No lavish gift would ever buy a shortcut.

She accepted every condition, and I have watched her, since, actually keep them, which surprised me.

I did not extend that access out of forgiveness, and I want to be honest that I still have not forgiven Delphine, and may never.

I extended it because of a thing I decided early and have held to since: that my anger at the adults who wronged me would never be allowed to become a wall between my children and a relationship that might, someday, be good for them.

Delphine had stolen their father for seven years.