Page 184

They left the room silently, but Kade never let her go, even after they arrived downstairs.
Asha tried really hard not to feel inferior to the women waiting in Kade’s living room, but failed miserably. Amid the introductions, she tried to wrap her mind around the fact that she could actually be related to these sophisticated, wealthy people.Not possible.They were nothing alike. She couldn’t quite believe that the handsome, dark-haired Max who had his arm wrapped around Mia could be her brother. Or that the lovely red-headed physician who introduced herself as Maddie could be her sister. These people were completely out of her league, and she inwardly cringed at what they might be thinking abouther.
Her hair needed a more thorough brushing, her jeans were tattered, and her feet were bare, the henna tattoo on her foot peeking out from under the denim of her jeans. The only nice thing she was wearing was the beautiful red blouse, andthathad been provided by the two women in front of her. God…she was a mess. Even if shewasrelated to them, they certainly wouldn’t want to claimher.
“You can come and stay with us,” Mia said cheerfully, after everyone was introduced.
“No. I want her to stay with Sam and me,” Maddie said emphatically.
Asha heard a low growling noise coming from Kade. “She’s staying here,” he rumbled, glaring at all of his guests. “She’s doing some designs for me.”
“What kind of designs?” Mia asked curiously.
“I do wall designs,” Asha answered quietly, suddenly wishing she had a more stable career, more education, or anything that would make her feel less like a loser next to these people.
“She’s an incredible artist,” Kade boasted proudly, his arm tightening around Asha’s waist.
Mia smiled at her before answering, “I design jewelry. I’d love to see your work.”
“I have some pictures upstairs,” Asha answered hesitantly, fairly certain Mia was just being polite. No doubt Mia had been to college, studied her craft. Asha was self-taught, using her gut instinct and raw talent to create her designs.
Mia’s expression lit up. “Let’s go look,” she said excitedly, Maddie’s head bobbing in agreement.
“Hold it,” Max boomed as the two women pulled her from Kade’s reassuring grasp. “I’d like to hug my sister first before you drag her off for a female bonding session.”
Asha stepped back, her whole body trembling, desperately wanting the brotherly affection that Max was offering, but terrified to accept it. She had no time to think before Max moved forward and pulled her into his arms, wrapping her into a bear hug. Strangely, there was nothing awkward about Max’s embrace, and although it was a little disconcerting for her because she wasn’t used to physical affection, she felt a sense of peace and security when he held her against his strong body. She felt nothing but acceptance vibrating from his strong frame, and tears sprang to her eyes as she hesitantly hugged him back. “I’m not used to having anyone,” she whispered huskily without thinking about her words.
Max hugged her even tighter and said, “You have us. I’m sorry it took so long to find you.” He eased up and held her by the shoulders. “I know this is overwhelming. I didn’t have family either until I found Maddie. Finding you is an enormous gift to both Maddie and me.”
“I was alone, too,” Maddie said, as she pulled Asha away from Max and hugged her almost as tightly as her brother had.
Asha felt the same sense of connection as Maddie hugged her close, and the tears streamed from her eyes like a river. These two people were so willing to accept her as a sister, to pull her into the fold of their family. It was overwhelming and wonderful, but frightening. While she hungered for family, wanted it with every cell in her body, the unknowns of the situation were also terrifying. She’d always been alone. What did she know about a real family?
Finally, she pulled away from Maddie, swiping at her tears with her hand. “We can’t be certain I’m really related.” She reminded herself of the reality that nothing was completely proven. It wouldn’t do to get attached to the idea of family and then have it all taken away. It was a seductive lure that she couldn’t let take her away from reality.
“I don’t need proof,” Max said hoarsely. “I can sense it.”
“Me too,” Maddie agreed. “It’s the same strange feeling of being connected that I felt with Max before I knew he and I were siblings. And we know we had the same mother. Her name was the same, and Max’s investigation is pretty conclusive since Kade was able to provide more information. We all share the same mother.”
“But what if it’s all a mistake? What if she just happened to have the same name or something?” Every part of her wanted to believe she had these two extraordinary people for a brother and sister, but it was so surreal that she just couldn’t believe it. Things like this didn’t happen to her.
Max dug out his wallet and pulled out a picture. “Here. This is our mother. She was very young at the time. It’s the only picture I could locate.”
Asha took the small picture from him, her heart racing with fear and anticipation. She studied it, biting her lower lip in concentration as she looked at the likeness, a woman who looked very much like Maddie—and a younger version of her own birth mother. Stroking a finger along the edge of the small picture, she murmured, “She does look like my mom.”
“Do you have a picture?” Maddie asked excitedly. “I’d like to see it.”
“I do. I have a picture of her and my father before they died.” Asha handed the picture back to Max.
“Do you remember them?” Max asked, placing the photo back in his wallet. “I know they died in a car accident. Your father was drinking and driving, according to my information.”
“Your information was wrong,” Asha answered defensively. “My father wasn’t driving and he didn’t drink. There was no alcohol in his system. But the guy driving was intoxicated. They had all gone together to a holiday party for his work. My mom and dad were in the back seat, and everyone in the car died instantly when the driver swerved and they were hit by a semi-truck.” Taking a deep breath, she continued, “And no…I don’t remember them. I was only three when they died. I don’t have much left from either of them. Once their estate was settled, there was nothing but a few personal belongings.” Actually, she had gotten quite a few of her parents’ belongings, but everything had been sold off by her foster parents, supposedly to pay for her expenses, leaving her with nothing but a few photos.
Maddie put her arm around her, as though she sensed Asha’s sadness. “Let’s go look at those pictures.”
“I’m sorry, Asha,” Max said remorsefully. “No child should have to lose both of her parents so young.”
Asha shrugged. “We all did.” She knew Max had been adopted by good parents, but Maddie had done the rounds of foster homes and knew what it was like to feel alone.