Thomas let out a derisive laugh, voice brimming with certainty.
"Even if she tries, she can't leave me. She can't leave the Gilbert family."
"Forget how much she loves me. Even if we divorced, who'd want her? Damaged goods dragging a kid around."
"Besides, with Douglas's condition... we might still need Lily."
The sound of my daughter's name knocked the air from my lungs. My hand clenched around the door handle.
Another voice rose from inside, syrupy and soft. Tracey.
"Thomas, I still... want to give Douglas a real place in the family."
Thomas's voice softened immediately.
"Alright, if that's what you want, I'll make it happen."
"Douglas deserves to be recognized. We'll hold a paternity recognition banquet and formally welcome him into the Gilbert family."
Tracey beamed, then put on a show of concern.
"But… won't your wife be angry? What if she takes Lily and leaves?"
Thomas shook his head without a shred of doubt.
"The marriage certificate is in my hands. No matter how angry she gets, she can't take our daughter anywhere."
I drew a long breath.
Forced every ounce of rage back down my throat.
Barging in now wouldn't do anyone any good.
I released the door handle and slipped away in silence.