My hands shook as I read my mother’s faded handwriting. “My darling Julian, if you are reading this, then I am gone, and I am so sorry. Your father will struggle. Please never stop being kind, whatever he does.” I read it three times before I could breathe. Then I turned to the newer letter, written in a stranger’s careful hand, and my eyes went straight to the first line.

“Julian, my name is Paige. I found your mother’s letter taped inside Dad’s old toolbox after he passed away in September. He never gave it to you. But that is not the worst part.” I gripped the counter. The letter went on: “Please come to the wedding. Aunt Marlene already knows what I am about to tell you, and she has been protecting you for twenty years.” The next sentence made the whole room spin.