Ethan stood there, shaking.
I stepped into the yard and said, “Everybody give us a few minutes.”
My sister moved first. She started herding relatives and friends toward the side gate. A minute later, it was just me, my sons, and Ethan on the patio.
Noah tilted his head. “Is that him?”
“Yes,” I said.
Ethan stood there, shaking.
Ethan nodded, eyes wet already.
Lucas said, “You can sit down or stand there. Either way, talk.”
So he did.
“I was selfish,” he said.
Noah let out one short laugh. “Good opening.”
Ethan nodded, eyes wet already. “I was scared. The doctors said your lives would be hard, and all I could think about was what it would do to mine. Your mother stayed. I ran.”
Noah went quiet.
Lucas asked, “Did you ever try to find us?”
“No.”
“Did you send money?” Noah asked.
