“Mom said she made a bad choice.”
I glanced at Brenda.
Brenda looked mortified.
“What else did Mom say?”
Paisley thought hard.
“That grown-ups have to say sorry too.”
I smiled.
“That sounds right.”
Dinner was quieter than our usual Cape May meals.
But it was also more honest.
Nobody pretended yesterday had not happened.
Nobody made a speech.
Douglas apologized privately while we cleared plates.
“I should have said something,” he told me.
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.”
That was enough for the moment.
Later, after the children were asleep upstairs, the five adults sat on the porch.
For the first time in years, I did not serve anyone.
Jennifer brought the drinks.
Gregory carried out blankets.
Brenda found glasses.
Douglas washed the last pan without being asked.
Tiny things.
But I noticed.
I told them about Ellen’s valuation.
Everyone looked startled.
Then I told them about Robert’s three options.
