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“You’re so young,” he continues. “Twenty-two years old, Madeline. Your ship will come in. Don’t be so eager. Let the good things come to you when you’re ready to receive them.”
Mom joins us, cups my cheek. “Your father is so much wiser than I am, and he’s right. I’m glad you’re going back to school, and I’m glad you get to finish your final semester on campus. I know you’re bummed that you didn’t get to continue the European tour, but things happen for a reason. I believe your father’s right.”
I look at my feet. “Maybe.”
Mom tips my chin back up, and then looks at my dad, beaming at him. “I don’t know how you do it, Frank. I don’t how you’re able to keep such a good outlook after everything we’ve been through. But I’m glad you are, because I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Dad gets to his feet and hugs my mom. “You’ll never know, Reenie.”
I step away from my parents then. This is a moment for them, and I want them to have it.
Because I already got what I need out of this moment.
A different outlook.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s all it takes.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Dave
Everyone is sullen and quiet as we’re seated around the big conference table at Uncle Joe’s house.
Uncle Joe clears his throat. “Thank you all for coming again. First thing I want to say is that I’ll start my treatment next week. It will be a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.” He forces out a chuckle. “Always wanted to know what I’d look like bald, and now I have the chance.”
Aunt Melanie breathes in deeply.
“My doctors say that otherwise I’m in excellent health. If anyone can beat this, I can. Although we know the prognosis is terrible, I’m choosing to look on the bright side. My physicians have also informed me of some experimental treatments, and as you know, money is no object for us, so I may be a good candidate for them.”
“We’ve all got your back, Joe,” Uncle Talon says.
Murmurs of ascent drift through the room.
“I don’t want any of you worried about me. We’ve got some great things going on in our family.” He scans the table, stopping for a moment on each of his children, nieces, and nephews. “We’ve got four weddings to look forward to. Brianna, Brock, Donny, Ava, you’ve all found wonderful partners to live the rest of your life with. I plan to be around for all of those weddings and for a grandchild or two, so stop the weeping. I want to be surrounded by love and happiness. That will help me more than anything.”
Aunt Melanie grabs his hand, smiling. “I love you so much, Jonah.”
Uncle Joe squeezes her hand and kisses it. “And I love you too, baby. We’re going to get through this.”
Aunt Melanie nods.
“I’m going to turn it over to Ruby, who I believe has the DNA results for Pat.”
“Honestly, I haven’t even looked at them yet.” Ruby holds up a manila envelope. “Tucker delivered them to me late last night. ”
“Please don’t keep us in suspense,” Lauren says. “I’d like to know who fathered my son.”
Pat sits next to her. His face is pale, his lips trembling. He raises his hand. “Can I just say something?”
“Sure,” Uncle Joe says.
Pat swallows. “I know I haven’t been the best person in life. I’m truly sorry for what I put you through, Diana, and you too, Callie, as well as Rory.”
I look at Brock. His jaw is clenched.
“I wouldn’t blame you if none of you wanted to speak to me again,” he says, “but I appreciate that you’ve opened your family to me. I will do what I can to make up for my past transgressions.”
“We know you will, son,” Uncle Joe says.
