“I lied to my parents because I was terrified of failing my firm,” Ethan said.

“I thought if I acknowledged four babies at twenty-nine, my father would take away my junior partnership track.

It was coward’s math.”

“It was eight years of four boys growing up without a father,” I said, my voice staying calm and level.

“I know,” Ethan said.

“I can’t give you back eight years, but I won’t miss another one.”

I adjusted my silver wristwatch once, holding his gaze without flinching.

“You won’t show up unannounced,” I said.