I think about it sometimes about what our life could have been if I had been braver.” Destiny stopped washing dishes. [music] She looked at Marcus. I think about it too sometimes, but we cannot change the past. We can only move forward. And honestly, Marcus, I do not think we would work now. Too much has happened. Too much hurt. I know, Marcus said.
But I am grateful that we can be friends, that we can raise the kids together. Me too, Destiny said. On Saturday morning, Marcus took all three kids to their soccer games. Caleb’s team played first. They lost 4 to one, but Caleb scored the one goal. He ran to Marcus afterwards, jumping up and down.
Did you see, Dad? Did you see me score? I saw. Marcus picked him up and spun him around. You were amazing. Cameron’s team played next. They won 3 to2. Cameron played defense and blocked several shots. Marcus cheered so loud his voice got horsearo. Chloe did not play soccer. She took ballet instead. Her recital was next month.
She talked about it constantly. “Will you come to my recital, Dad?” she asked for the 10th time that week. “Of course I will come,” Marcus said. “I would not miss it for anything.” That night, Marcus got a call from Elizabeth’s lawyer again. “Mr. Richardson, your mother was hoping the children could visit again, perhaps for her birthday next month.
” Marcus thought about it. The first visit had been awkward but not terrible. I will ask them. He asked the triplets the next day. Your grandmother wants to know if you want to visit her on her birthday. You do not have to if you do not want to. Will there be cake? Caleb asked. Marcus laughed. Probably. Then okay, [music] Caleb said.
Can we bring her a present? Khloe asked. If you want to, Marcus said. They went to Target together. The children picked out a photo frame. Destiny helped them print a picture of the three of them. They wrapped it carefully. On Elizabeth’s 61st birthday, Marcus drove the children to Greenwich again. This time, Elizabeth had prepared.
She made sandwiches for lunch. She bought toys for the children to play with. She tried hard. I brought you a present, Grandmother, Kloe said shily. She handed Elizabeth the wrapped gift. Elizabeth opened it slowly. When she saw the photo of the triplets, her eyes filled with tears. “This is beautiful. Thank you.” “You are welcome,” Chloe said.
They stayed for 3 hours. Elizabeth was careful not to say anything controlling or mean. She asked the children about school. She listened when they talked. She was trying to be a better person. But the children still did not call her grandma. They called her grandmother, formal and distant. On the drive home, Cameron said, “She is nicer than before, but I still do not know her very well.
” “That is okay,” Marcus said. “It takes time to get to know people.” “Do you like her now, Dad?” Caleb asked. “I am working on forgiving her,” Marcus said. “Forgiveness takes time, too. In May, Destiny called Marcus with news. I got an email from Rebecca. Rebecca? Marcus was surprised. What did she say? She is getting married next month to David the architect.
She invited us to the wedding. Us? You and me? She said she wants to thank us both. She said meeting you and losing you led her to David. She said sometimes the wrong relationship leads you to the right one. Marcus felt a mix of emotions. Sadness for what he lost with Rebecca. Happiness that she found someone better.
Are you going to go? I think so, Destiny said. Jonathan and I were invited. What about you? I do not know. Would that be weird? Probably, but Rebecca seems to want closure. Maybe it would be good for all of us. Marcus thought about it for 3 days. Then he called Rebecca directly. Hello. Rebecca’s voice was warm and happy.
Rebecca, it is Marcus. I got your wedding invitation. Marcus, I am so glad you called. I was not sure if you would. I want to come. If you are sure you want me there. I am sure, Rebecca said. I spent a long time being angry at you, but then I met David and I realized that if you had not left me, I never would have found him.
He is everything I needed, everything I deserve. I am happy for you, Marcus said. Really? You deserve all the happiness in the world. Thank you. And Marcus, I forgive you completely. I hope you can forgive yourself. I am trying, Marcus said. Everyday I am trying. The wedding was beautiful. It was at a small church in Boston. Only 75 guests.
Rebecca wore a simple white dress. David wore a gray suit. When they said their vows, they looked at each other with real love. Marcus sat in the back row. He watched Rebecca promise to love David honestly and completely. He felt genuinely happy for her. After the ceremony, Rebecca found Marcus at the reception.
David was with her. “Marcus, thank you for coming,” Rebecca said. She hugged him briefly. “This is David.” Marcus shook David’s hand. “Congratulations. You are a lucky man.” “I know,” David said. He looked at Rebecca with obvious love. “She is amazing.” “She is.” Marcus agreed. Rebecca looked at Marcus carefully.
Are you happy, Marcus? Really? Yes, Marcus said, and he meant it. I have three incredible kids. I have a job I love. I have a life that matters. I am happy. Good, Rebecca said. We both deserve to be happy. In June, Khloe’s ballet recital arrived. Marcus sat in the auditorium at the dance studio. Destiny sat next to him. Jonathan sat on Destiny’s other side.
