Read Online Emily's Daughter by Linda Warren - Free Book Online Page A

explain.”
    George moved aside, still frowning.
    Jackson could smell coffee perking. “Coffee,” he sighed. “I need coffee.” He walked to the pine cabinets, grabbed two cups and filled them. Bringing the coffee to the oak table, he handed his dad a cup and sat down.
    George scratched his head and took a seat.
    Jackson sipped the strong, black coffee and wondered how to tell his father. That was the reason he was here. He had to tell someone.
    The kitchen, dining area and living room all looked out onto the lake and Jackson sat for a moment, enjoying the tranquillity.
    Finally George said, “You came all the way out here for a cup of coffee?”
    “No,” Jackson answered, but said nothing else. He’d always been able to tell his dad anything, and he valued that bond. Now he had a hard time finding the right words.
    “Why aren’t you still in Houston with that girl, Emily?”
    The question whirled around in his mind, and he had to admit he’d hoped they’d be wrapped in each other’s arms this morning, discovering new and— What a fool he’d been.
    “Are you going to tell me or just sit there with thatgloomy expression? You know I’m not getting any younger.”
    Jackson glanced at his dad. At sixty-four, he was active and in good health, and Jackson was grateful for that. He couldn’t stand to lose another person he loved—although there were no guarantees in life. That was a reality he’d learned a long time ago, but now he’d lost a daughter he hadn’t even known about, someone he’d never even had a chance to love.
    “Jackson, talk to me, son,” George begged.
    He took a sip of coffee. “I’m not sure where to start,” he said frankly.
    “Does it have to do with Emily?”
    “Yes, she told me something and I…I…”
    “What?”
    He swallowed painfully. “This isn’t easy.”
    “Just say it.”
    “She said that after I left Rockport, she found out she was…pregnant.”
    George’s eyes opened wide. “Pregnant?”
    “Yeah.”
    “My God. A baby? She had your baby?”
    “Yes.” His hand gripped the cup; he could crush it if he just applied pressure and he wanted to. He wanted to break something badly.
    “Where is this child? Where’s my grandchild?”
    Jackson looked up at that word— grandchild. His father had always wanted grandchildren, but after his divorce from Janine, George had finally accepted that wasn’t going to happen. But all along, there’d been a girl out there who belonged to them. His daughter. His dad’s grandchild. A child they would never see.
    “Jack.” His father waved a hand in front of his face to get his attention. “Where’s our child?”
    He released a tight breath and said the words that felt like acid in his throat. “Emily gave her up for adoption.”
    “My God, no!” George cried out.
    “Yes, Emily gave her away. I don’t know where she is, and neither does Emily. Strangers have my daughter.”
    “A girl, you have a daughter.” A softness came over George’s face. “Sarah would have loved a granddaughter.”
    At the mention of his mother, Jackson had to stifle tears. He ran both hands down his face in a weary gesture. “I don’t know what to do. I’m so hurt and angry inside, I can’t think. All I can do is feel and I don’t like what I’m feeling.”
    George stood. “I’ll get you another cup of coffee.”
    Jackson started to protest, but he realized his father was giving him time.
    Placing the cup in front of him, George said, “From what I remember about Emily, she was a pretty, sweet and caring girl. Owen and Rose were very protective of her. They kept a tight rein on her—especially Rose.”
    “Rose hated my guts,” Jackson spit out.
    “Well, she probably knew what you were doing with her daughter.” George sat down and looked directly at his son.
    Jackson met that look squarely. “Did you?”
    George shrugged. “I knew something was happening. You couldn’t take your eyes off her, and I saw all those secret glances