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.”

the 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

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

he was ready to stand up for her.

dad must

the room.

grew more agitated. “What kind of men are you if you won’t take responsibility? Madeline

so little–it’s like they don’t treat her right. I used to think highly of Maddie’s brothers

lips together and said, “The child’s

mean you

dry lips,

the father. Gavin stepped up. “Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Lewis, I called

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

she looked worriedly at Madeline. “Maddie, just how

Chapter las

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

wondered, “What kind of girl has nine

you her

coerced and she wouldn’t agree to this

interjected, ‘Grandpa, Grandma, it’s really a misunderstanding. The child just came here a few

bear it…