“My husband, Mark, died a few months ago, and my in-laws admitted he’d been adopted. They encouraged me to get DNA tests done on the twins so they’d know their genetic and health backgrounds. I did, and I never expected the results. Never. I promise.”

“You didn’t do the math and figure it out?”

“No, I never…I never even considered… You have to believe me.” She wrung her hands again, and I recalled she was quite the hand wringer whenever she was nervous, like the night I broke up with her.

“I don’t have to do shit.” Her possible intentions slapped me in the face. She wasn’t here because she was righting a wrong. She was here for money because she was desperate. I’d be a fool if I didn’t demand an official DNA test, even though I already knew the results.

“You want money?” I didn’t exactly mean to sound as accusatory as I did, but it came out that way, and I ran with it.

She lifted her head with pride and met my gaze with sheer determination. “No, that’s not why I’m here. Mark had a modest life insurance policy. I plan on going to school to get my LPN.”

“How modest?”

“I don’t see where that’s any of your concern. I’m here because it was the right thing to do. That’s all. I don’t want your fucking money.”

“They’re my children, and my responsibility, too,” I said, testing the sound of the words on my tongue.

“I’m not here because I want money. I’m really not.”

I didn’t believe her. The timing was too coincidental. I shot her a glare.

“I don’t want you to feel obligated,” she said.

“They’re my children. They are my obligation.” I turned to face her, wanting to make myself perfectly clear. “I also fully intend to exercise my parental rights.”

Her eyes grew big and she went back to hand wringing. “In what way?” Her voice held a hint of steel I hadn’t heard before. I’d stirred up Mama Bear.

“I want all the rights granted to me by law. My attorney will contact your attorney. Give me the information.”

“I don’t have an attorney.”

“Then he’ll contact you to work out the legal paperwork and details. I’m sure he’ll demand an official DNA test also, but I’ve seen enough. I know they’re mine.”

“Paperwork? Is that necessary?”

“Hell yeah. I don’t want you disappearing when you feel like it. No fucking way. I’m their father, and I’m fucking going to be their father.” My hold on my temper was slipping, and I fought to control my irritation.

“No, I won’t disappear on you. I promise.”

“Right, like you haven’t the last two times we met?” I rolled my eyes contemptuously, annoyed I was behaving like a spoiled child but doing it anyway. “When can I meet them?”

“I…uh…I don’t know. I’d prefer we not go there right now.”

“Are you fucking nuts? They’re my children, and I have rights.”