PART 10

The parentage test was conducted through a clinic chosen by both attorneys.

Elena explained to Willa that a nurse would gently collect cells from inside her cheek to help answer a family question.

Willa asked whether Captain Buttons needed a test too.

The nurse offered to swab his ear in pretend play, and everyone laughed.

The days before the result were harder than I expected.

I took calls about contracts and construction schedules, reviewed an engineering report, and signed invoices.