The room went silent.
Everyone looked at Ben.
He stood.
“This is family business.”
“My mother pushed me into the decisions I made when I was 20,” he said. “But Liza’s right about the part that matters.”
Diane whispered, “Ben.”
He shook his head.
“I made the choices.”
It didn’t repair our marriage, but for once, Ben had told the truth without being forced.
He shook his head.
***
Three days later, Claire replied.
Ben showed me the message when he came to see Evie.
“I got your message. I don’t know what I want yet. Please give me time.”
“Even if she never wants to meet you?”
He nodded.
“Yes.”
Claire replied.
***
A month after Evelyn was born, Ben asked if he could come home.
We were sitting in my parents’ living room. Evie slept against my chest.
“I know I haven’t earned it,” he said. “But I want to come home. I want to be her father. I want us.”
