Ethan shook his head.
“No. I’m choosing responsibility over entitlement. I’m choosing the woman I promised to protect and the child who depends on me.”
“You’ll regret turning your back on us.”
“I’m not turning my back. I’m setting a boundary. What happens next is your choice.”
Jason signed first.
“I knew this was wrong,” he admitted. “I went along with it because I wanted the trip.”
Brooke glared at him, but he continued.
“I’m sorry.”
His apology was imperfect, but it was honest.
Brooke signed next, angry tears filling her eyes.
Diane refused.
She stood, grabbed her suitcase, and walked out without another word.
PART 6 — The Most Difficult Apology
The following weeks were quiet.
Ethan took emergency family leave and stayed home with Claire and Lily.
He cooked simple meals, learned how to fold the tiny baby clothes, and discovered that Lily calmed down whenever he hummed the same three notes.
