Your mother didn’t tell me because she was scared. Not of you—of the situation. But now I know, and I want to be part of your lives if you’ll let me. ”
Violet stared directly at him.
“Why didn’t mama tell you? ”
“Sometimes grown-ups make difficult choices because they think it’s best. She was scared I wouldn’t love her the way she needed. But she was wrong.
I loved her. And I want to know you. ”
Rose looked at her sisters, then back at him. “What do you want to do with us?
”
“Whatever you want. We could go to the park. Read books. I just want to spend time with you.
”
Lily said, “We go to the library on Saturdays. ”
“Then let’s go to the library. ”
Beth watched them, her arms crossed. After a long moment, she nodded.
Thomas held out his hand. Violet took it first, then Rose, then Lily. They walked out of the apartment together, three small hands in one large one.