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Description
Part one of Nathan's storyline
Next - Part 2 - Breaking the news

So i got a little carried away what was meant to be a few hundred words became a bit of a behemoth. Apparently its always raining here

Nathan McKnight

“Ballycastle Please” he said to the cabbie as he settled back into his seat, It was his first time in Northern Ireland heck, Ireland at all so far he was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality. The air control towers of the airport soon were a thing of the past as they drove into the countryside there landscape was littered with small farm houses nestled here and there between field after field of lush green grazing land dotted with cows and sheep. “How far is it to Ballycastle?” Nathan piped up concerned by the figure the meter was showing as he rustled through his wallet counting the notes hoping he would have enough. “Oh there’s a good 25 miles left though it won't take too long now we're on the dual carriage way” he replied. “So is it your first time over here?” the cabbie asked sensing Nathan's nerves “Haha yeah” he chuckled nervously “I’m hoping to meet up with some family” he continued, fiddling with the tarnished necklace that he wore around his neck. “Did that belong to someone special?” the cabbie met eyes with him in the rearview mirror “It was my mum's” he paused for a second “she left it for me before she died she said in her note my father gave it to her” he replied “I’m sorry to hear that was she ill ? .. sorry i probably shouldn’t ask feel free to ignore that” the driver replied looking flustered. “No don’t worry about it it was a few years ago now I was 18 at the time, we were on holiday to Tanzania when she got bitten by a bat on the night before we returned home. A couple of weeks past and she thought she was coming down with the flu, turns out she had contracted rabies and by the time we realised it was something serious it was past the stage for treatment.” he replied looking at the tracks the rain made on the window. “Shit, Im sorry thats one you don’t hear of often”

Nathan found himself driving alongside the coast, he must have dozed off for a while. The dark sky blended into the inky waters the waves rolled in breaking against the cliffs in the distance “What do you call that headland?” he asked curiously he didn't know why but he suddenly felt drawn to it he pictured himself standing at the top of the cliffs overlooking the sea as the waves boomed below and the wind whistled through his hair “oh that’s Fair Head I grew up nearby I used to go there and play with the Earls son during the summer up near there when i was a kid. Infact I am pretty sure the boy who i used to know has taken over the running of the place, It’s been a long time since i was last here so don’t quote me on that” the cabbie answered with a smile on his face as he reminisced about times past. Up ahead a town was coming into view the place looked grey and uninviting “It’s much more inviting on a sunny day, I promise” the driver joked seeing the unimpressed look that Nathan had on his face. “So where to?” he asked “Uh not really sure do you know of any B&B’s or Youth Hostels? Sorry i'm just really unprepared for this trip i'm not sure what to expect to be honest” he said “Don’t worry about it sure i'll drop you off at the Inn they have some accommodation above the bar they do great food too” the cabbie replied “Great that sounds perfect” Soon enough they arrived Nathan handed over the cash and grabbed his bag from the boot “Good luck mate hope everything works out for you” the cabbie said with a wave as he got back into his car.

Nathan stepped through the doors of the Inn the first thing that hit him was the almost comforting smell of the peat smoke it took a few minuted before his eyes got adjusted to the darkness, The walls were lined with dark wood paneling there were booths along the walls on the far side of the room facing him was a large fireplace casting out an orange glow onto the room. “Excuse me, sir? Can i help you?” a woman asked as he turned he was greeted by a short woman with a rosy complexion she must have been in her late 50’s “Uh yes I was wondering if you had any rooms available for the next 3 nights?” he asked “Of course! A single room I take it ?” she said eyeing him over “yes that’s correct” “Right this way then” she said leading him through the bar towards a flight of stairs in the corner.
She chatted away to him as they walked through the corridors before stopping at a wooden door at the end of the hallway “Here you are let me know if you need anything you’ll find me down at the bar but if i’m not there my husband or children should be able to help you, now before i let you get settled in I should warn you the shower can be a little erratic so let it run for a few minutes before getting in.” she said before turning Nathan watched as the woman headed back down the hall.

