“Wow,” Bryce said, not believing the unflappable Ray had done that, and that Ashley didn’t seem bothered that he had. “You’re not mad at Ray? After all, they are your parents.”

Ashley shook her head. “I know my parents better than anyone. Dad is great, but Mom is controlling. Devon Ryan knew how to handle her, which is the way Ray handled them three days ago. He had to remind my mother why they never got along. He knows how she operates, and he didn’t tolerate it as Devon and he’s not putting up with it as Ray. Dad had things under control for a while with Mom, but then he got lax and now she’s trying to call the shots again. This time she’s telling us what to name our kids.”

Vashti sighed. “At least it sounds like there’s hope for your folks. I can’t say the same about mine. They have yet to apologize for what they did and the lies they told.”

She paused thoughtfully, then continued, “Sawyer is a big proponent of forgiveness and heaven knows I tried. They came to our wedding and met the girls but it’s as if they’re ashamed of them because they were conceived out of wedlock. They act as if Kia and Jade aren’t good enough to be their grandkids for that reason.”

“You honestly think that?” Ashley asked, as if she was finding it hard to believe parents could feel that way.

“Yes,” Vashti said sadly. “They are happy about Cutter and consider him their legitimate grandchild. They call every week to see how he’s doing and said they would love to come see him for Christmas. They never ask about the girls. Just like Ray, Sawyer finally had enough, and last week he told them unless they can accept all our kids as equals then don’t bother accepting any because he would not tolerate them playing favorites between our children.”

“Good for him,” Bryce said, loving the stance Sawyer had taken.

“How do the girls feel about it?” Ashley asked.

Vashti took another sip of her cider. “They both know the story about their births, and I think they’d reached the conclusion that my parents aren’t wrapped too tight. The girls have the attitude that if they don’t want to accept them as their granddaughters, then that’s fine. They won’t accept them as their grandparents. They aren’t little kids but eighteen-year-olds who can make up their own minds about things.”

Her eyes brightened as she smiled. “Besides, they are perfectly happy with Reid as their lone grandfather. He had no problem claiming them from the start and they get more than enough love from him. And they give it back. They simply adore him. And now that he’s getting married to Gloria, Kia is happy to share her grandmother with Jade.”

“I propose a toast,” Ashley said, holding out her glass. Vashti and Bryce did the same. “To Bryce, on expanding your career as a real-estate broker. May it bring you success in both your business and personal life.”