I explained the prognosis, her wish, the absence of romance.
Dad waited until I stopped. "But why did you say yes?"
"Eighteen!?"
"Don't make it sound weird. It wasn't like that."
"That doesn't answer the question," Mom said.
"I'm asking why you married her."
I stared at my plate.
"Because there wasn't anything else I could do for her."
"Oh, Lucas." Mom's voice softened. "That doesn't mean marrying her was the solution."
"Don't make it sound weird."
I wanted Dad to disagree.
He reached for his water instead.
They knew me. Neither believed I'd chased her money.
Neither thought that made the marriage right.
Dad finally asked, "Do you need money while this plays out?"
I wanted Dad to disagree.
"No."
"Lucas."
"Maybe. I'll tell you."
They hugged me at the door.
I held on, relieved that their love hadn't changed.
