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.”

feeling a bit breathless. She looked around at the circle of men–there were nine of them.

kept stopping her. He knew Madeline was sensible and wouldn’t keep something this big from them unless something was wrong.

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

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

the

take responsibility? Madeline is a bright star with a great future, now stuck with a child and

so little–it’s like they don’t treat her right. I

and said, “The

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

dry lips, unsure what

up. “Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Lewis, I

missing a certificate. If you convince her, we could hit the courthouse tomorrow. I’ll offer 20 million dollars right now as a promise.

typical irresponsible behavior. Why

Madeline. “Maddie, just how

Chapter las

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

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

her brothers? How could

have been coerced and she wouldn’t agree to

came here a few

bear it…