“ ‘He just needs a chance, and a choice,” ’ Ethan read when Phillip passed the letters to him, then cleared his throat. “ ‘I couldn’t give one to Gloria, if she’s mine, and she won’t take it now. But I’ll see that Seth has both. Whether he’s mine by blood or not, he’s mine nonetheless now.’ It sounds like him. Seth should read this.”

“Why did she agree to this now, Sybill?” Phillip asked her.

“I convinced her that it was best for all concerned.”

“No.” He caught her chin in his hand, lifted her face to his. “There’s more. I know there is.”

“I promised her that her name, and the details, would be kept as private as possible.” She made a restless little movement, then let out a breath. “And I threatened to write a book telling the entire story if she didn’t do this.”

“You blackmailed her,” Phillip said with stunned admiration.

“I gave her a choice. She chose this one.”

“It was hard for you.”

“It was necessary.”

Now he put both of his hands on her face, gently. “It was hard, and brave, and brilliant.”

“Logical,” she began, then shut her eyes. “And yes, hard. She and my father are very angry. They may not forgive me. They’re capable of not forgiving.”

“They don’t deserve you.”

“The point is Seth deserves you, so . . .” She trailed off as he closed his mouth over hers.

“Okay, move aside.” Cam elbowed Phillip away and took Sybill by the shoulders. “You did good,” he said, then kissed her with a firmness that made her blink.

“Oh,” was all she managed.

“Your turn,” Cam stated, then gave her a gentle nudge toward Ethan.

“My parents would have been proud of you.” He kissed her in turn, then patted her shoulders when her eyes filled.

“Oh, no, don’t let her do that.” Instantly, Cam took her arm and pulled her back to Phillip. “No crying in here, no crying allowed in the boatyard.”

“Cam gets jittery when women cry.”

“I’m not crying.”

“They always say that,” Cam muttered, “but they never mean it. Outside. Anybody who cries has to do it outside. It’s a new rule.”

Chuckling, Phillip pulled Sybill toward the door. “Come on. I want a minute alone with you anyway.”

“I’m not crying. I just never expected your brothers to . . . it’s not usual for me to be—” She stopped herself. “It’s very nice to be shown you’re appreciated and liked.”

“I appreciate you.” He drew her close. “I like you.”

“And it’s very nice.” She indulged in the luxury of both. “I’ve already spoken with your attorney and with Anna. I didn’t want to fax the papers from the hotel as I did give my word the contents would be kept private. But both of them agree that this last document should move everything along. Anna believes that your petition for permanent guardianship will go through as early as next week.”