“I still can’t believe it,” West said, staring out at the million—no billion—dollar view. I wasn’t sure if he saw it or was processing everything in his head.

“Macon was gay,” South said, as if verbalizing it was the only way to work through it. “I never saw that one coming.”

“We’re not his kids,” East added. “I’d hoped that was true growing up, but fuck… it was true.”

“We’ll find out for sure,” I said. We had to know one way or the other. “Do DNA testing. Shit, I had Mrs. Sanchez get rid of all his things.” I tipped my chin up, looked to Jed, panicked a little. Had my need to rid myself of Macon kept us from ever learning the truth?

“One of his cars has got to have his DNA in it,” Jed guessed and I relaxed.

“He was a slob,” I told him. “The cleaners picked up after him at the house, but he didn’t let anyone touch his cars. You’re right. There has to be cigar stubs and those stupid mint toothpicks he used.”

West gave a huff which I took as a sign he knew what I was talking about.

“You think that’s why he hated us so much? Because we weren’t really his?” East asked. “I mean, it explains why a father could plan to have his kid’s leg broken. Since I wasn’t his kid and all. Fuck, he hated us.”

It made sense. Macon’s hatred had been deep. I never understood why he’d never liked any of his kids. Why we were such… burdens to him. Now it made sense. We were reminders of his wife’s infidelity, although I had no doubt he’d been unfaithful in return. I had to wonder if our mother was a front for his alternative lifestyle. So many questions.

“Then who is our father?” South asked as if sensing exactly what I wanted to know as well.

“Or fathers,” West argued. “It’s not like we look alike. Obviously East and I have the same one. Duh. I’m not saying Mom was a slut or something, but she had to know about dad.”

I’d been five when she’d died. I barely remembered her and I knew East and West didn’t at all.

“I’d like to think she found love with someone,” I said almost wistfully. Now that I’d met Jed, knew what it felt like to be wanted, and want in return, I hoped she’d had it too.

Jed kissed the top of my head. “Want to get out of here?”

I shifted, looked up at him. His dark eyes that saw everything were looking between mine, dipping to my mouth.

“Yeah.” I wanted to be alone with Jed more than anything. We had no answers now. My brothers were going to sit and think. Maybe shoot some more things.