He nodded slowly. “I understand.”
I told him Victoria’s actions had to be addressed separately.
The school was reviewing its procedures.
We would not excuse what she’d done simply because she’d uncovered his secret.
He agreed.
For the first time since all this began, we were discussing the children instead of defending ourselves.
We met with a family counselor before explaining anything further to Lily, Noah, and Sophie.
The counselor reminded us that children don’t need every painful detail of their parents’ relationship.
They need honest answers to questions they are ready to ask.
They need reassurance that none of the problems were their fault.
He began with an apology for the frightening pickup.
“Victoria knew Mommy,” he said. “She was Mommy’s friend. She should have asked me before taking you anywhere.”
Lily crossed her arms.
“She said you were keeping secrets.”
Marcus took a breath.
“She’s right that I haven’t told you everything. Your mom and I were having grown-up problems before she died.”
