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“What?”

“Did you ever notice that my last name is also Holt?”

“I did, but a lot of people have the same last name. Besides, you’re a rich guy. I don’t think my dad was rich.”

I smiled at the brilliant girl, whose logic was clouded by unstable emotions.

She looked at me for a moment. “So . . . do you know him?”

Ah, the brilliant mind returns.

“He’s my father too.”

CHAPTERSEVENTY

ARROW

We satin silence for a moment as Kaylee stared at me. Questions sparked in her eyes, but she probably didn’t know how or what to ask first.

“Are you sure?” she asked, trying her best to hold back tears.

I laughed. “I grew up with him.”

“Will you get a DNA test to prove it?” she eyed me. “I . . . just want to be certain.”

“If it’s important to you, sure.”

“Do you . . . do you want me as a sister?” Her lips twisted, showing how nervous she was. If only she knew how nervousIwas.

“If I could pick anyone to be a little sister, it would be you.”

She cried and gave me a big hug. Tears filled my eyes too.

“Okay, kiddo, we’ll celebrate this later. Let’s go home and share this news with Vivian. She’s got a party planned for you.”

Wiping her eyes, she glanced at the back seat. “The food smells delicious. She said we’re celebrating me, but I didn’t know what she was talking about.”

With what we’d learned today, I could share the reason for the party now.

“She wanted to let you know she has officially adopted you.”

Kaylee smiled. “Really?”

“All the legal documents were taken care of a while ago. She wanted to give you a celebration, but things got crazy about finding Aimee. She already considers you part of her family, so the party slipped her mind. Don’t be mad at her, okay?”

“I’m not.” Kaylee nodded. “I love her.”

“Me too.”

* * *

When we arrived home, we didn’t see Vivian’s car. Unease settled in me again.

“She’s not here,” Kaylee said.

Fuck.I checked my phone. No messages from her. I called her again, and it went straight to voicemail.

“Kaylee, help me bring the food and cake into the house. Then we’ll go find her.”