After they finished their wine and put away their gifts, Tia went into the atrium to take care of Kiki, and Seth went up to work. But he was too distracted by the text he’d received from Brady earlier to accomplish anything. He stood in front of the wall of windows, holding a second glass of wine while staring out at the starry night and trying to imagine what allowing his biological brothers back into his life might mean. This was the fifth year in a row he’d heard from Brady. The year before Shiloh died, he’d actually responded. But then he’d lost her, and he not only retreated from Derrick and Brady, he retreated from everyone else, too.

He recalled the conversation he’d overheard Tia having with her family thirty minutes or so ago. She could probably save herself a lot of grief if she walked away from them. They were never going to change their minds about her, were never going to approve of who she’d become or what she was doing with her life. But she kept trying to make those difficult relationships work and wasn’t willing to give them up entirely.

He admired that. He admired the long-suffering and vulnerability it required. She was the injured party—not them. But if she treated them the way they treated her, they’d lose each other for sure.

Did he owe it to Derrick and Brady to do what he could to try to rebuild what they’d lost? If he did respond, where would it lead? Would they expect him to associate with their mother?

Because Seth already knew he couldn’t do that. Maybe Sandy had good reasons for what she’d done. Maybe she couldn’t cope with life any other way. But what he’d gone through during those early years had left an indelible mark, and he refused to have anything to do with her—ever. He felt as though he owed himself that much, at least.

He was less clear about what was fair when it came to Derrick and Brady, however. Jealousy nearly ate him alive when he thought about how they’d gone home while he remained in the foster system. But it wasn’t their fault Sandy loved them more. They were just guilty by association.

He pulled out his phone and read the message again.

Merry Christmas! I don’t know if this is still your number. It’s been a long time since I tracked you down in San Francisco and Shiloh gave it to me, but...trying again. Just wanted to let you know I would love to be part of your life if you’re interested. If I don’t hear from you, please know I wish you well and always have.

He rubbed his forehead as he mulled those words over.

Brady sounded like a decent guy. What was his life like these days?