A Family Affair - First Born by Marilyn McPherson Page B

she said, touching Tom’s shoulder. “I was just so surprised. Is Kane your half-brother?” She seemed to be having trouble saying the words out loud.
    “Can’t you see the family resemblance?” asked Tom. “Clearly Kane is younger and better-looking though.”
    Kane laughed.
    Suddenly Tom looked towards Jack. “Dad, I’ve just worked out why Kane is so familiar. He looks like that picture we have of you on the wall at home. You know - the one from the seventies.”
    Jack nodded in agreement. “Yes, I see what you’re saying. There is a strong family resemblance.”
    “I would nearly be convinced even without the blood work,” Tom concluded.
    Ellen looked between Jack and Kane, and smiled.
    Kane assumed that she did see a family resemblance, and wondered if she had seen it all along. It was difficult to say from her expression, which was still concealing her real thoughts and emotions.
    Tom looked deep in thought as he turned to Ellen. “Now that you mention it, I remember you talking about a trainer called Kane. I just can’t believe that the two of you already know each other.”
    Ellen murmured in agreement. “It’s quite a coincidence that Kane and you were even living in the same city, come to think of it.”
    “What were the chances of that?” agreed Tom.
    Kane didn’t believe in coincidences. He and Ellen were here for a reason. Perhaps she was meant for him after all.
    Tom continued, “But you haven’t been to the gym in a while have you, Elle?”
    “No, she hasn’t,” Kane added, using a displeased school teacher voice.
    Ellen looked a little guilty. She was playing her part in this deceit well. “I’ve just been so busy with the preparations for the wedding. I’ve kind of given the gym away for the time being.”
    “I guess I will have to give you free personal training from now on, won’t I?” joked Kane, while watching Ellen intently. “Now that we’re family... or almost family I should say.”
    Ellen smiled in response, but Kane could tell how uncomfortable she was feeling. Neither Tom nor Jack noticed her demeanour. Was he the only one who understood this woman at all? “The wedding must be soon, is that right?” Kane asked her.
    “That’s right,” she answered. “Three weeks to go now, until Tom makes me the happiest woman in the world.”
    Kane noticed that Ellen touched Tom in an intimate manner. Was that gesture meant for him? It looked as if she was sending a coded message his way - she and Tom were in love – stay away.
    “Why don’t you come to the wedding, Kane?” asked Tom, smiling at his new brother. “It will give the whole family a chance to meet you.”
    Ellen shook her head. “Tom, you need to give people more notice than three weeks for these sorts of events. I’m sure he’s busy that day.” Ellen gave Kane a look which said quite clearly that he was not welcome.
    “Doesn’t hurt to ask,” Tom said.
    “I’d love to come,” Kane said, ignoring Ellen’s pleading look. “When is it?”
    “Saturday the third of November,” Tom answered. “I’ll have the planner rearrange some tables and send you an invite. Please feel free to bring a date of course. I see there is no wedding ring on your finger.”
    Kane laughed, while looking down at his finger. There was only one girl he wanted to spend time with, but he answered in the way Tom was expecting. “Thank you for the invitation. I will certainly ask someone special to come along too.”
    “Wonderful,” said Tom.
    Kane smiled at Ellen generously. She was looking more and more uncomfortable by the second.
    “So,” Jack said to Kane. “I’m interested to know about the couple who raised you.”
    “Well, first I’d like to apologise to Ellen.”
    “Why’s that?” asked Tom.
    “Well, she’s heard all of this already.”
    “It’s fine, Kane. Don’t worry about me.” Ellen looked embarrassed. “Please go ahead.”
    Kane couldn’t help but notice that Tom was resting his hand on