“So you’re not Daddy?” she asked.
Julian managed a small smile.
“No.”
“Are you his brother?”
Marcus and Julian looked at each other.
“Something like that,” Marcus answered.
Lily considered this.
“Then you can still come home with us.”
Julian blinked.
I saw the hesitation in him. He looked like a man who had returned physically but had no idea where the rest of him belonged.
“She’s right,” I said. “You shouldn’t be alone today.”
Julian opened his mouth to refuse.
Marcus tightened his grip on his shoulder.
“Don’t make me ask twice.”
A strained laugh passed between them.
When we stood, Marcus lifted Lily into his arms. She wrapped herself around him, finally understanding.
“Daddy,” she whispered.
He closed his eyes and held her as if he would never put her down.
Then Lily reached for Julian.
Marcus stepped closer so she could place one arm around each of them.
