Chapter 48 - All Messed Up - Part 2 of 3

It was Saturday and Reese didn’t have to work. This morning was going to be the day Kaitlin told him the truth.

When Kaitlin walked into the darkened living room, she saw the glow of the television and heard the soft murmur of the sound turned down low. Reese was already up watching the news, his baby boy napping in the baby swing. The rest of the children were still asleep. Jordan must have woken up and Reese brought him in here to care for him so he wouldn't wake Ben and Sam.

Kaitlin took a deep breath, walked over and sat down next to Reese. She figured this was as good a time as any to get it over with. “Reese, we need to talk. I have some things I need to tell you," she said quietly so she didn't disturb the sleeping baby.

Instead of answering her, he looked up at her looking like he had seen a ghost. “Reese, are you okay? You look sick.” she asked worried.

“Look….it's Dad...he's here. It's all over the news. And, and Mimi and Papa too," he said as if in a trance.

Kaitlin’s heart sank. It was good thing she was already sitting down. What had she done, waiting so long to tell him? “Oh, Reese,” she said touching his arm, “I was just coming to tell you this. I had no idea it would be on the news. I'm so sorry.”

Reese ignored her and pointed the remote control at the TV and began to rewind the segment about Reid's trial as Kaitlin sat there helplessly and watched.

Reese stared at the TV and kept talking as if he was talking to himself and working out what he had just heard, ignoring her completely, “That's why they look so much alike. Their mother’s are twins. Then why didn't we know Reid?”

His whole demeanor suddenly changed and he got angry as if he just noticed her presence beside him. He looked at his mother as the realization hit him and he spit out, “Reid’s my frigging second cousin! You dated your cousin!”

Kaitlin didn't know what to say. He was right. It was all so messed up.

Reese suddenly got quiet again when the segment began to re-play. They couldn't play the actual testimony but what little they reported on was scandalous. It talked about a love triangle and showed Reid's relatives there to support him. They reported the local playboy had gone off the deep end for the love of a woman. At least they didn’t say her name.

Kaitlin picked up the remote and turned off the TV, tears streaming down her face. She couldn't watch anymore. When would these damn tears stop? she thought as she turned to face her son. She sniffed and tried to gather herself before telling Reese the rest of the story.

“Reese, he not just your father's cousin, he's more than that. Reid is your father's half-brother. He is your Uncle,” she said quietly.  

“No” he said slowly, “They said Dad was his cousin.”

“Listen to me Reese. Let me finish,” she said, “Papa is Reid’s real father. That’s why we didn't know them. Miranda and Cassandra were estranged once she found out her husband fathered her sister's child. Miranda was forced to leave town with Reid and they moved here,” she let out a little huff, “Small world.”

“That's just screwed up. No wonder Dad was an asshole, just like his father!” he shot back at her.

Why had she kept this from him? “I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It was a lot for me to take in too. And Reese, there's more. Reid knows who I am, that I am his brother's wife but he hasn't told your father yet, at least I don't think he has. His step-father, you know, the police chief, also knows and by extension I would assume so does Reid’s mother. It's just a matter of time."

“Is that why you broke up with Reid?” he asked.

“No...” she started to say but the buzzer sounded interrupting her and she jumped. She and Reese exchanged a look. She stood up and turned on the lights. She was way too jumpy since seeing Newt. She kept expecting him to show up unannounced demanding the kids back and throwing her in jail.

She answered the buzzer while Reese watched. She was both relieved and angry when Leroy’s voice came over the intercom. “I'm coming up,” he said in a tone that allowed for no argument, “I just didn't want to walk in unannounced.”

Reese sneered angrily, "I will make him leave. Don't worry."

Kaitlin sighed. She knew the time would eventually come when she would have to face Leroy but she wasn't ready yet. Once again, he took the choice away from her but maybe he needed to. She didn't know if she would ever have been able to make the first move.

“No baby,” she said shaking her head, “But would you please take Ben and Dakota to the park or maybe for ice cream. Just give us an hour.”

“Are you sure you will be okay alone with him? What if Daddy shows up while he is here?” he challenged.

“Reese, Leroy isn't the enemy,” explained Kaitlin and smiled weakly, “we just have some stuff to work out, but thank you for looking out for me. You always have. I hope Daddy doesn’t show up, but if he does we will deal with it. Please go get Ben and Dakota up. Try not to wake Sam and the girls.”

Reese grunted and got up to go roundup the two older kids.

When Leroy walked in Dakota launched herself into his arms still in her pajamas. “Daddy! Daddy! Reese is takin’ me and Ben to the park and if we are good we get to get ice cream! Can you come too?” she squealed.

Ben walked in already dressed and glared at Leroy then rolled his eyes at Dakota. “Moooom,” he whined, “I want to go to ‘Games-N-More’, not the stupid park."

“Park first Ben, then you can stop by the game store on the way home, but you're not getting anything,” said Kaitlin, “your birthday is coming up.”

Ben turned his back and mumbled under his breath, “Yeah and I will probably just get another dumb baby toy."

Kaitlin didn't hear him but knew it was something ugly. “What did you say young man?” she said in her best 'don’t mess with mommy' voice.

“Nothing,” replied Ben.

Leroy shot him a frown as he peeled Dakota off of him. He answered her question instead of saying anything to Ben. “Maybe I can come next time sweetie. Mommy K and I have some grown up things to discuss. Come on I will help you get dressed.”

A few minutes later, Leroy, carrying Hailey in his arms, came back into the room with Dakota following on his heels, dressed and ready to go.

Reese, Ben and Dakota left, Dakota jabbering all the way out the door, leaving Kaitlin alone with Leroy.

Kaitlin didn't know what to say to Leroy, so she busied herself rewinding the baby swing for Jordan and watched as he snuggled their daughter until she giggled before placing her in the highchair and giving her cereal. She could barely breathe as she watched the tender moment between father and daughter. What had she been thinking keeping them apart for as long as she did. How could he not hate her?

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