Chapter 14 - THE FAMILY THAT LEARNED TO LISTEN
Two years after the train ride, Dominic attended his first Palmer family barbecue.
He wore jeans.
A plain shirt.
And an expression of mild concern.
Audrey noticed.
"What's wrong?"
He looked toward the backyard.
"Your father is holding a grill fork like a weapon."
She laughed.
"That's normal."
Dominic nodded.
"Good to know."
Inside, Ethan was setting the table.
Caleb was late.
Naturally.
Aunt Ruth arrived carrying potato salad.
Dominic looked at Audrey.
She whispered:
"Don't."
He stared at the bowl.
"Is that the famous potato salad?"
Audrey nodded.
He took a breath.
"I've faced worse."
She laughed so hard she had to sit down.
Dinner was chaotic.
Loud.
Warm.
But nobody mocked Audrey.
Nobody asked when she would settle down.
Instead, her father asked about her work.
Her mother asked about Dominic's community projects.
Dominic answered carefully.
His legal obligations and business restructuring were ongoing, but he had begun supporting legitimate workforce-training programs through independently managed organizations.
After dinner, Richard approached Audrey.
"He seems different from what I expected."
She smiled.
"He's trying."
Richard nodded.
Then said:
"Are you happy?"
Audrey looked toward Dominic.
He was helping her mother carry dishes.
She smiled.
"Yes."
May you like
Her father squeezed her shoulder.
"Then that's enough for me."
