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The craziest thing of all was that, even with his entire life in coe never lied She simply didn’t have it in her

Just as he had to face the reality that he didn’t have it in hier, no matter what her mistakes had been

"I can’t do ," he finally said to his brother and sister, "but if you’ll give uy’s full name and address, I can at least keep an eye on hiripped his hand, it was more than a show of support It was approval That meant more to him than any compliment Whitney had ever paid hi at hi sun each h Tony was clearly pleased with Evan’s offer, it was obvious he had so ine what your childhood must have been like" As Tony paused and cleared his throat, Evan was suddenly certain his brother was about torequest of all "But if she could believe she was forgiven, then " Tony held up a hand,it clear he didn’t want Evan to respond too quickly "I’, all we’re saying--" He glanced at his sister before turning back to Evan "--is that we hope you’ll think about it"

Forgiveness?

The Mavericks had taught Evan how to fight a bully and ot up from his punch He understood complicated mathematical theories He had the vision to start an investment firiving hishim?

That would be is for Tony to ask Evan for, of all the things to even bring up today, Paige couldn’t believe he’d chosen forgiveness

It was too soon to even broach the idea Evan was already on the edge dealing with the fact that hishe had a brother and sister He needed a heck of lothis iven the hellish place she’d left his looked desperately hopeful It was the worst possible scenario, certain to end in disappointe hoped she could do soe the tentative bond Evan and his brother and sister had begun to forge over pizza and conversation He was clearly ie, and their fierce protection of their s Thank God she had several years of experience with family therapy to draw from

"I’m really proud of the three of you" Every eye turned to her "The way you’ve spoken so honestly with one another today isn’t easy Not even for family members who’ve known each other their whole lives"

Kelsey abruptly reached for Evan’s hand "I know this has all coe shock, but I’m so happy to meet you And to have another brother One I already know I’e choked up as Tony nodded "You could have kicked us to the curb and shut Mom down completely But you haven’t" He sed hard "Whatever you decide froood man And I’his es out there for everyone to read, but since his return from his self-imposed exile in Europe, he’d aries to Susan, Bob, and the Mavericks, though heartfelt, had still uard had dropped was theall around thee contact information" He reached for his cardholder in his pocket--like a true investment banker, he was never without it--and handed one to each of thee sh there was no discernible change in his expression, Paige silently applauded thisthem off entirely And her heart bubbled over with joy for hied to find him

Even if her own blood relation had proven herself beyond redee’s phone suddenly jumped in her pocket Her heart was in her throat as she slipped it out just far enough to see the name on the screen

Whitney

"How about alk off soarden while ait for Theresa to co her out to us when she’s ready"

"Actually," Paige said, "I’ve got to deal with a quick phone call that just came in, so I’ll wait for your s headed outside, it struck Paige how they were not only sirace and confidence that belied their hu the phone froe Odds were her sister had finally returned froe to change her mind about whose side she should choose