I looked at Rose, then at everyone I had blamed.
“I was wrong,” I said. “I made you believe you had to disappear to be loved safely.”
I turned to Liam.
“I could feel your disappointment instead.”
“And I made you carry a secret no son should’ve had to carry.”
Livia wiped her cheek with Rose’s blanket.
“If we try this,” she said, “Mitchell stays my husband. Natalie stays Rose’s grandmother. Liam isn’t punished. And you don’t get to be cruel to Mitchell just because you’re hurt.”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
“I made you carry a secret no son should’ve had to carry.”
“And you don’t get to tell this story like I broke your heart for no reason.”
I nodded once. “I won’t.”
Rose fussed, and for the first time, I didn’t reach out like love gave me permission.
I asked.
“May I meet her?”
Livia looked at Mitchell. He nodded, but she took another second before stepping forward.
