Free A Family Affair - First Born by Marilyn McPherson Page B

though, of course.”
    The Blood Bank had been apologetic when it realised what had happened, but agreed to confirm the results. After the blood match had been confirmed for the second time, Tom had asked that his contact details be given to his new brother. It had only taken a day for his new brother to call – apparently he had been just as curious after receiving the letter. Tom and he had already made plans to meet the next day.
    “I can’t believe he lives in Melbourne, Elle,” Tom had said.
    Ellen had allowed Tom’s excitement and interest to dominate the past two weeks, but once the meeting was over, it would become the right time to discuss something more important. Ellen would sit Tom down and tell him about her pregnancy, and the night she’d accidentally spent with Kane. Tom would not be kept in the dark much longer. He and she were going to have a very serious conversation in one day’s time - a conversation that would determine both their futures.
     
     

Chapter 14
    One day later, Tom watched his father’s every move, as the two of them waited patiently and made pleasant conversation. They were also keeping an eye on the doorway as Tom’s half-brother, and Jack’s son could walk through at any moment. Tom wondered how his father was feeling, as he wasn’t saying very much. It was always challenging to read Jack’s body language when he was nervous. But it was an amazing moment for their family and would be worth the nervous build-up.
    Tom had suggested that the family meet for afternoon tea in the members’ lounge at his father’s golf club. Playing golf was Jack’s favourite activity now that he was retired, and Tom knew he would be comfortable there; as comfortable as is possible when meeting an adult son for the first time. As Jack was well-known among the members, no one was paying particular attention to his being there, which was a relief.
    Ellen was coming too, although she was running late Tom realised, checking his watch. He would need her understanding and support in their discussion afterwards. What Ellen thought of this man would influence his own feelings, he was sure. If they liked him, there was no reason not to maintain an ongoing relationship, apart from his mother’s feelings. Margaret would have to adjust to the new reality of the situation, Jack had said a few days ago. He was confident that she would adjust, given time, and possibly even welcome him eventually.
    Jack was looking puzzled about something.
    “What is it, Dad?”
    “Something just occurred to me. How will we know him?” he asked, while sipping his favourite iced tea. “We have no idea what he looks like.”
    “He said he’ll wear a red shirt.”
    Jack didn’t look convinced. “I can see three people wearing red shirts already,” he said, being contrary. “Look, over there.”
    Tom looked where Jack was pointing.
    “There’s John Olsen in red.”
    John was one of the founding members of the club, and over eighty years old.
    “Pretty sure he’s not my son,” Jack continued.
    Tom smiled. “We know he is twenty-eight years old. I told him we’d be sitting in the club rooms overlooking hole six, so he’ll find us.”
    “Fine.”
    The question about his brother’s looks made Tom curious. “What did his mother look like, Dad?”
    Jack was only too happy to answer. “Long blonde hair with a sweet face, if I recall correctly.”
    A feeling of sudden discomfort swept through Tom’s mind and body. The fact that his father had cheated on his mother and fathered a child as a result was a matter of some sadness, and a little embarrassment. His mother had kicked Jack out of the house as a result, and he couldn’t blame her for that. Although unexpected, Jack seemed to be enjoying his new-found freedom.
    “Look here,” Jack said, with enthusiasm, bringing Tom’s attention back into the present moment. “That man is not a member.”
    Tom turned in the direction Jack was indicating to see a young man in