Maynard let out a short, dismissiveugh. "You''re not me, so how can you be so sure what I''m saying won''te true?"


    Briony pressed her lips together, uncertain.


    He continued, "Briony, I know this might seem like I''m taking advantage of the situation, but if you''re really thinking about what''s best for Lori, give her a father. Trust me I''ll im Lori as my own, and no matter what happens between us in the future, she''ll always be my daughter, the eldest granddaughter of the Maynard family."


    Briony hesitated.


    Lori was Mary and Ferdinand''s child. Ferdinand''s background wasplicated,


    and if the truth ever got out, it could only bring trouble for Lori.


    A girl needs a strong, dependable family behind her.


    Little Nina and little Mario might not have a perfect family, but at least their parents are both there for them. Lori, though—she''s still missing a father.


    Briony''s thoughts churned. She looked up at Maynard.


    He immediately caught the change in her expression and knew she was wavering.


    Trying to coax her, he went on, "Just the other day, my grandparents were giving me grief. The neighbors are always showing off their grandkids, and my folks say I''m useless for being over thirty with nothing to show for it! Briony, have a heart- do me a favor and give me a daughter, will you?"


    Briony was speechless.


    She let out a weary sigh. "Maynard, this is deceiving your family."


    He shrugged. “A child raised from such a young age-what''s the difference, really? She''ll be family in every way that matters."


    He added, "Plus, there are three brothers in the Maynard family. Sure, my youngest brother has gone his own way, but there''s still the middle one! The family line doesn''t depend on me, and taking in Lori won''t make a difference. And don''t worry I''ll keep Lori''s real parentage a secret for life. As long as you agree, Lori will always be my daughter. She''ll be entered into the Maynard family records as our cherished girl, and I''ll make sure she has a smooth, happy life.”


    Briony stared at him, silent, lost in thought.


    Her own family had never been a source of warmth; she''d faced unfairness and hardship growing up. More than anything, she wanted her children to have the loving,plete family she never did.


    She knew she''d let Little Nina and little Mario down-something she''d always feel guilty about.


    Now, with such a good chance for Lori, how could she refuse?


    If Mary were still here, she''d want Lori to have the best life possible too.


    After wrestling with her feelings, Briony finally agreed to Maynard''s proposal.


    Fortunately, the truth of Lori''s parentage was known only to a select few, all trusted.


    Mary had given birth in Cedric


    rke''s


    e''s hospital, so all Briony


    needed to do was call Cedricel


    exin the situation.


    Cedric


    Was willing to help, but he


    was clearly stunned when Bri


    told him she and Maynard would be recognized as Lori''s parent


    On the phone, Cedric asked, "Are you sure about this?"


    "Lori needs a father," Briony replied. "Maynard is the best choice."


    "But what about Stewart...?"


    "Dr. rke, Stewart and I are divorced," Briony said coolly. "He''s remarried now-everyone knows he''s the Cooper family''s son-inw. What do you want me to do, prétend Lori is Stewart''s daughter too? What would that make me? What would Lori be?"


    Cedric had no argument.


    With Cedric''s help, the hospital updated Lori''s birth certificate and records ordingly.


    At ten that morning, Vypera Technologies and Starlight Entertainment released official statements at the same time—


    Vypera Technologies: [Yes, I am Lori''s father. @Briony is Lori''s mother.]


    Starlight Entertainment: [I am Lori''s mother. @Maynard, nice to meet you-Lori''s father.]