The Remorseful Brothers

Lapter 333

Soon, there was another knock on the door. Madeline saw her brothers looking serious and wondered what was up. She opencil the door to find her grandparents standing there

she was overjoyed. Grandpa, Grandma! You got here so fast. I bet it was Gavvy who insisted you come early. You shouldn’t have listened to him; it must’ve been exhausting to rush here. Did you take the train or a flight? You must be tired–come in and sit down Madeline took the pile of things from their hands.

Helena beamed with joy. “Maddie, I brought you a fresh chicken, caught this morning at dawn. Your grandpa even went to the pond early to catch a big fish for soup.

This bag here has veggies from home–all fresh. And there are some wild onions you like, borrowed them from your aunt next door since I didn’t have time to pick them myself. This package is filled with dried spring mushrooms your grandpa gathered–they’ll keep for a long time.”

Frank, quieter than Helena, asked Madeline, “Is the child here? Why didn’t you tell us sooner? Women need good nutrition after having a baby. Your grandma had health issues because she didn’t back then.

Helena sighed, “Yes, you should’ve told us about this.” She couldn’t help feeling sad. She thought, Madeline had a child and we didn’t even know until now when the child is already two years old

Madeline said, “Grandma, it’s a misunderstanding. The child just came here recently, and I’m not married. It’s not what

think-”

you

“What? Had a baby without getting married?” Helena’s voice jumped. She walked into the living room where two spots had been cleared on the couch

Eugene was holding the baby, “Mrs. Lewis, Mr. Lewis.”

baby in Eugene’s arms, feeling a bit breathless. She looked around at the circle of men–there were nine of them. It was almost too much for her to take

but Frank kept stopping her. He knew Madeline was sensible and wouldn’t keep something this

he was determined to support Madeline. Even in his old age, he was ready to stand up for her. “Maddie, you don’t need to

the dad must be there. “Whose child is it?

Silence filled the room.

take responsibility? Madeline is a bright star with

answer the door and is wearing so little–it’s like they don’t treat her right. I used to think highly of Maddie’s brothers for visiting and

pressed his lips together and said, “The child’s

was baffled. “You mean you don’t know who the dad is?”

her dry lips, unsure what to

father. Gavin stepped up. “Mr.

convince her, we could hit the courthouse tomorrow.

was shocked. She thought, ’20 million dollars? This doesn’t sound like typical irresponsible behavior. Why are they all eager to claim the child? And

Madeline. “Maddie, just how many guys are

Chapter las

chuckle. “Mrs. Lewis, any of us could

She wondered, “What kind of girl has nine men claiming to be the father? Her face turned

disbelief. Aren’t you her brothers?

thought Madeline must have been coerced and she wouldn’t

and quickly interjected, ‘Grandpa, Grandma, it’s really a misunderstanding. The child just came here a few days ago. She’s not mine; her parents passed