“Yes.”
Margaret’s face hardened.
Daniel stared at the porch floor.
“I thought if we found somewhere nice, it would make the conversation easier.”
“For whom?”
He nodded.
“Me.”
Margaret looked away.
“I was afraid you’d fall again. I was afraid you’d leave the stove on. I was afraid I’d get a call at work and you’d be hurt.”
“All understandable.”
“I know that doesn’t excuse it.”
“No.”
“I should have talked to you.”
“Yes.”
Daniel swallowed.
“Claire pushed harder than I did, but I let her take the blame because it was easier.”
Margaret turned toward him.
That mattered.
“You stood there like it was her idea.”
“I know.”
“And it wasn’t.”
“No.”
Margaret sat back.
For a while, anger rose.
Then settled.
“Thank you for telling me.”
Daniel nodded.
“I wanted you to know before you trusted me again.”
Margaret looked at him.
“Daniel.”
“Yes?”
“I already trust you.”
His expression changed.
“Just not blindly.”
He gave a small smile.
“Fair.”
“I raised you. I know what you’re capable of.”
“That sounds threatening.”
“It should.”
They drank coffee.
