“I wouldn’t expect anything else. She is your daughter, after all. Nice is in your DNA, but not mine, apparently.”

“That’s not true, Princess. You’re one of the nicest people I know. Who was bringing home injured squirrels to nurse them back to health from the time she was the tiniest little thing? Who rescued a motley brood of pets that no one else wanted because they weren’t perfect? Who’s been taking care of her older brothers all their lives without them even knowing she was doing it?”

Despite her best efforts to control her emotions, a tear rolled down her cheek. She swiped it away.

“Who was the first to welcome Maddie into our family when people who should’ve been much wiser than you were still wondering if she was worthy of Mac? Who gave up her dreams to allow the man she loved to follow his?”

Laughing, Janey held up her hands. “Waving the white flag. I’m no match for you.”

“I hope you see what I see when you look at yourself.”

“I’ve made this all about me, and I’m sorry for that, too.” She took him by the hand and led him to a sofa in the living room. “How about you? You must be reeling.”

“A little bit. It’s a shock for sure, but that’s life. Shit happens, and we have to play the hand we’re dealt. That’s all we can do. I’m already blessed beyond all measure by the family I have, and now, to think… There could be more. That’s how I’m choosing to look at it, and I hope maybe you can, too.”

“I’ll reach out to her. I’ll do that for you. I’d do anything for you.”

“I know, sweetheart, and I appreciate that.”

“So you forgive me?”

“Nothing to forgive.”

“What did you tell her about me?”

“That you have a new baby at home and couldn’t make it this morning.”

“Which was more than I deserved.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ve had a lot going on. I don’t blame you for being overwhelmed by one more thing. So don’t blame yourself.”

“Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

“We’re good?”

“We’re always good. Now, where’s my grandson?”

“Sleeping like the angel he is.”

“Can I see him?”

“Sure you can. Come on.”

Taking his hand, she took him upstairs to the baby’s room. They tiptoed inside to look down upon the sleeping baby. His bum was in the air under the blanket.

Big Mac raised a hand, silently asking if he could touch him.

Janey nodded.

Big Mac ran his hand over the baby’s head and then smiled at her before they left the room. “That,” he said in a whisper that was too loud to count as a whisper, “right there, made my day.”