“My reputation is on the line,” I countered.
“So this is about ego,” he said studying me.
I tilted my head from side to side. “There was a time I would’ve said hell yeah, it is. But since taking over the orchard, I’ve changed.”
Phoenix nodded. “It’s good to see you sticking around. You’ve done a lot of good over there Ash. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks. I fought it like hell, but now that I’m running things, I’m more grounded and steadier,” I said, looking at my eldest brother.
“I see that but I’m sensing something is still bothering you. What is it?” He waited.
“Now with Claire… everything feels different,” I admitted quietly.
His mouth twitched like he already knew where this was going.
“It feels good,” I said, searching for the right words. “But it’s also scary. I’ve never had someone in my life who makes me think about consequences like this.”
Phoenix laughed softly. “That’s when you know.”
“Know what?” I asked.
“That it matters.” The words sat heavy between us.
I looked toward the living room where my family gathered around the baby. For the first time in years, my life didn’t feel like something I could walk away from. The fight was still coming. But now there was something waiting for me on the other side.
“I’m going to call Dad,” Phoenix said. “Him and Sandy should be here too.”
I agreed and went back into the living room. Phoenix followed a few moments later.
“Dad and Sandy are coming over now,” he said.
No one responded right away, but nobody objected either. The waiting felt heavier than I expected. Elyna rocked Oliver gently while Harmony talked softly to Eric. Becket paced near the window; hands shoved into his pockets. I leaned against the counter, watching the front door like I was bracing for something.
“It’s good,” Becket finally said. “I need to get back to the main house,” he joked.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Eric agreed.
“It is,” I added.
When the knock finally came, the room went quiet. Phoenix opened the door. Dad stepped inside first, Sandy close behind him. Dad looked older than I remembered. Shoulders slightly hunched, eyes cautious like he wasn’t sure how he’d be received. Sandy offered everyone a small smile, the kind that tried to ease tension without forcing it.
“Hi,” Dad said quietly.
No one moved for a moment. Phoenix stepped forward and gestured toward the living room. “Come in.”
Dad nodded and walked in slowly, taking us in. His gaze lingered on each of us like he was checking to make sure we were really there.
“I know I’m not exactly welcome right now,” he said.
Becket exhaled sharply. “That’s not it.”
Dad waited.
Eric spoke first. “You should’ve told us. About Mom. About everything.”
Dad nodded immediately. “You’re right.”
No defensiveness. No excuses. The honesty caught everyone off guard.