Not Toby learning that he’s something people are afraid to mention.”

“No more secrets,” she said.

I wanted to believe her.

This time, belief would need to be built through what she did next.

PART 8 — The Family That Arrived Late

I stayed in Nashville long enough to complete the immediate conversations and arrangements I had come for.

I did not remain until every question about Patrick’s life had an answer.

That would have required him, and even he might not have been able to explain every compromise he made with himself.