He stepped into his room chucking his holdall onto the floor, kicking his shoes off and jumping back onto the bed. The room was small the bed was tucked in underneath the eaves of the roof, the decor was dated but gave the room a homely feel. The usual essentials had been provided, a writing desk sat at the window overlooking the sea with a kettle and a selection of tea and coffee sachets along with a tunnocks tea cake Nathan wandered over to the table picking up the kettle to fill it in the skink “Shit why do they make these things so small” he mumbled attempting to fill the kettle in a sink that was too small. He flicked the switch mulling over the selection finally opting for a cappuccino sachet as the kettle bubbled to a boil. Nathan pulled out the chair sat down and carefully unfolded the red and silver wrapper of the teacake as he looked out to sea, there it was again that same headland that was calling out to him earlier that day.

Nathan took some time to get settled into his room, unpacking his clothing into the wardrobe and taking the opportunity to have a shower he stepped out of the bathroom towel wrapped around his waist he headed over to the long mirror in the corner of the room he stood there for some time staring at his reflection contemplating his appearance running his hands across his face examining it. He couldn't help but feel nervous how would they react to him will they be put off by his unusual appearance?. It had been many years since Nathan had last felt self conscious, he was normally very sure of himself, hell he even worked part time as a stripper. But his nerves had now gotten the better of him. “Come on you can do this” he said to himself pepping himself up. Soon he was ready to leave he grabbed his backpack making sure to pack the small wooden box that his mother had left him.

He headed down the stairs to the pub where he perched on one of the stools at the bar.
“You look lost” The girl working behind the bar piped up she walked over towards him “Are you getting anything?” she asked “Uhh … Could i get a Captain Morgan's and coke?” he replied a little caught off guard “Hmm very fitting” She said noticing the sailing ship tattooed on his arm “Haha yeah it is i guess, hey maybe i’m a pirate at heart” he joked “Oh you wouldn't happen to know the best way to get to Blacktyde Stables by any chance?” he asked as she returned with his drink “Of course, you just go straight along the main road I wouldn't suggest walking it though not in this weather it's a good few miles away. What are you heading there for are you one of their trainers or something?” She asked curiously as she eyed his tattoos once more “Oh, no, no i don't ride I’m just going to meet up with some family or at least that's the plan” he said sipping on his drink “Ah right i hope it doesn’t all fall through” she said before returning to another customer. He finished up his drink and headed to the message board where he got the number for a local taxi company and waited to be picked up.

The taxi pulled up outside the a large gate house “Well it looks like i can’t go any further” the driver exclaimed, noticing the gates were closed “Thanks anyway” Nathan replied handing him his fee he stepped out of the car putting up the umbrella as he approached the gates. He noticed a small intercom speaker panel under the arch and approached it pressing the button on it ready to talk into the speaker “.. Hello?..” he said questioningly “Hello there who is it? A woman's voice on the other end crackled through the intercom “Uh hi.. Im Nathan McKnight .. I'm here to see the Earl” he said all went quiet for a few moments nathan bit his lip nervously. “...Crrkkk shhhh ... Sorry sir you don't seem to have an appointment” the line went quiet again “Please, I just need to speak with him” he replied as he began to lose his nerve “I’m sorry sir we’re closed to the public today please ring up to make an appointment …..” nathan looked up noticing the CCTV camera pointing at him the intercom crackled again and in the background he heard a man's voice “Let him in… Oh sorry sir i thought .. he didn't have an appointment.. Dont worry just let him in he looks like he's come a long way to get here” the line went quiet again for a moment the intercom crackled again “wait inside the arch i'll come pick you up you’ll catch a cold in that weather” with that the a buzzer sounded as the gates unlocked and swung open.

