A Family Affair - First Born (23 page)

Ellen swore that the child could only be Kane’s or his. If she was telling the truth, which he believed she was, then Dr Walsh had mistakenly concluded that Kane was not the father. Or he had deliberately misled them all. That conclusion could not be disregarded.

Tom then noticed an extra comment below the result which explained that the DNA comparison showed a high percentage of shared genetic characteristics, but not enough for paternity to be confirmed. This indicated that Tom was highly likely to be related to the child, but unlikely to be the paternal father.

He knew what the result meant in a flash. Tom was the child’s uncle, and Kane was the biological father. Ellen hadn’t been involved with a third man. The original paternity test was wrong.

Kane believed he was infertile based on what Dr Walsh had told him, which meant Dr Walsh must also have provided misleading information about his fertility. But why would Dr Walsh have done that? What did he gain from such lies? Nikki swore that her unborn child belonged to Kane, and Tom sensed that she was telling the truth.

The mystery had to be solved, and the first piece of the puzzle to examine was Dr Walsh. Tom had a feeling that an even larger web of lies would unravel with him. Maybe the deception went deeper than he realised. Perhaps someone had forced Dr Walsh to lie, but who would have the power to influence a doctor? And why would they want to?

He quickly retrieved a metal bin from the corner of his office and placed the letter inside. He lit it quickly and watched it burn completely. The test would not be repeated by anyone, as both Ellen and Kane had been convinced by Dr Walsh’s finding which showed Kane not to be the father. No one needed to know about the second test.

But could Tom keep the truth from Ellen? Hadn’t he promised her they would be one hundred per cent honest going forward? But telling Ellen this truth would trouble her; it would damage the love and bonding she felt towards Angus; and it would bring Kane back into their lives on a regular basis, as he would want access to his son.

There were other questions from the past year which Tom needed to have answered now. Like why had Colleen been killed? Why hadn’t the police caught Ted Blake? None of it made sense. Tom wondered if these things were also not as they seemed. They were questions which would be answered in time.

If Tom was being deceived by those he trusted, he hoped Ellen wasn’t involved. He pushed that thought away. Of course, she wasn’t involved.

As Tom watched the burning ashes in the bin, he realised the paternity result still meant nothing to him. Their love could overpower any obstacle. Ellen loved him - this he knew with confidence. Their son would be raised as a Bradley. Kane didn’t deserve to have a son with Ellen.

Yes, Ellen had made a mistake by seeking comfort from her trainer, but it was Tom’s fault too. He should have given Ellen more confidence in their relationship. His lack of attention caused her to doubt her place in his life. Tom vowed to put Ellen and their son first from this day forward. Ellen’s mistake was in the past, but their future together was going to be wonderful - full of love and exciting possibilities.

Whether or not to tell Ellen about Angus’ true paternity was something he needed to think about further. Perhaps she would forgive him this one little white lie if it changed their family’s future for the better.

The End

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Books by Marilyn McPherson

A Family Affair
by Marilyn McPherson

From the moment they first met, life would never be the same again. Despite their age difference, Ellen Jackson allows herself to be swept into the rich and powerful life of Tom Bradley, the CEO and owner of Satinol Cosmetics. They believed nothing could come between them, but they were wrong.

A Family Affair - First Born
by Marilyn McPherson

Although plagued by the tragic events of the previous year, Ellen Jackson continues her whirlwind romance with
Tom Bradley, the fabulously successful CEO of Satinol Cosmetics. Tom’s devotion is unmistakable as he plans an opulent wedding for Ellen, but a small misunderstanding may cost them everything. Will Ellen’s unplanned pregnancy strengthen their love or tear them apart?

A Family Affair - Next of Kin
by Marilyn McPherson

Whilst the foundation of Tom Bradley’s life is the love he has for his wife and son, he is compelled to understand the mystery force which has been manipulating those relationships. In the final chilling conclusion to A Family Affair, the Bradley closet will be prised open, and the family’s dark secrets revealed.

Stray
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Ever since Jane Thompson lost her husband, her long days at the office and solitary nights at home have been filled with a sad emptiness. But just as she is giving up on life, a new employee starts work in her office. Cameron is successful, charming and handsome, his presence alone able to light a beacon of happiness inside her. But is he everything Jane imagines him to be?

The Faithful Watcher
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Lucy Shaw is a young girl with an extraordinary gift. Kept isolated by her aunt in a small rural town in Australia, she senses that one man has been in her life all along, watching her from the shadows. When Lucy turns 18 and her Aunt dies, she moves to the city to attend university. The man in the shadows follows her there. Will Lucy work out who the watcher is, and what he wants with her?

Lottie’s Patch
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Like the companion plants in their vegetable patch, Lottie and Walter Brown’s long marriage had been enriched by their mutual care. Their daily lives revolved around the rich bounty harvested from the patch given freely to the neighbours who shared their small cul-de-sac. Theirs was a simple quiet existence until a new season brought change, and Lottie’s patch would never be the same again.