Page 18 of Consuming Logan

It was Tyson. Why would he do —

The doctor cut her off.

“We should start with blood relatives first, Ethan,” she stated matter-of-factly.

“I know. Maximus and I are his brothers. His older brothers.”

Ava shot her eyes to Robert Lee, and then Maribelle. The older woman’s eyes were clear and focused, not surprised. Now that all three men stood close together. Ava could she the resemblance. Like Logan and Darwin, the two brothers were at least six feet tall. Tyson and Maximus had their father’s vivid green eyes. Logan’s eyes. The Irishmen were broader, well-muscled, their hair redder than Logan’s rustic blond mane. Four brothers. Big. Beautiful. Brilliant.

“What?” Darwin said, his voice gruff with disbelief. “Dad?”

“Not another word,” Maribelle growled. “You two are not brothers to my sons.”

Resolute. Robert Lee, on the other hand, looked relieved.

“I was married before your mother,” Robert Lee blurted out. “Tyson is the oldest. Logan and Maximus are in the middle, and then you.”

Darwin’s expression hardened. Like her, he’d done the math. If the other three were the oldest, that meant Robert Lee had cheated with another woman during his marriage to Maribelle.

“You cheated on my mom?”

“No,” Robert Lee said without a hint of emotion. “I divorced her.”

Maribelle spun to face her husband. “I’ll never forgive you for this, Lee.”

By Maribelle’s pained expression, Ava doubted the prideful woman wanted anyone to know that she wasn’t Robert Lee’s first love. There was not room in Maribelle’s twisted world to share. Not even love. The fact that he’d actually filed for a divorce was an added sting. So, what led to the reconciliation?

Just then the older elegant black woman from the party chimed in. “You wouldn’t forgive Jesus if he crossed you, Maribelle. Logan needs us now, your attention-seeking will have to wait.”

Everyone paused. Even the air in the room quieted. Ava waited for Maribelle’s retribution. And waited. And waited some more. Nothing. Maribelle’s gaze was downcast as if she were a scorned child. Mouth agape Ava stared in disbelief. Everyone regarded the stranger with a new appreciation. Who was this woman?

“I’m sorry,” Ava said, “who are you?”

“Marianne,” she stated as if that answered the question. When they waited expectantly, she added, “I’m Logan’s aunt,” she tilted her head in Maribelle’s direction, “and this one’s big sister.”

Whoa. Maribelle Masters had a bi-racial sister? Did Logan know any of this?

“Half-sister.” Maribelle stated having shaken off her stupor.

“Still sisters,” Marianne retorted, not the least bit ruffled. “These my blood too.”

“Yes,” Ava piped in; decision made. Logan respected Tyson and he wouldn’t reject a member of his family. “Thank you, Tyson, Maximus. Ms. Marianne.”

“You,” Maribelle pointed a shaky finger in Ava’s direction. “you are not family. This is not your decision to make.”

Ava stood to her feet, her temper flaring. “I’ll do anything to help Logan. Including tearing into you. If you try to interfere, I will—,”

Ariss Walters must have had enough because she appeared in the door.

“Mom?” Ava questioned. Dark curls hung to her shoulders. She’d removed her pearl earrings and formal footwear, but still wore her peach-colored gown. Since her engagement to Logan, her parents had been struggling with Ava’s independence. Marcus’s abuse had led her to seek the refuge of home. A move her parents embraced. As a result, they had more influence in her decisions compared to other thirty-year-olds.

“Maribelle,” Ariss called. “We’ve all been listening to you rant. If you say or do one more thing to upset my daughter, you’ll answer to me.”

Used to Ariss’s more tactful approach to conflict, everyone quieted at the very real momma bear aggression. As if physically affronted, Maribelle stumbled back a step. With a lift to her chin, the rebuffed socialite opened her mouth.

“Don’t test me,” Ariss warned. “Both our children are hurting. You need to simmer down. Logan needs his mother, not a bully trying to tear his family apart when he needs them most.”

The tension racking Ava’s body eased. “Thanks, mom. I appreciate—,”