110 Chapter 2: Winter, Rose Ross

Rose was holding Winter firmly in her arms to keep him warm from the cold. While her eyes were outside the window looking at the line of fancy houses pass by.

"You don't need to look so worried." said Coney who was in the passenger's seat of the car "I know what you're thinking. And no, we're not going to Ashlyn.". The mere mention of her mother's name made Rose shiver a little. She focused her tension toward the window. Till the car came to a stop and giant ebony gates were in view. David got out of the car and moved to an intercom. Moments later the gates opened as David came back and drove in. The path was filled with trees parallel to the road showering a beautiful winter-like scene. It was a rare sight to see since snow rarely comes to Riverview except for today. Stopping again at a Neoclassical Style white mansion made Rose feel intense at sight. David opened the door on Roses side at the back seat.

"Just follow our lead, don't say anything unnecessary" he handed her his hand. Rose looked at her father sadly and then took his hand. "If you say so," Rose said softly as she placed, she feet on the concrete covered with frost.

The door opened as they reached the concrete stairs that led to the front door. Rose became more nervous and cautious as if reminded of something. A woman in a maid's uniform came out telling them to "Come in." As they were led inside David and Coney became fascinated by fantastic home's decor. Rose, however, doesn't seem to be attracted just quietly following along.

An older gentleman appeared followed by women who were waiting by the base of the large stairs. And a girl younger than Rose was at the top of those stairs. The Older Gentlemen was Griffin Connells who is the CEO of Connell Corp., a multi-millionaire company. Next to him is His Daughter-In-Law Anna Connells and the young girl is Anise Connells Griffin's Granddaughter. Standing there the three of them look like the celebrity's families you see in magazines.

"My David Ross, my wife Coney, my daughter Rose" David stopped to see if he got the attention of everyone in the room. "And My Grandson Winter"

"Alright Mr. Ross would you explain this important issue you need to discuss with my family," said Griffin.

"Certainly Mr. Connells" David stated and then looked at Rose "My Grandson so happens to Anthony's Son."

The room went entirely cold in a second. Rose sighed as if she hoped this wouldn't happen.

"Impossible, Anthony would never…." Anna spoke but paused before continuing "say any more of this nonsense, and I will sue you for slander!" she yells. Roes covers Winters' ears, so the noise doesn't wake him.

"I want a DNA test," said Griffin calmly

"Don't take these people seriously? "said Anna.

"Very well," said David ignoring.g her.

"Come by Generals hospital tomorrow morning" Griffin also ignoring her.

"Wait" she pleaded

"Anna" Griffin was finally speaking to her. Anna stopped talking and signed. David smiles "We will take our leave then." he said satisfied and then making his way toward the door followed by Coney and Rose who took a glance back before they were completely gone. "Anise call Anthony," Griffin asked. Anise ran upstairs to grab her phone and hurriedly called Anthony.

"Father why would you take them such a claim so...so." said Anna upset. Griffin stood silently keeping his thoughts to himself.

Anise's quickly dials her cell phone, she waits patiently as it rings "Who is this?" said the voice on the phone

"What do you mean who, it's me."

"it's you? I've never seen this number before."

"I've had this number for a long time, Anthony, how could you not even remember your own sister's number."

"Oh, it's Pig"

"Stop calling me that"

"Just tell me what you want."

"Something Crazy just happened, some girl and her parents came here claiming she had your kid. It's nuts" said and a moment passes before Anthony talks again

"You're dead when I get home."

"I'm not lying! It's true."

"That's Anthony? Right? "said Griffin entering the room and Anise handed him the phone.

"Anthony, come home. We need to talk."

Returning home Rose quickly but silently goes up stairs to put Winter to bed. David sits happily on the couch like he had won the Olympics. Coney comes in from the kitchen and hands David a soft drink.

"We pulled that off quite nicely," said David

"The mother seems tough" said Coney giving David a soft drink as he relaxes deeper on the couch.

"Griffin is the one who makes the decisions in the family. What he decides they have to follow" he takes a sip of his drink "His son is in a coma and he rarely even sees his grandson. He won't pass up this chance to meet his great-grandson" Coney looks up to the room above

"Is it okay to use Rose like that." she then looks down starting to regret a little "I mean after all she isn't really o..."

"We have taken Rose in for 4 years" This time it's David turn to look up at the ceiling. "She knowns us. I'm sure she won't be that mad."

Rose lays Winter down cuddled in a soft snuggly blanket beside her on the bed. Lightly touching his head and watching him sleep comfortably and silently. Rose eventually looks at her journal and she smiled excitingly.