I Bought My Daughter a House – At the Housewarming, She Invited Her Biological Father and Gave a Toast That Brought Me to Tears
Bless her.
I nodded too fast and walked away, past the snack table, past my sister’s glittering eyes, and past the gift on the coffee table wrapped in glossy paper that looked expensive.
**
In the kitchen, I crouched and started scooping ice back into the cooler, even though Mark was already on it.
“Bruce,” Mark said, lowering his voice. “Seriously, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I said.
“That didn’t sound fine.”
I shoved a handful of ice into the cooler and winced when it stung my palm.
“I’m fine.”
Mark glanced toward the living room. “Is it because of the guy by the window?”
My shoulders went tight. “Don’t.”
“I’m not trying to start something,” he said. “I’m asking because you look like you’re about to bolt.”
“I’m not bolting.”
“Good,” Mark said gently. “Because Nancy would notice. And then she’d pretend she didn’t. But she would.”
That hit harder than it should’ve.
**
Jacob was good at working a room. He laughed at the right volume, nodded like he was listening, and touched his chest when someone said “family,” like he was already casting himself in the role.
That hit harder than it should’ve.
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