Chapter 13
Laura moved into a new house with Caleb six months later.
Dominic paid none of the purchase price.
That was Laura’s condition.
He helped inspect it.
He arranged security she approved.
But the deed was hers.
The mortgage was hers.
The decisions were hers.
Dominic continued living separately.
Not because they were ending their relationship.
Because Laura refused to build a future until she knew Dominic could maintain boundaries after the immediate crisis ended.
“You’re waiting for me to relapse into being my mother’s son.”
Laura smiled slightly.
“I’m waiting to see whether you can be Caleb’s father without needing every problem to make you the most powerful person in the room.”
Dominic accepted that.
He spent more time with Caleb.
Not grand gestures.
School drop-offs.
Pediatric appointments.
Soccer.
Bedtime.
The boring parts.
The parts nobody applauded.
One Saturday, Tyler came over.
The boys fought over a video game.
Caleb accused Tyler of cheating.
Tyler accused Caleb of being a baby.
Laura looked toward Dominic.
Dominic smiled.
“This feels healthier.”
Laura laughed.
Neither child mentioned blood.
Neither child mentioned inheritance.
They were cousins.
That was enough.
Later Rebecca joined Dominic on the porch.
“Mom sent Tyler a birthday card.”
“What did it say?”
“Normal things.”
“No future-boss nonsense?”
“No.”
“Did you let him have it?”
“Yes.”
Dominic nodded.
Rebecca looked toward the boys.
“Do you think she can change?”
“I don’t know.”
“She’s our mother.”
“I know.”
Rebecca waited.
May you like
Dominic looked at her.
“That doesn’t answer the question anymore.”
