Page 120 of Structural Support

But it’s not just the way they are with Dalton, Emerald, and Jade. It’s the way they are with Violet too. Flowers fill our home on her birthday every year, and we talk about her all the time, speculating on what her interests would have been and how close she and Viera would be. In their eyes, Violet is just as much their child as she is mine.

I continue to see Dr. Zenner once a month. I’ve come a long way with my healing journey, but when a bout of postpartum depression hit after Dalton was born, she helped me through that—and so did medication. There are still days where I fall back and feel like I’ve made no progress, but she’s there to help me.

And so are my husbands.

My pillars of strength.

My support system.

Sometimes all it takes for me to feel better is them wrapping their arms around me or breathing intentionally. Sometimes it’s a deep dive into our wounds. Sometimes it’s submitting in the bedroom and letting the control I’ve been harnessing finally dissolve. Either way, they’ve been true to their word—they do not falter.

“Aunt Cora, do you wanna see the grasshopper?” Leo asks, coming toward me with his arms outstretched.

“Very nice, Leo. Why don’t you boys go release it and find Uncle Vinny and Viera to tell them it’s time for lunch?Geudeul-eun gang geuncheoe issseubnida.” The boys dart from the porch to the river where I can see Vinny and Vi fishing with Kayla watching the river intently, her fluffy tail wagging.

We decided after our trip that the three of us would learn Korean together. I know it’s helped Jay feel more connected to his heritage, and it’s creating this strong bond between our family unit. Although, I’m pretty sure Dalton knows more than we do at this point. We try to speak English the first half of the day and Korean the second half. It’s challenging for all of us, but we’ve made a lot of improvement.

I finish setting the outdoor table with silverware and sippy cups and make my way back inside to find Rebecca putting the finishing touches on lunch. “Appa Appa!” Emerald cheers, waddling up to Jay with an Architectural Digest magazine held high for him to take.

“Oh, no baby girl. Where did you find that?” he asks, pulling her into his lap. “That’s mama’s special book,” he explains.

“It’s okay, hun. We have more copies back home,” I smile.

A couple months ago Jazmyn St. Cyr wrote another article about me and Define. The last one was about the lawsuit, which thankfully painted Define and myself in a good light, and my work with the Philadelphia Arts Center. This one my daughter is flipping through is about my work with Fredrik Lundgren and the three co-work spaces we developed together—one in Philly, DC, and New York. I’m incredibly proud of my company’s work. The eco-friendly designs are cutting edge and I think they redefine what we know as the modern workspace. Jazmyn wrote, “They’re a harmonious blend of timelessness and innovation.”

I blushed the first time I read that.

To have my work recognized on a platform such as Architectural Digest is, undoubtedly, a career high. I would have never been given this chance if it weren’t for the support I received from David, Sierra, and other partnering companies during and after the lawsuit. It’s been overwhelming in the best way. My father’s company wouldn’t be here today if it were not for my support system both professionally and personally, I’m sure of it.

And even though Define has been busier than ever—so inundated with new projects that we had to hire several new employees—I’ve still managed to step back from the nitty-gritty. Dayo and my sexy HR Director make sure to speak up if I’m ever creeping into my old ways, though.

“Mama,” Emerald coos happily, slapping her hand against my face on the page. Jade pushes off Marco’s lap, ignoring the thick cardboard book he was reading to her, and she bounds for her sister, slapping the magazine along with her and giggling.

The boys come rushing back in the house and Dalton runs right up to his dads and sisters on the couch with something in his hand.

“I got these for Jade and Emmy,” he beams, holding out a handful of small wildflowers and dandelions. Dumping them on the cushions, he then starts placing them in Jade’s hair.

The three of us exchange an affectionate look. “That’s so kind of you, buddy,” Jay chuckles. I kneel down to help him place the flowers in the girls’ hair, then tuck one behind his ear, too.

“Do we get one?” Marco smiles.

“Okay!” Our son cheers, placing the remaining few flowers in his fathers’ hair and mine.

“We got a fish!” Viera shouts as she throws open the door, letting Kayla inside the house, who is wet and muddy and excited as she zips from room to room.

Rebecca yells from the kitchen, chasing her dog. “No, no, no! Kayla Girl, you arefilthy!Go back outside!” Dalton and Leo chase after her, squealing and shouting, but Kayla is too hyped up. Zooming past their arms, she then rips past the girls sitting with Marco and Jay, making them giggle. When Vinny and I join in the corralling efforts, I can’t help but thinkthisis exactly the life I wanted.

The family.

The love.

The beautiful chaos.

THE END