“I get what you’re saying,” I admit. “And a few years ago, I might’ve been uncomfortable. But I might not have been. No matter what I learned in youth group, you supersede that. You always have. Same with Mom. And if my parents had trusted me with their truths, how much sooner could I have figured out mine?”

I shake my head. “You chose for me, and I’m sorry, but I think you chose wrong. What’s worse is, I think you knew that. You knew how awful those choices made you both feel—you knew everything you’d been forced to put aside and give up, and you chose to let me do the same. Like, do you realize how cruel that is? I had to move ten hours away to figure it out!

“And you did it to protect yourself. And I get it. I do. I can’t begin to understand how painful this has been for you. I get how messed up you’ve been over it, for decades, even. That’s unreal, and I’m so sorry. I’m sorry if I made you feel like you weren’t worthy of my love, because that’s just not true. But, Dad—Declan…” I hear the pleading in my voice, but I’m proud of myself for not crying. It seems I’m always crying. I’m tired of crying. “You have to stop this. Today. I’m not saying you need to out yourself. That’s your decision, and I can’t make it for you. But you need to stop living a lie.”

“Your mom signed the divorce papers. We’re no longer married.”

I shouldn’t be relieved, but I am. As much as I wish it weren’t this way, it’s the only way that’s survivable for everyone. The only way that’s real.

“Good,” I say.

“I found a place outside town. In downtown Dexter. It’s a rental, but it’s cute and affordable.”

“Okay.”

“And … I met someone. Just online, but we’ve been talking a lot. Both recent divorcés. Mine more recent than his, obviously. We’re taking things really slowly. This is a first-time thing for us both.”

My smile is quick and genuine. “That’s great, Dad. Truly.”

He shrugs, his head dancing on his shoulders. “Maybe. I don’t know.” Declan leans forward on his knees, his hands clasped together in front of him. He rubs at the vacant spot on his ring finger.

“I’m sorry, Meg.”

I lean forward to match him. “Thank you.”

“Everything you said is right. I’ve been selfish.”

I shake my head. “You’ve been scared.”

“You are worth bravery.”