In His Brother's Place by Elizabeth Lane Page B

suite, to someplace where it might be easier to talk. “I can drive you to the cemetery,” he said. “We could buy flowers on the way.”
    “I don’t feel up to going out. And the cemetery would only make me feel worse.” She sighed, clasping her arthritic hands in her lap. “How are things at the ranch these days?”
    It was the opening Jordan needed. Pulling up a chair he sat down. “I’ve got some surprising news,” he said. “It seems you have a grandson.”
    Her eyes narrowed. “You—?”
    “No. He’s not mine. The boy is Justin’s. Angie was pregnant when he died.”
    Her face had gone ashen. For the space of a breath she looked vulnerable. Then her features hardened. “How convenient,” she said. “My son dies, and four years later that hussy shows up with a child who could be anybody’s. I suppose she’s asking for money.”
    Jordan squelched an angry retort. His mother had endured terrible losses—first her favorite son, then her husband who’d suffered a stroke the week of Justin’s death and lingered, bedridden, for nine months before passing away. He could hardly blame her for being bitter. He willed himself to be patient.
    “Angie’s not asking for a thing,” he said. “And she didn’t show up. I tracked her down.” He summarized the story of how he’d found Angie on the internet.
    “Did you think to check the birth record?”
    “I have a copy in the car. The date fits, and Justin is listed as the father.”
    “And you’ve had DNA testing done?”
    “No need. Aside from his mother’s coloring, the boy’s all Cooper. You’ll agree when you meet him.”
    She pressed her hand to her forehead, as if fending off a headache. “Why should I want to meet him? Haven’t I suffered enough pain already without some illegitimate brat reminding me of my son? Write the woman a check and be done with it.”
    Jordan controlled the impulse to leap to his feet and shout at her. He loved his mother, but how could anyone be so callous?
    “Lucas is your grandson—an innocent little boy who’s not to blame for any of this mess. If you turn your back on him, Mother, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
    Her mouth quirked in a bitter smile. “I can see the child’s already won you over. What about the mother? I recall that she was pretty. Has she bewitched you the way she did your brother?”
    Jordan had anticipated the question. Even so, his reaction was physical—a flash of heat like a slap to the face. “I’m trying to do right by Justin’s son,” he said. “As the boy’s mother, Angie’s part of the package.”
    “Meaning...?” His mother’s eyes were as sharp as a hawk’s.
    “They’re living at the ranch—at my invitation.”
    Her reaction was exactly what he’d expected. It was as if he’d dropped a live grenade in her lap. But he had to give her credit for a swift recovery.
    “That’s unacceptable!” she snapped.
    “Is it? If Justin had lived long enough to get married, they’d be his wife and son. Whether you like it or not, they’re family.”
    “Not to me. I want nothing to do with them.”
    Jordan shook his head. “Look at it this way, Mother. Without them, our family consists of two people—you and me. If I don’t remarry and start siring the next generation of little Coopers—and I don’t foresee that happening—we’re dinosaurs. The Cooper line and Cooper legacy will end for good.”
    “This isn’t funny, Jordan. I’d like you to leave now.”
    “Fine.” Jordan rose. “Think about what I’ve told you. I’ll give you a call later in the week.”
    He’d reached the door when she called his name. He turned back to face her.
    “Thanksgiving’s two weeks away,” she said. “You’ll be here to have dinner with me as usual, won’t you?”
    Jordan had seen this coming, too. “No,” he said. “We’re having Thanksgiving at the ranch. You’re more than welcome to come. I’ll even send a car for you. But if you choose to stay