Page 117 of Eleven of a Kind

“I own one of the largest consulting firms in North Carolina. I also own several real estate properties and companies.”

“How did you get into all that?” I asked as I handed him his drink.

“I started selling real estate on the side while I attended college and then got into consulting.” He smiled.

“Our father was a real estate mogul,” I said.

“I know. I read up on him when I found out that he didn’t die right before I was born. I guess you can say I inherited his talent.”

“Perhaps you did. Let’s get down to the other reason why you’re here besides wanting to meet us. You need us to test our bone marrow, don’t you?” Grayson asked.

“Yeah.” Carter looked down. “I wish I would have known about the two of you sooner. This wouldn’t be so awkward. I know it’s a lot to take in. I’m still trying to take it all in myself along with dealing with this debilitating disease.”

“You do realize that we’re only half-siblings, so the odds of one of us being a match is very low.”

“I know that, but I have to try.”

The sliding door opened, and Aunt Barb walked in.

“Hello, I just—oh.” She stopped, and it looked like she’d seen a ghost.

“Aunt Barb?” I said as I walked over to her. “Are you okay?”

“I’m sorry.” She stared at Carter. “You look just like someone I used to know when he was younger.”

“Aunt Barb, this is Carter Kind, our brother.”

“Say that again, Gabriel? I don’t think I heard you correctly.”

“You heard him just fine, Aunt Barb,” Grayson said.

Carter stood up. When Aunt Barb walked over to him, she placed her hands on his face.

“I don’t know how this is possible, but you are the spitting image of your father. I knew Grayson and Gabriel were, but my God. Where did you come from?”

“Um, North Carolina,” he replied. “My mother got pregnant with me at the same time their mother was pregnant with them.”

“Of course, she did. That seemed to be the Kind way back in the day.” She sighed, referring to Shaun’s mother and Uncle Henry. “All I can say is thank goodness I wasn’t involved with this one. Simon cannot say a word to me when he finds out.”

“Carter is sick, Aunt Barb, and needs a bone marrow transplant. He’s asking that Gabriel and I get tested to see if one of us is a match,” Grayson spoke.

“Well, of course, you will get tested. This is your brother, your family.”

“We know that, Aunt Barb.” I sighed. “We never said we wouldn’t. We just discovered all of this two hours ago. We’re still trying to digest it all.”

“It was nice to meet you, Barb, but I should get going. I’m really tired.”

“Which hotel are you staying at?” I asked.

“I don’t know yet. I came right from the airport to your medical practice. There are thousands of hotels in Los Angeles, I’ll find one.” He smiled.

“Nonsense. You’ll stay at my house.” Aunt Barb smiled.

“If you’ll excuse me. Can I use your bathroom?” Carter asked.

“Down the hall, first door on the left,” I said.

“Thanks.”