Her parents couldn’t afford to pay Sandra off time and time again.
But she could.
“I’ll pay Sandra.”
“No,” Natasha and Dad said in unison.
“I was finally able to get my hands on an address for Russell’s mother a few days ago,” Natasha announced. “Gen didn’t want to reach out to her. But that was before Gen and I knew all of this.” She met each of their gazes in turn, as if seeking to gain consensus. “Now I think we have to meet with Russell’s remaining family members and tell them everything.”
“I disagree.” Mom spoke at once. “Think of the ramifications of what you’re suggesting.”
“What I’m suggesting is that wedo the right thing.” Natasha held her head high, unwavering. “Dad already said he wishes he’d admitted everything all those years ago instead of covering things up. We have a chance to rectify that. It’s not too late.”
“We had a great deal to lose then.” Mom’s volume was rising, her syllables trembling. “We have far more to lose now.”
“Natasha’s right.” The implacable assurance in Dad’s statement cut through the room, through Genevieve, like a scalpel.
“Judson,”Mom whispered. Moisture gathered in her eyes.
“Natasha’s right.” He gazed at his older daughter.
Natasha and Dad. The two of them had always been the most alike. Even-tempered, more practical, less emotional. Both had a powerful sense of right and wrong.
Mom took several steps away. “No.”
Dad regarded his wife with apology for the grief he was destined to cause her. “It’s time, Caroline. I’ve been carrying the guilt of this for thirty-seven years. I need to do this.”
“Are you hearing me sayno, Judson?” A tear flowed down her cheek.
“I’m ready to go and talk with Sandra and her mother and her sister,” he said gently. “It’s going to be all right.”
“How can anything ever be all right again after you tell them?”
“Caro—”
She swept from the kitchen. The door to the master bedroom slammed.
Genevieve realized she’d been holding her breath and released it with a sigh.
“I’ll talk to her,” Dad said. “She needs time, but she’ll come around. She’s scared to admit it, but she knows this is the right path.”
“Do you want me to call Russell’s mother, Alice?” Natasha asked. “I can simply introduce myself as Caroline’s daughter and ask if my family can come by and speak with her and her daughters.”
“Give me the rest of the day to talk with your mother. I’ll call you in the morning and hopefully give you the go-ahead then.”
“Okay.”
“I’d rather meet with them soon,” he said. “The longer we drag this out, the worse it will be.”
“I agree,” Natasha said. “When Mom has time to worry over something, it grows bigger and worse in her imagination.”
“I’m tired of living with this secret.” Indeed, he looked tired.
They stood, and Natasha gave Dad a hug.
“I love you, cupcake,” he murmured to her sister.
Then he engulfed Genevieve in his secure embrace. “I love you, honey girl.”
