Chapter 18 - Sophie Wants the Science
Sophie was sixteen when she asked Preston directly about vasectomy.
We were all in New York for Ava’s university orientation.
Family dinner.
No conflict.
Then Sophie asked:
“Dad, biologically, why did you believe Nolan was yours?”
Preston nearly choked.
Ava laughed.
I covered my face.
Preston recovered.
“Because vasectomies can fail.”
“Rarely after confirmed azoospermia.”
He stared.
“You researched.”
“I like biology.”
“Of course you do.”
“So did you get tested again before deciding Brielle’s baby was yours?”
“No.”
“Why?”
He was quiet.
“Because I wanted him to be mine.”
Sophie leaned back.
“That’s irrational.”
“Yes.”
“You saw evidence you liked and stopped checking.”
“Yes.”
“And then you were mean to us because of something you hadn’t verified.”
His face tightened.
“Yes.”
She studied him.
“At least you admit it.”
Preston nodded.
Then:
“I wish I had admitted what I wanted before it hurt you.”
“What did you want?”
“Approval from my father. A son because I thought having one would prove something about me.”
“What?”
“That I was continuing family correctly.”
Sophie shook her head.
“That’s weird.”
“Yes.”
“Grandpa Charles was weird.”
“Yes.”
Charles, sitting two chairs away because this dinner had become extended family, said:
“I can hear you.”
Sophie smiled.
“I know.”
May you like
Everyone laughed.
It would have been impossible twelve years earlier.
