Graham:
Penny led the reluctant Kaylee away, even though she clearly wanted to stay and hear everything. She wanted to know what was really happening between me and Madeline.
Once she left, my father leaned forward. “Madeline was never right for you, and even if the child was mine, you wouldn’t have treated her well,” I snapped at him as I reminded him how hostile he used to get just at her mention.
“So why would you respect her now?” I asked him.
“Things have changed,” he said. “Madeline isn’t that shy, nerdy girl anymore. She carries herself with confidence. Everyone talks about her wherever she goes. I don’t want my son tied to someone who can't give him an heir. But to have three grandchildren already? That would make my life complete.”
As my father spoke, I stood frozen.
“All I’
