Ice and Fire novel Chapter 492

"That's alright. I've got nothing else to do at the moment, so I got here early. Besides, it's not far from Amy's school. Once school is over, we can just walk over together, " Derek's voice sweetened at the mention of Amy. It was obvious that he considered Amy in most things and cared a great deal for her.

"Derek, I didn't expect the relationship between you and Amy to flourish so quickly, " Chery quipped lightly. She wanted to have a relaxed atmosphere for what she was really here to talk about so he wouldn't feel so overwhelmed.

"As did you and Jackson! Once you meet the right person, time isn't a consideration anymore." Derek smiled at Cherry.

"That is true. I'm so happy to see you so committed with Amy. Please, treat her well, " Cherry replied sweetly.

"That's for sure!" Derek agreed firmly. He paused as he remembered what Jackson had said. "Jackson told me you have something to talk with me about. What is it, Cherry?"

Once Derek asked, Cherry felt ready to enter into the subject. She glanced at her watch: there were still three hours until Amy was finished with school. That should be enough.

"Derek, I'm afraid that what I'm going to ask is going to surprise you. So, please, prepare yourself." Cherry felt awkward as she finally began to delve into the questions that had been burning in her mind since the test results came back.

"What on earth do you need to ask?" Derek smiled, but furrowed his brow as he asked.

"I asked Jackson to set up our meeting because I don't want him to doubt my intentions. I told him I wanted to speak with you about your relationship with Amy, but what I really need to speak with you about is Mond, " Cherry said truthfully, staring straight at her husband's best friend.

It wasn't hard for Derek to roughly guess what Cherry wanted to ask with the mention of Mond. It was enough though to surprise him and he twiddled his thumbs anxiously.

Cherry watched his facial expression. She knew he must know what she was planning to ask, or at least have guessed at it. He was a smart man.

As Derek neglected to respond, Cherry removed the test results from her handbag and handed them to Derek.

"Read it!" Cherry directed.

"What's this?" Derek's voice broke with doubt as he looked at Cherry.

"You will understand if you read it, " she replied.

He stared at Cherry a touch longer before looking through the papers she had given him. What he saw stunned him.

"Cherry, this..." Derek trailed off. He had never expected Cherry would have even thought to use Jackson's and Mond's hairs to get a paternity test, let alone actually have done it. This shouldn't have happened.