with a handkerchief. "Maybe you can talk sense into him."

"I doubt it," my mother said. "William has always been stubborn and deliberate in his choices. For the most part, they have always been the right choices."

Mr. McNab was not happy with the direction of the conversation and stood up from the mahogany sofa he had settled on.

"I—," he began, but Mrs. McNab stopped him short. "Let Hanne finish," she said, waving him off.

Mother nodded and continued: "But this time, I must say I have deep reservations about this decision."

My mother and I locked eyes, and I could see the pain in hers. She stood up and walked over to me until she was standing in front of my chair. I suddenly felt very small, but I was also resolu...

Please subscribe to keep reading.