I was still learning how to accept that distinction without turning it into an excuse not to examine my own choices.

Kendall told me she planned to cooperate with the ongoing inquiries and had given her attorney the remaining records she retained lawfully.

She also wanted to apologize for telling Sandra about my appointments and for repeating judgments she knew were unfair.

“I’m not asking you to call me family again,” she said.

“You are family to Miles,” I replied.

“But access to him is something we build with trust, not something you get because of a last name.”

She nodded.