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.”

arms, feeling a bit breathless. She looked around at the circle of men–there

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

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

around, clearly figuring the dad must

Silence filled the room.

won’t take responsibility? Madeline is a bright star with a

He thought, just look at this! A big crowd in the house, yet Madeline has to answer the door and is wearing so little–it’s like they

pressed his lips together and said, “The child’s father hasn’t

mean you don’t know who the dad is?” He

lips, unsure what

the father. Gavin stepped up. “Mr.

we could hit the courthouse tomorrow. I’ll offer 20 million dollars right now as a

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

on, she looked worriedly at Madeline. “Maddie, just how

Chapter las

chuckle. “Mrs. Lewis, any of us could be the

kind of girl has nine men claiming to be

her

thought Madeline must have been coerced and she wouldn’t agree

child just came here a few days ago. She’s not mine;