Another Surprise

By Atonia and Bridgid

Being a married man came with some added responsibility. Aubrey accepted his responsibility without a twitch but there was something he had to clear up, something from his past that he'd kept concealed even from Bridgid.

 It was time he had a talk with Roberts to clear this matter up once and for all. He may have waited until he had an anchor securely around Bridgid's leg before he brought this subject up to anyone for a reason. It would be less likely for her to flee once she was privy to it all. 

He walked through the door of Richie Robert's office feeling some trepidation but this had to be done.   

Standing with his arms behind his back, there was no one at the receptionist desk so he cleared his throat hoping someone would hear him. Waiting a few moments, he called out. "Mister Roberts, are you about, sir?" 

"Aubrey," Richie came from behind his desk and walked into the reception area, "I believe congratulations are in order," he extended his hand.

Applying a gentlemanly handshake, Jack nodded. "Thankee sir, we will be making a public announcement shortly and I would assume you will attend the soiree my wife has planned. For now though, I would like to get right down to business. You see, I think it is time I have a last will and testament drawn up. Of course I would in the case of my untimely parting, leave the lions share of my fortune to my wife but there is someone else I would like to include."

Jack as Jack could be, he went straight at him.

"All right come into my office as they say," Richie led the way and indicated a chair for Jack. He sat down behind his desk and pulled over a legal pad. "I'll just make some notes as we go."

The moment Jack sat down he felt his mouth go dry. Gripping the arms of the chair as if it would make a difference, he mustered up the bile to speak.

"Bridgid knows nothing of this but I would like to put someone else in my will. His name is John Philip and he is currently in the Royal Navy serving in the Gulf." Pausing briefly he leaned forward and waited for Richie to meet his gaze. "I should add that the lad's last name is Aubrey. He is my son."

Richie looked into his eyes for a moment, "John Phillip Aubrey," he wrote the name down, "birth date?" he didn't blink or indicate he was surprised at all and should he be? No he decided he shouldn't.

"He will be nineteen this year, he was born April 17th." Jack replied. "John Philip was as much a surprise to me as anyone. I was informed of his existence upon the death of his mother a week ago. We were barely children ourselves when we met but I believe you know how such things are."

What prompted him to give more information than Richie asked for was not sure but it could be Jack's conscience playing on him. "My only regret is not knowing about the lad sooner. Things may have been different."

Did that sound right? He didn't mean that he didn't want to be with Bridgid. Jack was confused about his feelings.

"I take it you haven't met him yet he’s following in his father’s footsteps. That should pump you a little."

Jack nodded slightly and replied. "He is following in his step fathers footsteps as well. He was raised by his mother and the man she later married. I feel it is perhaps best I leave things as they are. The boy should not be confused by my presence at this juncture."

There was a mixture of pain and relief on Jack's face at this time. He wondered so much about his son but how many lives would he change for the worse if he pursued a meeting with John Phillip? Would the lad disapprove of the way he came into the world? Did he have a good relationship with his step father and what would Bridgid think? Was it selfish for him to think this way? Bloody hell he'd rather fight a battle than have to deal with this right now.

Reaching into his pocket, Jack took an envelope out and passed it across the desk. "This is the home address I have for him. I presume you will need it?"

 Richie copied the address and handed the envelope back, "he sounds like a fine young man. Is Bridgid aware of him?"

"No and I have no idea how to tell her. I am not sure that John Phillip is aware of me either." Jack squirmed with a little discomfort. "In your honest opinion, sir, do you believe I am proceeding properly?"

The letter Jack passed to Richie was from the boy’s mother. It was to be sent in the event of her death and Jack wondered who else may have gotten such correspondence. It was a cold message just informing him of John Phillip.

Richie crossed his legs and sat back in his chair, "My own gut feeling is that you should tell Bridgid as soon as possible. I know from my own experience it’s best to get everything out in the open. I mean for all you know the boy knows about you, he could show up on your doorstep."

"Your thoughts are aligned with mine. You are a wise man, Roberts. For now, I have to come up with a way to tell her. Perhaps it is best I wait until after the reception though."

Jack stood up. He reached a hand to Richie in thanks. "Would it be alright for you to send the document to me when you have completed it, along with your bill of course?"

"Be glad to," Richie shook his hand, "Good luck Aubrey."