This time, Robert didn’t waver. “I get that, Julia, but I can’t ignore the risks. It’s not about being kind or not—it’s about being practical.” Julia sighed deeply, the tension between them thickening. “Fine,” she said, her voice sharper now. “If you feel so strongly, you can tell her yourself. I won’t stand in your way.”
Robert felt terrible but he also knew that he needed to do it. Steeling himself, he knocked on the garage door, his smile carefully practiced. “Why don’t you and the kids come in for dinner tonight?” he offered. Natalie hesitated, then nodded gratefully. “That would mean a lot. Thank you.”