“Just humor me,” Nate said. “Think back a few years. What did you like to do when you were that age?”

“I don’t know, maybe a stuffed animal. You can’t go wrong with a stuffed animal.”

The line went silent for a moment.

“Is that it?” Nate said. “Got anything else?”

“No. I mean, maybe. I was just thinking of the present Dad got me on my birthday that year.”

“What was it?” Nate said.

David listened as Reese’s voice changed. It was like she was reliving her childhood as she described the present. And when Reese was finished telling the story, David leaned forward and spoke into the phone.

“Reese, this is David. Thank you for that. I know exactly what I’m going to get her.”

“Well, good luck meeting your sister,” Reese said, her voice devoid of emotion. “I hope she’s nothing like my little brother.”

“Oh, so kind of you, big sister,” Nate said.

Brian had placed Courtney’s backpack by the front door so she could leave as soon as Shawn arrived. She was playing a video game with Presley and Azure in the family room.

When he heard the rumble of Shawn’s Jeep in the driveway, he yelled, “Courtney, time to go.”

“Just a minute!” Courtney called. “I have to finish this game.”

Brian took a deep breath and watched Shawn come up the sidewalk. He didn’t have much contact with the man other than saying hello when he picked Courtney up from her court-ordered visit. He grabbed Courtney’s backpack and opened the door and yelled behind him, “Make it quick!”

Shawn stood at the bottom of the steps and Brian handed him the backpack. Shawn took it to the Jeep and put it in the back, then turned around.

“She’s finishing up some game with Presley. You want me to go get her?”

“No, that’s fine,” Shawn said with a wave. “I’m in no hurry.”

“All right,” Brian said, turning to go back inside.

“Hey, could I talk with you about something?” Shawn said.

“I guess.” Reluctantly Brian walked down the steps and leaned against the handrail.

Shawn shoved his hands in his pockets. “Look, I know it’s none of my business. This whole thing with David.”

“Oh, that.”

Shawn dipped his head. “I mean, if it were me, I wouldn’t want anybody sticking their nose into—”

“No, go ahead. Say what you need to.”

“I’ve been watching some of the videos of him. He looks a lot like you. Tall. Athletic.”

“Handsome?” Brian said with a smirk.

Shawn laughed and it seemed to put both of them a little more at ease. “When I look at the videos, there’s something in his eyes. He’s been given a lot of love. You can tell that. But there’s almost a question you can see on his face. Maybe I’m reading too much into it.”