Nathan stepped through the gates sheltering under the arch as the rain poured down. Ahead of him an avenue of tall dark beech trees tunneling the road stretched out into the distance as far as the eye could see. Behind the trees lay a large grassy clearing bordered by deciduous woodland as he looked out he could have sworn he spotted some deer disappearing into the woodland. Nathan loved the rain he stood quietly his arm outstretched into the rain watching the droplets roll over his skin magnifying the tattoos as they passed over them. Up ahead a set of headlines started to show through the blur then a land rover honed into view pulling up in front of him the driver jumped out with his hand outstretched a smile on his face “Hello there Mr McKnight I’m Lord Hargrave” he stated “Oh.. hello .. Nice to meet you” Nathan replied taken aback by the man he wasn't how he pictured him he was tall, about the same height as nathan with black hair and brilliant green eyes, the man wore a heavy tweed suit, shirt and tie complete with waistcoat his trousers were tucked into his long brown leather boots he looked youthful and full of life and instantly gave off air of confidence. Lord Hargrave turned “I hope you are okay with dogs this one refused to stay back at the yard” he said gesturing to a truly monstrous dog who was poking their head out of the back window “nope I have no problems with dogs he said walking up to the beast and scruffing up his fur before hopping into the front seat.

The car pulled up into a car park “|Come this way we can talk in my office” Lord Hargrave said leading Nathan toward into the stables ahead. Nathan looked around in awe he had never been near horses , his eyes darted to and fro taking everything in. It was feeding time the horses were kicking at the stall doors and pacing inpatiently as they awaited their turn. Nathan followed Lord hargrave up a flight of stairs “Please, sit down” he said gesturing towards a green leather armchair beside the fireplace “Want tea? Coffee?” he asked “I wouldn’t say no to a cup of coffee if you're having some” Nathan replied. He sat twiddling his thumbs nervously the large black dog lay conked out at his feet.

Lord Hargrave returned, handed Nathan his coffee and sat in the chair opposite him “So what did you want to speak to me about?” he asked curiously before taking a long sip of his coffee. “Well I'm not sure how to say this” Nathan ruffled his hair awkwardly “Well now you have me curious” Lord Hargrave said raising his eyebrow slightly “Okay i am just going to come straight out with it …” he continued stalling for more time. The other man continued to take another sip of his drink “Right .. okay.. So ..my mother told me you are my father” Lord hargrave choked on his drink slightly and silence descended for a few moments. Nathan rumbled around in his backpack “ This should explain things he said handing over the wooden box. Lord Hargrave set down his drink opening the box. It was about the same size as a shoebox as he lifted the lid he saw a sealed letter addressed Rupert on the envelope the edges were creased and jagged as if it had been carried around a lot. He turned it over reaching for the letter opener on the desk beside him enclosed was a handwritten letter along with another smaller envelope he unfolded the letter it was dated 14th April 1993

Dear Rupert,

I am not sure if I will ever have the courage to give you this letter but knowing that i have written it lifts a weight off my shoulders. Look I am going to keep this short and sweet and to the point.

I recently discovered that i am pregnant and since I haven't slept with anyone else since the summer I am certain that it is your child. I know this news is probably devastating and it will jeopardise your future and at your age you won't want to deal with this, So I am writing to let you know that you don’t need to worry about a thing I realise our whole fling on valentines was a mistake we were both too drunk and irresponsible so I am not going to hold you accountable. So please don’t let this child be the reason to sacrifice your future, I will look after him/her, i will provide for them. And when they are old enough to understand I will leave it to them to decide whether to reach out to you. I'm sorry I know this may seem cruel but this is for the best for both of us and I hope you realise this with time.

So if you are reading this letter I've either plucked up the courage to post this to you or my child has decided to search for their father.

All the best in your future ,

Jenny McKnight

PS - I have attached a photo of the first scan.

Rupert looked up at Nathan then back down to the ultrasound photo “Have you read this?” He asked Nathan quietly “No but i have a fair idea what it says my mother never held much back from me.” he replied “She was always honest with me about you okay so i never knew your position until two days ago and honestly i don't think that mattered to her I believe she truly felt she was doing the right thing for you by raising me herself, she was a good 7 years older than you she already had a three year old, a house and a paying job when she fell pregnant so I guess she believed that she was settled enough to raise me herself” he continued he paused watching rupert rustle through the box it was filled with photos ,certificates,info, mementos of Nathan's childhood.

