⸻
“It finalized two weeks ago,” he told me. “I have the certificate. I was waiting for the right moment to actually tell everyone properly.”
⸻
I sat with that for a long moment, understanding exactly what kind of moment he was describing.
“I think I know exactly when that moment should be,” I said.
⸻
We decided together to invite Marlene over for Grant’s birthday the following weekend, framing it to her as a night for a “life-changing announcement,” specific enough to guarantee she’d show up eager and curious, exactly the way I needed her to be.
⸻
She arrived that evening dressed considerably nicer than usual, clearly assuming whatever announcement we had planned would be good news by her own definition. Eli and Sam stayed with a neighbor for the evening, something I’d insisted on, unwilling to let them anywhere near whatever reaction we were about to trigger.
⸻
Dinner went smoothly enough, Marlene chatting easily through the appetizer course in a way she never once managed when the boys were actually present at the table.
⸻
During the toast, I stood up first, my glass trembling only slightly in my hand.
“Joyce — Marlene,” I corrected myself, “you were right. We’ve decided to give the boys up. To let them live with another family. It’s easier for everyone. No more conflict with you.”
⸻
Marlene’s eyes lit up immediately, genuine delight spreading across her face in a way I don’t think I’d ever once seen directed at either of my brothers.
“Finally,” she said, practically clapping her hands together. “I told you both, they don’t belong in this family. This is the best news I’ve heard all year.”
