I declined because the trust dispute remained unresolved and the children had not met most of those relatives.

I offered a separate visit in Charlotte instead.

He was disappointed but accepted the plan.

We made cookies at Miriam’s house.

Nathaniel wore an apron too small for him, and June corrected the way he rolled dough.

He listened.

Later, while the girls decorated cookies at the table, he thanked Miriam for the years she had helped care for them.

She looked directly at him.