Nathan reached round to undo the clasp on a necklace he was wearing holding it in his palm he offered it to Rupert he stared at it briefly before he realiesed its significance “That's the tacky necklace I won her in the claw machines that night” he chuckled in disbelief “Mmhmm, she's worn it all these years” he said sitting forward rupert lifted a tiny shoe out of the box turning it over in his palms examining it in detail. Suddenly he stopped “But why now” he said sensing something was off. “She died 5 years ago now, I found this box labeled with my name in her wardrobe when we were sorting out her belongings It’s only then i decided to consider contacting you, a few years later and well here i am. “It took a lot of courage to get here” Rupert said reassuringly “Yeah you can say that again I had no idea how you would have reacted” Nathan replied jokingly as the tension in the room lifted.

“Look I am honestly delighted that you felt you could meet me and I do believe your story but you realise this is going to create a bit of an upheaval, however i'm sure it's nothing we can’t overcome but just so you know My wife will insist on a DNA test which we’ll pay for of course before she fully believes you.” He said looking a little sheepish as he thought about the conversation he would have to have with Poppy later that day. “You need to assure me that you are not just here for my family's titles and a share of the fortune. Yes you will be entitled once the DNA checks in but I hope it's not your only motive” he pointed out with a stern look “Oh, no of course not to be honest I haven't fully researched this place or your family I just got the information i needed to actually get me here but other than that i'm pretty clueless” he replied back unsettled by the accusation “I'm sorry but you have to ask these days there's far too many greedy people out there, Have you got accommodation sorted out, are you planning on staying a while?” he said slapping Nathan on the shoulder as they headed back down the stairs “Oh i’m staying at the Inn in town for a few nights as for my plans they are pretty non existant I hadn't really thought about what to do after i had introduced myself” He scratched behind his ear looking embarrassed “Well you're welcome to stay here till you work out a plan. I’ll need to talk to my wife first before i introduce you to the rest of the family but in the meantime there's space down in the guest housing, maybe we could get a pint down the pub later and get to know each other a little better?” Rupert suggested “Yeah I’d like that”Nathan replied with a smile on his face.

“So know anything about horses then?” Rupert asked with a glint in his eye “Nope to be honest with you I’d be surprised if i could tell their head from their tail” he joked as the followed Rupert into the barn “Well you’ve certainly come to the right place if you want to see some that's for sure” he laughed as they walked towards the stalls.

Description
Part one of Nathan's storyline
Next - Part 2 - Breaking the news

So i got a little carried away what was meant to be a few hundred words became a bit of a behemoth. Apparently its always raining here

Nathan McKnight

“Ballycastle Please” he said to the cabbie as he settled back into his seat, It was his first time in Northern Ireland heck, Ireland at all so far he was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality. The air control towers of the airport soon were a thing of the past as they drove into the countryside there landscape was littered with small farm houses nestled here and there between field after field of lush green grazing land dotted with cows and sheep. “How far is it to Ballycastle?” Nathan piped up concerned by the figure the meter was showing as he rustled through his wallet counting the notes hoping he would have enough. “Oh there’s a good 25 miles left though it won't take too long now we're on the dual carriage way” he replied. “So is it your first time over here?” the cabbie asked sensing Nathan's nerves “Haha yeah” he chuckled nervously “I’m hoping to meet up with some family” he continued, fiddling with the tarnished necklace that he wore around his neck. “Did that belong to someone special?” the cabbie met eyes with him in the rearview mirror “It was my mum's” he paused for a second “she left it for me before she died she said in her note my father gave it to her” he replied “I’m sorry to hear that was she ill ? .. sorry i probably shouldn’t ask feel free to ignore that” the driver replied looking flustered. “No don’t worry about it it was a few years ago now I was 18 at the time, we were on holiday to Tanzania when she got bitten by a bat on the night before we returned home. A couple of weeks past and she thought she was coming down with the flu, turns out she had contracted rabies and by the time we realised it was something serious it was past the stage for treatment.” he replied looking at the tracks the rain made on the window. “Shit, Im sorry thats one you don’t hear of often”

