Our doorbell camera had recorded the entire conversation.
Friday evening, Dana arrived to collect the twins.
I packed their bags, then quietly carried my own suitcase outside.
She noticed it immediately.
“You’re leaving tonight?”
I nodded.
“You don’t have to stay for dinner,” she said gently. “Come with us now.”
Through the window, I could see Ryan carefully arranging glasses on the dining table.
“I need to finish something first.”
Dana studied my face, then hugged me.
“Call when you’re ready.”
I kissed Ava and Mia goodbye and watched her drive away.
Then I returned inside.
At seven o’clock, Mr. Holloway arrived carrying a bottle of wine.
Gerald joined us for dinner.
Ryan was charming, attentive, and full of cheerful stories about family life.
Halfway through the roast, Gerald raised his glass.
“To my son, who understands that family always comes first. This new position means he can finally be present for his wife and daughters.”
