Chapter 48

“No, I need to think and make some decisions. I’ll call you later.”

They hung up. Br’er sat staring at the refrigerator across the room. He unconsciously ran a hand over his bracelet. What had Ray meant by needing to make some decisions? Was he trying to think of a way to make their situation work, or was he choosing between Br’er and his family?

* * * *

Ray sat with his head in his hands. He now had the confirmation he’d feared. His family would never accept Br’er—or Alex. He needed to warn his daughter. He reached for the phone. As he did, it rang. Caller ID identified the caller as Adrienne.

“Hello, Baby.” Ray tried to sound more upbeat than he felt. “I was just about to call you.”

“How was the family gathering last night?”

He steeled himself and said, “Most of it was good.”

“Most of it?”

“Yes.”

“What part didn’t go well?” she pressed.

“Your aunts and uncles asked if I knew why you weren’t there.”

“What did you say?”