Nathan found himself driving alongside the coast, he must have dozed off for a while. The dark sky blended into the inky waters the waves rolled in breaking against the cliffs in the distance “What do you call that headland?” he asked curiously he didn't know why but he suddenly felt drawn to it he pictured himself standing at the top of the cliffs overlooking the sea as the waves boomed below and the wind whistled through his hair “oh that’s Fair Head I grew up nearby I used to go there and play with the Earls son during the summer up near there when i was a kid. Infact I am pretty sure the boy who i used to know has taken over the running of the place, It’s been a long time since i was last here so don’t quote me on that” the cabbie answered with a smile on his face as he reminisced about times past. Up ahead a town was coming into view the place looked grey and uninviting “It’s much more inviting on a sunny day, I promise” the driver joked seeing the unimpressed look that Nathan had on his face. “So where to?” he asked “Uh not really sure do you know of any B&B’s or Youth Hostels? Sorry i'm just really unprepared for this trip i'm not sure what to expect to be honest” he said “Don’t worry about it sure i'll drop you off at the Inn they have some accommodation above the bar they do great food too” the cabbie replied “Great that sounds perfect” Soon enough they arrived Nathan handed over the cash and grabbed his bag from the boot “Good luck mate hope everything works out for you” the cabbie said with a wave as he got back into his car.

Nathan stepped through the doors of the Inn the first thing that hit him was the almost comforting smell of the peat smoke it took a few minuted before his eyes got adjusted to the darkness, The walls were lined with dark wood paneling there were booths along the walls on the far side of the room facing him was a large fireplace casting out an orange glow onto the room. “Excuse me, sir? Can i help you?” a woman asked as he turned he was greeted by a short woman with a rosy complexion she must have been in her late 50’s “Uh yes I was wondering if you had any rooms available for the next 3 nights?” he asked “Of course! A single room I take it ?” she said eyeing him over “yes that’s correct” “Right this way then” she said leading him through the bar towards a flight of stairs in the corner.
She chatted away to him as they walked through the corridors before stopping at a wooden door at the end of the hallway “Here you are let me know if you need anything you’ll find me down at the bar but if i’m not there my husband or children should be able to help you, now before i let you get settled in I should warn you the shower can be a little erratic so let it run for a few minutes before getting in.” she said before turning Nathan watched as the woman headed back down the hall.

He stepped into his room chucking his holdall onto the floor, kicking his shoes off and jumping back onto the bed. The room was small the bed was tucked in underneath the eaves of the roof, the decor was dated but gave the room a homely feel. The usual essentials had been provided, a writing desk sat at the window overlooking the sea with a kettle and a selection of tea and coffee sachets along with a tunnocks tea cake Nathan wandered over to the table picking up the kettle to fill it in the skink “Shit why do they make these things so small” he mumbled attempting to fill the kettle in a sink that was too small. He flicked the switch mulling over the selection finally opting for a cappuccino sachet as the kettle bubbled to a boil. Nathan pulled out the chair sat down and carefully unfolded the red and silver wrapper of the teacake as he looked out to sea, there it was again that same headland that was calling out to him earlier that day.

Nathan took some time to get settled into his room, unpacking his clothing into the wardrobe and taking the opportunity to have a shower he stepped out of the bathroom towel wrapped around his waist he headed over to the long mirror in the corner of the room he stood there for some time staring at his reflection contemplating his appearance running his hands across his face examining it. He couldn't help but feel nervous how would they react to him will they be put off by his unusual appearance?. It had been many years since Nathan had last felt self conscious, he was normally very sure of himself, hell he even worked part time as a stripper. But his nerves had now gotten the better of him. “Come on you can do this” he said to himself pepping himself up. Soon he was ready to leave he grabbed his backpack making sure to pack the small wooden box that his mother had left him.

He headed down the stairs to the pub where he perched on one of the stools at the bar.
“You look lost” The girl working behind the bar piped up she walked over towards him “Are you getting anything?” she asked “Uhh … Could i get a Captain Morgan's and coke?” he replied a little caught off guard “Hmm very fitting” She said noticing the sailing ship tattooed on his arm “Haha yeah it is i guess, hey maybe i’m a pirate at heart” he joked “Oh you wouldn't happen to know the best way to get to Blacktyde Stables by any chance?” he asked as she returned with his drink “Of course, you just go straight along the main road I wouldn't suggest walking it though not in this weather it's a good few miles away. What are you heading there for are you one of their trainers or something?” She asked curiously as she eyed his tattoos once more “Oh, no, no i don't ride I’m just going to meet up with some family or at least that's the plan” he said sipping on his drink “Ah right i hope it doesn’t all fall through” she said before returning to another customer. He finished up his drink and headed to the message board where he got the number for a local taxi company and waited to be picked up.

