly treating me like I was made of porcelain. Between Brandon’s helicopter hovering and now my grandfather’s fussing, these next eight months were going to be interesting.
“Grandpa, that’s really not necesary
“It absolutely is! Parker will make sure you’re eating properly and getting enough rest. He knows exactly what pregnant women need -he took care of your grandmother when she was expecting your mother!”
Before I could protest further, he abruptly ended the call with, “I’ll see you tonight. Don’t be late!”
I stared at my phone, torn between amusement and exasperation. When Brandon walked back into the study, I couldn’t help but shake my head and laugh.
“What’s so funny?” he asked, sitting beside me on the leather couch.
“That was my grandfather,” I explained. “Apparently, Grandpa George already knows about the pregnancy and called to gloat about becoming a great–grandfather. Grandpa’s invited us to dinner tonight so he can properly celebrate.
Brandon nodded, unsurprised. I heard most of it. Your grandfather’s getting increasingly childish in his old age.”
“We’ll have to go,” I sighed. “He won’t take no for an answer.”
“Of course,” Brandon agreed easily. “James can handle things at the office.”
I studied Brandon’s face, suddenly curious about something that had been nagging at me. “Brandon, you were my grandfather’s student once, weren’t you? That’s how you first knew me?”
A small smile played at the corner of his mouth. “Maybe. Why do you ask?”
I frowned, trying to conjure up memories from that time. “It’s strange, but I can’t seem to remember much from those years. I should be able to recall meeting you, especially if you were Grandpa’s star student. He never mentioned you to me either, which is odd considering how much he values talented students.”
Brandon’s eyes flickered briefly with something I couldn’t quite read. “Your memory’s not that bad. Don’t worry about it.”
“But it doesn’t make sense,” I persisted. “I should remember something. According to what you’ve said, we met before that day at the grand hotel, but I have absolutely no recollection of it. My memory isn’t usually this spotty.”
Brandon reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Don’t strain yourself trying to remember. It’s not important now.”
“But it is,” I insisted. “When exactly did you first start… you know, being interested in me? And why wait until then to make a
move?”
Brandon’s expression grew more serious. “I’ve known you longer than you realize, Summer.”
I felt my heart skip a beat. “So that wasn’t our first meeting? I always thought it was.”
“No,” he said quietly. “That wasn’t the first time we met.”
The revelation hit me like a thunderbolt. Everything I thought I knew about our relationship suddenly shifted. “So was all along? All those times we ran into each other, everything that happened between us–you already knew me?”
“Yes,” he admitted. “I’ve been aware of who you are for a long time.
“So you’ve been… what? Watching me? Following my life?” I was trying to process this new information.
ew who I
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Chapter 353
Brandon’s lips curved into a small smile. “You could say I’ve had my ye on you for quite some time.”
I nodded slowly, a strange warhith spreading through my chest. “I had no idea. I’m genuinely surprised–and touched. I never thought anyone would care abot me that much, especially someone like you.”
“Why are you surprised?“. He reached out and took my hand. “Is it so hard to believe that I’d fall for you?”
“I just… I never expected it, I admitted. “When did it start? When you first decide you were interested in me?”
Brandon’s smile turned enigmatic. “Figure it out yourself. Then come ask me if you’re right.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “How come I don’t recall any of that?”
“That’s also what I’m tring to find out,” he said.
As I stared at my husband–this man who had apparently been part of my life far longer than I realized–I felt both confused and strangely comforted. There was more to our story than I knew, pieces of a puzzle I couldn’t yet see.
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