Naomi considered.

“I’m hopeful we can be kind and honest with each other.

Sometimes hope and worry come together.”

“I get that before a spelling test,” Theo said.

She smiled and kissed his hair.

In a family built on telling the truth gently, it was the best answer she could give.

PART 8: A Question of Paternity

The DNA testing process took place through an accredited laboratory, with Naomi and Preston agreeing in writing about how the results would be handled.