The taxi pulled up outside the a large gate house “Well it looks like i can’t go any further” the driver exclaimed, noticing the gates were closed “Thanks anyway” Nathan replied handing him his fee he stepped out of the car putting up the umbrella as he approached the gates. He noticed a small intercom speaker panel under the arch and approached it pressing the button on it ready to talk into the speaker “.. Hello?..” he said questioningly “Hello there who is it? A woman's voice on the other end crackled through the intercom “Uh hi.. Im Nathan McKnight .. I'm here to see the Earl” he said all went quiet for a few moments nathan bit his lip nervously. “...Crrkkk shhhh ... Sorry sir you don't seem to have an appointment” the line went quiet again “Please, I just need to speak with him” he replied as he began to lose his nerve “I’m sorry sir we’re closed to the public today please ring up to make an appointment …..” nathan looked up noticing the CCTV camera pointing at him the intercom crackled again and in the background he heard a man's voice “Let him in… Oh sorry sir i thought .. he didn't have an appointment.. Dont worry just let him in he looks like he's come a long way to get here” the line went quiet again for a moment the intercom crackled again “wait inside the arch i'll come pick you up you’ll catch a cold in that weather” with that the a buzzer sounded as the gates unlocked and swung open.

Nathan stepped through the gates sheltering under the arch as the rain poured down. Ahead of him an avenue of tall dark beech trees tunneling the road stretched out into the distance as far as the eye could see. Behind the trees lay a large grassy clearing bordered by deciduous woodland as he looked out he could have sworn he spotted some deer disappearing into the woodland. Nathan loved the rain he stood quietly his arm outstretched into the rain watching the droplets roll over his skin magnifying the tattoos as they passed over them. Up ahead a set of headlines started to show through the blur then a land rover honed into view pulling up in front of him the driver jumped out with his hand outstretched a smile on his face “Hello there Mr McKnight I’m Lord Hargrave” he stated “Oh.. hello .. Nice to meet you” Nathan replied taken aback by the man he wasn't how he pictured him he was tall, about the same height as nathan with black hair and brilliant green eyes, the man wore a heavy tweed suit, shirt and tie complete with waistcoat his trousers were tucked into his long brown leather boots he looked youthful and full of life and instantly gave off air of confidence. Lord Hargrave turned “I hope you are okay with dogs this one refused to stay back at the yard” he said gesturing to a truly monstrous dog who was poking their head out of the back window “nope I have no problems with dogs he said walking up to the beast and scruffing up his fur before hopping into the front seat.

The car pulled up into a car park “|Come this way we can talk in my office” Lord Hargrave said leading Nathan toward into the stables ahead. Nathan looked around in awe he had never been near horses , his eyes darted to and fro taking everything in. It was feeding time the horses were kicking at the stall doors and pacing inpatiently as they awaited their turn. Nathan followed Lord hargrave up a flight of stairs “Please, sit down” he said gesturing towards a green leather armchair beside the fireplace “Want tea? Coffee?” he asked “I wouldn’t say no to a cup of coffee if you're having some” Nathan replied. He sat twiddling his thumbs nervously the large black dog lay conked out at his feet.

Lord Hargrave returned, handed Nathan his coffee and sat in the chair opposite him “So what did you want to speak to me about?” he asked curiously before taking a long sip of his coffee. “Well I'm not sure how to say this” Nathan ruffled his hair awkwardly “Well now you have me curious” Lord Hargrave said raising his eyebrow slightly “Okay i am just going to come straight out with it …” he continued stalling for more time. The other man continued to take another sip of his drink “Right .. okay.. So ..my mother told me you are my father” Lord hargrave choked on his drink slightly and silence descended for a few moments. Nathan rumbled around in his backpack “ This should explain things he said handing over the wooden box. Lord Hargrave set down his drink opening the box. It was about the same size as a shoebox as he lifted the lid he saw a sealed letter addressed Rupert on the envelope the edges were creased and jagged as if it had been carried around a lot. He turned it over reaching for the letter opener on the desk beside him enclosed was a handwritten letter along with another smaller envelope he unfolded the letter it was dated 14th April 1993

Dear Rupert,

I am not sure if I will ever have the courage to give you this letter but knowing that i have written it lifts a weight off my shoulders. Look I am going to keep this short and sweet and to the point.

