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.”

around at the circle of men–there were nine of them. It was almost too much for her to

tried several times to speak, but Frank kept stopping her. He knew Madeline was sensible and wouldn’t keep

in his old age, he was ready to stand up for her.

looked around, clearly figuring the dad must be there. “Whose child

Silence filled the room.

kind of men are you if you won’t take responsibility? Madeline is a bright star

answer the door and is wearing so

lips together and said,

that mean?” Frank was baffled. “You mean you don’t know who the dad is?” He thought,

dry lips, unsure

“Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Lewis,

I are only missing a certificate. If you convince her, we could hit the courthouse tomorrow.

like typical irresponsible behavior. Why are they all eager to claim the child? And the father still

on, she looked worriedly at Madeline. “Maddie, just how many guys are you

Chapter las

“Mrs. Lewis, any of us could be

She wondered, “What kind of girl has nine men

Aren’t you her

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

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 away,