Billionaire Flawed 1(104)

“I took the day off.”

“You never take days off. And do you think you should? You will never get your head back on straight if you aren’t working. You’ll just sit here and think about it day in and day out. How do you think that’s going to make the children feel? Well, Jonny anyway. If you don’t…”

She continued on until Edward thought she should be glad their father had taught him to respect the weaker sex. All he really wanted was for her to be quiet. He would have welcomed her help otherwise. If only she could have come over to help without criticizing every step he took.

“Did you suppose to leave the children here by themselves today?”

“Of course not, Patty. I take them to the vicarage with me on Saturdays. Always have. Why would it be different today?”

For the first time in a long time, Patty didn’t reply. He glanced up at her and saw the look on her face. It irritated him even more. She was gazing at his children as if they were hers. That wouldn’t have been so bad if the look wasn’t mixed with such jealousy and bitterness. She and her husband had not been able to conceive. She had always been upset that her little brother had a child first. When Beth became pregnant the second time, it was like Patricia’s pain doubled.

Her dark hair was pulled back from her face and pulled up in a tight bun. She had a long, thin face and a large pouty mouth. They had never been close. That wasn’t going to change.

“Patty, why are you here today? I don’t remember asking you to come by for anything.”

“You don’t have to ask, Eddie.” Patty looked down at him through narrow eyes. “You know those kids need someone to watch out for them and I’m just doing my part.”

Edward’s jaw clenched and he abruptly stood up, knocking Patty backwards slightly. She was the same height as he but much thinner, with less muscle power. She steadied herself on her feet, widening her eyes in shock and anger.

“Excuse me, Edward!”

He narrowed his eyes at her and leaned toward her. She took a step back.

“My children don’t need someone to watch out for them, Patricia! They have their father! That’s me! Don’t you forget that!”

Patricia stiffened her spine and huffed at him. “Well! I was just trying to help my brother!”

“Yes, to his children! But you can’t have them. They are not going with you. And yes, I understand you were only really interested in taking Emilia. But for the last time, woman, I am not turning them over to you, even for a night! I do appreciate all the help you’ve given me, especially when Emilia was first born! But I do not want your help any longer, do you understand me?”

Patricia was making small noises, unable to get a complete word out. Her face had drained of all color and she was staring at her brother, stunned.

“That means you do not need to come by whenever you wish any more. I will raise my children and I do not want your interference, criticism or bitterness in my house anymore!”

He began to walk toward her. She moved backward and was eventually at the threshold of the house. She turned quickly and was out on the porch in half a second. He followed her out on the porch to make sure she went back to her small wagon.

She turned back to spit out the words, “You’re going to regret pushing me away, Edward. You’ll never have anyone and you’ll be miserable all your life.”

He shook her off with one hand, gesturing wildly in the air. “Go on, Patricia! Go on out of here! You can’t have them! Just leave!”

“Oh!” Patricia stomped to her wagon and pulled herself up. “Scoot! Go!” She slapped the reins and rode off, stiffening her back and looking as refined and dignified as possible.

“Good riddance to ya.” Edward mumbled as he watched her go. Soon the wagon was lost in the dust and he turned back to go inside.

He let the door slam behind him, went through the house and out the back door to the yard where his children were. His young son had carefully taken the baby from her pram and laid her on a blanket he’d prepared on the ground under the shade of a tree he’d planted ten years ago when Jon was born.

“Hey there, Jon. What are you and Emilia doing?”

“I was pointing out some shapes I see in the clouds.” Jon pushed himself up on his elbows, giving his father a large smile. “But it’s kind of hard to do that when we are under the tree. I thought maybe she needed to be in the shade for a bit because I don’t want her face to turn red.”

“You are one smart lad.” Edward nodded and dropped to sit cross-legged on the ground next to his children. Emilia turned her tiny head to look at her papa and gave him a large smile.