Robbie looked affronted. “Mother, how can you say that? It has given us important data that it seems our flawed human brains cannot always process. But that’s neither here nor there, although it’s mildly insulting given how much time I put into this matchmaking endeavor.”
“There’s still Delphine and Seraphina,” Madison said. “You can’t forget about them.”
“Not to worry, little sister. I have my ways.”
“This is a tremendous amount of work you want to take on,” I said. “Don’t forget you’re a student first.”
Robbie tilted his head, looking straight at me. “Grady, you’re sending me to the program at USC. My mother taught me to always give back as much as you take. I’d like to do this for you. Think of it as a father and son project.”
Our pizzas and salad arrived then, which was fortunate because I was about to start weeping right then and there. While we each reached for a piece, Esme gave us each a portion of the family-sized salad.
“Can I be in the wedding?” Madison asked, between bites.
Esme looked at me. I looked at her. Under the table, her hand was still in mine.
“We haven’t set a date yet,” Esme said. “Nor have I been officially asked.”
“But there will be one? A wedding?” Madison asked.
“Yes,” I said. “There will be a wedding. But I have to ask your mother properly first.”
“I can’t wait to wear my sparkly shoes,” Madison said.
“I have read that women find the proposal moment important,” Robbie said. “Although, it’s what comes after that matters more. Our father proved that to be true.”
Esme and I exchanged a glance.
“How are you feeling about your dad?” I asked. “Is there anything you want to talk about?”
Robbie blinked. “As in?”
“Your mother remarrying is a big step for all of us,” I said. “If there’s anything bothering you, please share it. If we’re to be a healthy family, we must communicate freely. About everything.”
“I agree,” Esme said.
“I see.” Robbie took a sip of his soda, forehead wrinkling in concentration. “Our biological father is not here and has not been in any significant way for as long as I can remember. On the other hand, Grady, you have been a solid and loving presence in our lives from the first day we met you. I believe that’s all there is to say about the situation.”
“Does it hurt you? About your dad?” Esme asked.
“Not really. It hurts me that he’s treated you poorly and made life difficult by not paying child support. But as far as I’m concerned, Grady has filled whatever space our father left. Spaces that have nothing to do with money.”
“Well, all right then,” I said, chuckling. “I guess we better call a realtor about that house.”
Robbie smiled serenely, folding his hands on the table. “Excellent. But we should also look at the other five choices. I am not often wrong, but there is always room for a margin of error.”
Esme’s phone made a buzzing sound from inside her bag. She reached for it, her expression dimming. “It’s my mother.”
“You should talk to her,” I said. “And tell her plans have changed.”
“I’m going to take this outside,” Esme said.
“Good luck,” I said, slipping out of the booth to let her out.
“Hey, Mom,” Esme said as she was walking away from the table.
Robbie and Madison had gone quiet. But once Esme was out of earshot, Robbie leaned over the table and said in a quiet voice, “Sunflowers grow much better in Willet Cove than Seattle.”
“Couldn’t agree more,” I said.
