Chapter 9 - Forgiveness And Family
Arthur collapsed into his leather chair, burying his face in his trembling hands.
I stood in the center of the room, clutching the police report.
"It was meant for you," I said quietly.
Arthur nodded slowly, tears streaming down his face.
"I have lived with that guilt every single day for the last ten years, Caleb."
"Your father took my bullet."
Just then, the study doors opened again, and Grace stood there in a robe, leaning heavily on Annie.
She had heard all the shouting.
Grace walked slowly across the room, her bare feet silent on the thick carpet.
She stopped in front of the broken billionaire and gently placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Mr. Whitmore," Grace said, her voice filled with a surprising, gentle strength.
"My father made his choice because he loved you."
"He wouldn't want us to hate you."
"He would want us to live."
Arthur looked up at my older sister, utterly devastated by her absolute grace and forgiveness.
"I want to legally adopt you all," Arthur pleaded, his voice breaking.
"I want to pay for your nursing school, Grace."
"I want to give Caleb and Annie the life Thomas always dreamed for them."
Grace looked at me, and then at Annie, reading the silent agreement in our eyes.
May you like
"Okay," Grace smiled softly.
"We would like that very much."
