“She is worried,” Brooke said, “but she’s also worried about what people will think of her.

I don’t know which worry is winning.” I asked if Brooke could be present when Chloe eventually saw Paisley and Harper, because my daughter had missed her cousins.

Brooke agreed, then surprised me with a confession.

“Paisley asked why Grandma can buy her presents but make Chloe work.

I couldn’t explain it without admitting we let it happen.

I think I have to tell her that I was wrong too.”

Two Saturdays later, Brooke brought the girls to our apartment.