Chapter 10 - The Twins’ Father
One problem remained.
Ivy and June’s father.
Naomi had said he died.
That was only partly true.
Daniel Reed was alive.
He left during Naomi’s financial collapse.
Addiction.
Debt.
Fear.
He resurfaced after seeing her on television.
William hated him immediately.
Naomi did not.
That surprised William.
“I’m angry,” she explained.
“But?”
“He’s their father.”
Daniel requested contact.
The twins reacted differently.
Ivy wanted to see him.
June refused.
Naomi respected both.
William tried not to interfere.
Failed.
“You vetted him?”
“Yes,” Marcus admitted.
“Background?”
“Yes.”
“Employment?”
“Yes.”
“Treatment records?”
“William.”
Naomi stood behind him.
He turned.
“I’m being careful.”
“You’re being controlling.”
“They’re children.”
“They’re my children.”
That hurt.
Because it was true.
William apologized.
Real apology.
No defense.
Naomi softened.
“You can love them without owning the decision.”
He nodded.
Daniel eventually met Ivy.
June waited six months.
Then agreed.
Daniel stayed sober.
Found work.
Did not reunite romantically with Naomi.
But became a father again through repeated effort.
William learned there was room for more than one man in the girls’ lives.
May you like
Another difficult lesson.
Another important one.
