Joan knew I was meeting Mark but would hear the outcome from me afterward.
At seven, the doorbell rang.
Mark stood outside carrying roses and a jewelry box.
“For you,” he announced.
I wasn’t asking her to be another adult.
Inside was a gold necklace.
“It’s beautiful,” I said.
“I want to give you everything you deserve.”
“That’s an interesting choice of words.”
He laughed nervously.
Inside was a gold necklace.
We sat down.
He complimented the food, described imaginary family vacations, and promised he’d never leave again.
Finally, I set down my fork.
“Mark, can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“Would you still want us back if your father hadn’t died?”
That’s an interesting choice of words.
His face went pale. “Who told you?”
“Does it matter?”
“Emma, you don’t understand.”
“Then explain why Richard left his fortune to our daughters.”
Mark froze.
Can I ask you something?
I continued. “Your father spent years promising the family wealth to a grandson, didn’t he?”
