Free A Family Affair - First Born by Marilyn McPherson

already taken her half way to the exit. “Should I go after her or do you want to?” he asked Jack.
    “Let her calm down first,” Jack recommended while sipping his whiskey. He hadn’t chased after Margaret in years, and wasn’t about to start again now. Besides, whoever spoke to her first was going to cop an earful.
    “I can’t believe this,” Tom said.
    “I know. Your mother just walked out,” Ellen said. “She seemed very upset.”
    “No, not that,” said Tom. “I can’t believe it’s actually possible. I really thought Dad would tell us that they must have made a mistake.”
    “I’m sorry to have disappointed you, son. I’m not proud that I cheated on your mother. I was weak and I made a bad decision. I should have left your mother if I wanted to pursue someone else.”
    “I’m not disappointed, Dad. I mean, the marital issues associated with this discovery are between you and Mum. If anyone knows how difficult Mother can be, it’s me, but that’s not the point. I’m not disappointed in the fact that I may have a brother. I’ve always wanted a sibling, you know that.”
    “It is amazing. You may really have a biological brother out there,” Ellen said, kissing his hand. “But we don’t know anything for certain yet. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves here. It’s possible, but it’s not certain yet. We need to ask for additional tests.”
    “I just realised what it means for me,” Jack said. “I may have another son. What have you done with the letter so far, Tom?”
    “Nothing yet, Dad. I wanted to talk to you and Mother first.”
    “What are you thinking?”
    “Well first, I’d like the Blood Bank to confirm their finding, and then assist us to exchange contact details.”
    “It’s fascinating what they can do these days.”
    “Listen, Dad. I didn’t think through the fact that this news was going to cause problems between Mum and you. I probably should have asked you alone.”
    “Your mother will be fine. After all, it was a long time ago. I’m surprised that she cared enough to walk out, to be honest. Maybe you should give her a call tomorrow. I’m sure she’d like that.”
    “I will.”
    Jack looked around at the other guests. They had unexpectedly witnessed the family drama tonight. “Perhaps we should call it a night, though. I think we have disturbed these people enough.”
    Tom nodded. “Agreed.”
    “Where will you go tonight, Jack?” Ellen asked. “Would you like to stay at Tom’s house?”
    “Thank you, but I’ll just sneak in the back door at home. She has no right to ban me from my own house. Besides, Marg will never know I’ve come in.”
    “It was good to see you, Dad. Thank you for being honest in regards to this whole situation. I know it wasn’t easy for you. You could have just said no. I appreciate it.”
    Jack shook his son’s hand. “I’m as interested in this as you are, I think. I love you, son. Goodnight. Good night, Ellen too.”
    “Goodnight, Jack.”
     
     

Chapter 13
    Two weeks later and Ellen had still not told Tom about her pregnancy which was now five weeks along. There was no sign of a bump yet, and luckily no sign of morning sickness either. Tom wouldn’t guess until it was the right time to tell him. But that was a luxury which wouldn’t last forever. He would have to be told the truth soon, as keeping a secret like this was spoiling their relationship. They had vowed to be honest with each other, and she was breaking that promise with every breath at the moment.
    The wedding was in three weeks, yet Ellen knew it could be cancelled at any time if Tom found out about her night with Kane. To make matters worse, Tom was spending ridiculous amounts of money on the day, and had invited hundreds of guests to attend the ceremony. The media attention was heating up – they were speculating on numerous elements including her dress, performers for the reception, and the invitee list. A late cancellation was going to