Chapter 13 - Lorraine Chooses Truth Over Wade
Lorraine’s relationship with Wade did not disappear.
He was still her son.
But she stopped defending what he had done.
That distinction cost her.
Some relatives accused her of betraying family.
She answered:
“Lying for family is still lying.”
The first time she visited after everything settled, she brought
Garrett’s childhood photographs.
We sat at the kitchen table.
The same table where Wade had placed the property transfer folder.
Lorraine touched the pine grain.
“Garrett built this?”
“Most of it.”
“He always hated sanding.”
“He still did.”
She laughed.
Then cried.
We spent three hours talking about him without discussing land once.
That felt like progress.
Before leaving, she looked toward the eastern ridge.
“I thought protecting Wade meant protecting what was left of my family.”
I understood.
“But?”
“I nearly helped him take what Garrett left to you.”
She squeezed my hand.
May you like
“I’m sorry.”
I believed her.
