“As you can see, Margaret,” I said, turning to her, “some things don’t always go as planned. Alex deserves to know his family, and I hope you all welcome him.”

The silence was thick, but it was not hostile. It was contemplative, as if everyone was reevaluating the evening’s purpose. Margaret, for her part, seemed to be processing the revelation. Her eyes softened as she looked at Alex, who despite everything, gave her a small, hopeful smile.

“I-I don’t know what to say,” Margaret stammered, her voice lacking its usual edge. “He’s… he’s lovely.”