I was under awful stress with my business accounts, and Melissa was overwhelmed with the kids.

We said things we never should’ve said.”

I took my handkerchief out of my jacket pocket and carefully wiped the left lens of Evelyn’s reading glasses.

“You gave me thirty days to get out of the house, Brandon,” I said.

“That was just tempers running hot,” he said, his voice lifting with sudden eagerness.

“Nobody’s throwing you out of anything.

We want you here with us.