A message from Paul arrived a moment later: I am sorry about yesterday.

I should have helped you carry the bags.

Your girls were beautiful.

If there’s anything I can do, please tell me.

I read it three times.

An apology for bags wasn’t the apology I wanted, but it was the first recognition from Brandon’s family that I and the babies mattered.

I wrote back: Thank you.

They are Piper and Quinn.