I recently discovered that i am pregnant and since I haven't slept with anyone else since the summer I am certain that it is your child. I know this news is probably devastating and it will jeopardise your future and at your age you won't want to deal with this, So I am writing to let you know that you don’t need to worry about a thing I realise our whole fling on valentines was a mistake we were both too drunk and irresponsible so I am not going to hold you accountable. So please don’t let this child be the reason to sacrifice your future, I will look after him/her, i will provide for them. And when they are old enough to understand I will leave it to them to decide whether to reach out to you. I'm sorry I know this may seem cruel but this is for the best for both of us and I hope you realise this with time.

So if you are reading this letter I've either plucked up the courage to post this to you or my child has decided to search for their father.

All the best in your future ,

Jenny McKnight

PS - I have attached a photo of the first scan.

Rupert looked up at Nathan then back down to the ultrasound photo “Have you read this?” He asked Nathan quietly “No but i have a fair idea what it says my mother never held much back from me.” he replied “She was always honest with me about you okay so i never knew your position until two days ago and honestly i don't think that mattered to her I believe she truly felt she was doing the right thing for you by raising me herself, she was a good 7 years older than you she already had a three year old, a house and a paying job when she fell pregnant so I guess she believed that she was settled enough to raise me herself” he continued he paused watching rupert rustle through the box it was filled with photos ,certificates,info, mementos of Nathan's childhood.

Nathan reached round to undo the clasp on a necklace he was wearing holding it in his palm he offered it to Rupert he stared at it briefly before he realiesed its significance “That's the tacky necklace I won her in the claw machines that night” he chuckled in disbelief “Mmhmm, she's worn it all these years” he said sitting forward rupert lifted a tiny shoe out of the box turning it over in his palms examining it in detail. Suddenly he stopped “But why now” he said sensing something was off. “She died 5 years ago now, I found this box labeled with my name in her wardrobe when we were sorting out her belongings It’s only then i decided to consider contacting you, a few years later and well here i am. “It took a lot of courage to get here” Rupert said reassuringly “Yeah you can say that again I had no idea how you would have reacted” Nathan replied jokingly as the tension in the room lifted.

“Look I am honestly delighted that you felt you could meet me and I do believe your story but you realise this is going to create a bit of an upheaval, however i'm sure it's nothing we can’t overcome but just so you know My wife will insist on a DNA test which we’ll pay for of course before she fully believes you.” He said looking a little sheepish as he thought about the conversation he would have to have with Poppy later that day. “You need to assure me that you are not just here for my family's titles and a share of the fortune. Yes you will be entitled once the DNA checks in but I hope it's not your only motive” he pointed out with a stern look “Oh, no of course not to be honest I haven't fully researched this place or your family I just got the information i needed to actually get me here but other than that i'm pretty clueless” he replied back unsettled by the accusation “I'm sorry but you have to ask these days there's far too many greedy people out there, Have you got accommodation sorted out, are you planning on staying a while?” he said slapping Nathan on the shoulder as they headed back down the stairs “Oh i’m staying at the Inn in town for a few nights as for my plans they are pretty non existant I hadn't really thought about what to do after i had introduced myself” He scratched behind his ear looking embarrassed “Well you're welcome to stay here till you work out a plan. I’ll need to talk to my wife first before i introduce you to the rest of the family but in the meantime there's space down in the guest housing, maybe we could get a pint down the pub later and get to know each other a little better?” Rupert suggested “Yeah I’d like that”Nathan replied with a smile on his face.

“So know anything about horses then?” Rupert asked with a glint in his eye “Nope to be honest with you I’d be surprised if i could tell their head from their tail” he joked as the followed Rupert into the barn “Well you’ve certainly come to the right place if you want to see some that's for sure” he laughed as they walked towards the stalls.