Gregory had become good at the first.

He was learning the other two.

He gave Paige full access to the records and offered to pay for independent advice without trying to manage the process.

He spoke openly with her about adoption, secrecy, and uncertainty.

He apologized without demanding reassurance.

With me, he began small.

When he said he was going somewhere, he told me where.

When a subject made him ashamed, he named that shame instead of hiding behind a joke.