The St Patrick Series Book #1: The St Patrick Bride

Chapter Fifty Six: The Sons

The Major's POV
Lucille has been going on and on about something. I'm not paying attention. I'm looking at a framed photograph of Tommy and Chris standing beside a boat. I'm standing next to them. The expression on my face was that of a proud father. I raised two boys into men. It's not an easy fit. I have strong headed boys. Like any father my wish is that they turn out responsible. Tommy became a promiscuous gambler with a deathly ambition to come out on top no matter what it takes. It explains why he would lie about Aubrey being his daughter. Christopher was a troublemaker until that incident that nearly got him killed. He has settled down since and was holding much promise as the result of my success as a father until I heard he is refusing to acknowledge a child he fathered. I'm also concerned about the bruising on Allegra's face. I taught them that women are not punching bags. Physical confrontation with women is not allowed.

I'm disappointed in my boys.

Lucille's hand on my shoulder startled me. "Did you get lost down memory lane Coop?" She took the picture frame from my hand smiling for a moment. All we do these days is look at pictures and relive the memories when the boys were both living here. "I remember this."

She is the one who took the photograph.

"Are you proud of what they have become?"

"Coop! Where is this coming from? Is everything alright?"

"No. Nothing is as it should be. Did you know that Tommy and Allegra lied about Aubrey's paternity?"

I studied my wife's expression of shock. Over three decades together and I can't tell when she's lying or faking something. "Are you saying Aubrey is not ours? But how did they get past you? You personally attended to the DNA test!"

"Aubrey is ours. There's no doubt there. However, she's not Tommy's daughter. She's Christopher's." I informed her. "According to Allegra."

"But why would she lie about it? Isn't it strange that we only found out about Aubrey when she was born and not before?"

"I honestly don't care about the details. I just want to talk to my boys and understand what they are doing. I want to hear it from Chris and Tommy. Invite them for lunch. Don't tell them why."I

"Yes Major, right away! We have to get to the bottom of this!" She agreed.

I raised two boys. They are disappointing me.

Christopher's POV
My least favorite place in the world is in front of the Major General when he's pissed. The fact that Tommy is here means it's not good.

His blue eyes balanced between us. I should be at the base but I'm here. He doesn't care.

"Major, I have to be at the base. I'm already late." I broke the silence. His pacing ceased. His glare sent a chill through me. "It can wait sir."

We remained at ease with our feet apart and our hands behind the back.

"Boys, where did I go wrong?" He asked. "Let's have a candid conversation. Where did we go wrong?"

Ma is faithfully standing by his side. She is avoiding eye contact. Through lunch she avoided conversation that had potential to be deep. She talked about her menu and grocery shopping and other shallow things.

"What do you mean Major General?" I asked.

"Aren't you chatty today!" He noted.

"I'm simply furthering the discussion sir."

He tore his eyes from me to Tommy. I want this to be done already. Court said she's ready to get intimate. I have been waiting for tonight since I came back. I don't want to miss it.