He looked ashamed.
“And I let you carry that burden because I was too proud to admit the truth.”
Then he surprised me.
“We want to repay everything you’ve contributed.”
He explained that a real estate agent believed the house could sell for approximately $560,000.
After paying the remaining mortgage and closing expenses, there should be enough to repay me and allow them to purchase a smaller home.
“What about Ainsley?” I asked.
Dad sighed.
“She’ll have to take responsibility for her own debts.”
For the first time, he wasn’t asking me to fix everything.
With Patricia’s help, we negotiated a written agreement.
When the house sold, I’d receive my $136,410 contribution, plus agreed interest on the original insurance money.
My parents signed without protest.
Outside the attorney’s office, Mom took my arm.
“I should have made room for Luna,” she whispered.
“Every Christmas. Every dinner. I should have pulled out another chair.”
