“Actually, Mom,” he said, his tone firmer than I’d ever heard. “I have something for you, too.”
Linda’s eyes lit up with anticipation. Ethan handed her a small bag, and she pulled out a cheap plastic keychain that read: World’s #2 Grandma.
The room fell silent. Linda’s face turned red, her smile vanishing as Ethan met her gaze, steady and unyielding.
“No, Mom,” he said quietly. “Caroline has been through so much to bring our son into this world, and she deserves respect. If you can’t show her kindness, you won’t be part of our family.”
Linda’s mouth opened, words failing her, and she quickly left, the door closing with a soft, final click.
Ethan set her gift aside and took my hand, his grip warm and steady. “I’m sorry, Caroline,” he murmured. “I should’ve stood up for you sooner. Staying silent didn’t keep the peace; it left you fighting alone.”
His words hit me hard, years of unspoken hurt surfacing. “Just…don’t leave me alone in this again,” I whispered, holding back tears.
“I’m here,” he promised, pulling me close as the tears finally came. In that moment, amid the relief and exhaustion, I knew we were stepping into a new beginning — together.