Page 74 of The Addendum

“Do you want a relationship with her?” he asked.

“She’s my child, Gavin. I can’t ignore that, nor do I want to. I would hope that we could at least be civil and stay in touch. But part of me hopes that, yes, perhaps she can find a place in our world. That she’ll realize she has some family now.”

Penny hummed and Gavin nodded. Katy drew comforting circles on the back of my hand, her touch warm and caring.

Everyone’s gaze focused on Matthew. He was always the quiet one in the group, no matter what, but today his silence weighed heavily on me. His angry remark earlier set me on edge, and I wondered if I was about to have another child furious with me.

“Matthew,” I prompted. “Say what you’re thinking.”

“I’m thinking I have been incredibly lucky to have you and Mom as my parents. From what you’ve told us, Ashley didn’t have that. So, if she’s a decent person and gets to share in that love we were so richly blessed with, I think I’m okay. I’m open to meeting her one day.” He cleared his throat. “As a doctor, I see how important family is. I see too many people who have no one. Family is essential. And ours is pretty great.”

His words stunned me, and I heard Katy’s muffled sob. I had to blink away the moisture in my eyes and refocus on the screen. “Thanks, my boy.”

He nodded. “And, Dad? Gracie will ease off. I’ll talk to her later.”

“Me too,” Penny added.

“Don’t push her. She’s not herself,” I responded. “If you all gang up on her, she’ll only dig in her heels.”

“Sound familiar, Dad?” Gavin teased. “Like father, like daughter?”

I had to laugh. All my kids got my stubborn streak. Luckily, only Gracie seemed to have my temper. The rest of them took after Katy. Thank God. I couldn’t deal with a bunch of kids with attitudes like mine.

“I’ll let you know what happens next.”

Matthew suddenly looked down. “I’m being paged. I gotta go. I’ll call later.” Then he was gone.

Gavin chuckled. “The life of a doctor. I’ll call you later, Dad, okay? I do have some questions, but nothing major. We’ll talk.”

“Sure. Give our love to Amanda.”

“I will. Love you both,” he said, looking between us. “Always.”

Then there were only Katy, me, and Penny.

“How are you feeling?” Katy asked Penny. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come over now?”

“No, I’m fine. Philip is driving me crazy. He never lets me put my feet down. I’m allowed some time up, but he fusses around the clock. I’m okay—honest. I sleep, eat, and read. Philip’s mother and sisters are here all the time, so I’m never bored.”

“You’ll let me know if you change your mind?”

“Yes. I’m going to need help after the birth. I want you with me then, okay?”

“Absolutely.”

“Great.” Penny looked at me. “Are you okay, Daddy? You look wiped.”

“It’s been hard, but I’m fine.”

“Gracie will stop being angry. Don’t worry.”

I smiled. “I hope so.”

“She will. She adores you beyond reason. She’ll get her head out of her ass and come see you. She knows she’s your favorite,” she teased. “She won’t want to lose that spot.”

All my kids teased us over our close relationship, but it was done without malice or anger. I loved all my children, but Gracie and I had a bond that was unexplainable.

“I hope so.”