“Not then. But it should have.” He leaned forward. “I want to set up an account for you. Backdated child support. Medical expenses. Housing. Everything.”
“Why now?”
“Because it’s right. Because they’re mine. Because I failed you.”
Nora studied him for a long moment. “If I take your money, you’re going to want access.”
“Yes.”
“Custody?”
“I don’t know yet. I want to know them first. Earn that right.”
“And if I say no?”
“Then I’ll still pay support. But I’ll ask a court to grant me visitation.”
Nora’s jaw clenched. “You’d sue me?”
“I’d petition for my parental rights. There’s a difference.”
“Not to me.”
Margaret interjected quietly. “Nora… he’s not trying to take them. He’s trying to be accountable.”
“Accountability would’ve been five years ago.”
“You’re right,” Adrian said. “But I can’t go back. I can only move forward. And I want to move forward by being present. Consistent. Reliable.”
Nora laughed bitterly. “Those are just words.”
“Then watch me prove it.”
Over the next weeks, Adrian did exactly that.
He found Nora an apartment. A real one. Three bedrooms. Safe neighborhood. Lease in her name.
He set up a trust fund for each child. College. Medical. Emergency.