#Chapter 253 – Three Against One

“You – you brought my son to visit my father in prison? Your prison? Which you didn’t tell me about?” My mouth hangs open in shock and horror.

“Um,” Victor says, bashful. “Well, yes. That’s…the gist of it.”

“Oh my god,” I breathe, putting a hand to my chest.

Ian turns to me then, realizing that something is not right. “What?” he asks, looking between us. “Did I do something bad?”

“No, Ian,” Victor says, sighing and sitting up on his elbows. “It’s nice of you to wonder about your grandfather being comfortable. I just didn’t have the chance to fill your mom in on all the details yet.”

“Didn’t have the chance?” I bite out, glaring at him. “Or the inclination?”

Victor gives me an even stare. “All right, Evelyn,” he says calmly. “I am sorry that I put it off, I could have told you this morning, or last night, or any time – but you have to admit, there were other things on both of our minds.”

I bite my lip, realizing that he is perhaps right. Slowly I nod, admitting that my accusation is a little unfair.

“He’s safe, he’s well,” Victor says softly. “Can we talk about it in a little bit? Perhaps after…” he nods towards the kids and then mimes being asleep.

“I know what that means, Dad,” Ian says dryly, hanging his head to the side. “You can just say it.”

Alvin comes into living room then, his arms full of food. “Know what what means?” he asks, curious.

of us sitting on the floor. “Mom is mad because dad didn’t tell her that we went to

Alvin says, raising his eyebrows and turning to me.

around at the three of them. “So nice to be the only one

giving them each a glare. “That’s it,” I say. “I’ve decided. I’m having eight more kids and they’re all going to be girls so that we can outnumber you boys. And then we’ll be

at this but Alvin and Ian go pale with horror, which

it’s a fate worse

to me. “But if you don’t want that to happen, you all have to be very nice to me for the rest of the night. Starting with first pick of the

Alvin hurries over to me with

you,” Victor murmurs in my ear, pressing

a warm, grateful smile and I turn my attention to my family, thinking a little about the conversation that I had with Bridgette earlier. Perhaps there’s

I’m not perfect

____________________

back, understanding. Still, a little joy runs through me as I recognize that it’s not the kind of exhaustion that

the wonderfully basic exhaustion of a dad who also has an important job

towards our bedroom.

he sits down. I pamper him a bit then, going to the closet and picking out a fresh pair of pajamas for him, murmuring sweet compliments to him as I help him change and then pulling the blankets up over him

when I come back to bed, I turn off the light and curl up against my pillow, assuming

he says softly. “Are you

look at him in the soft blue light of the room. “Is

tell you about your dad, about our visit

baby, but you’re exhausted – you

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255