Lisa threw both arms around his neck.
He lifted her.
Then he turned toward Barbara.
“Lisa is my daughter.”
Barbara shook her head.
“Brandon—”
“She is my daughter.”
His voice was louder now.
“In every way that matters.”
Barbara opened her mouth.
He didn’t let her speak.
“And if Emily and I have more children someday, Lisa does not become less my daughter just because another child shares my DNA.”
I stepped beside him.
Then I looked directly at Barbara.
“And anyone who refuses to accept that does not get to be part of our family.”
Barbara stared at me.
Then at Brandon.
“You’re really going to let her speak to me like that? I’m your mother.”
Brandon didn’t hesitate.
“She speaks for both of us.”
Then he asked,
“Do you want to be part of this family or not?”
Barbara looked around the room.
I think she expected someone to defend her.
