The room had gone quiet again. Plates clinked, silverware scraped, and tension filled the spaces between small talk.


Al finally set down his fork and looked straight at Grandma. “We haven’t been around because I’ve been having surgeries,” Al said, voice steady. “And just… restarting my life as a woman.”


A hush fell over the table.


John scoffed, his face twisted in disgust. “You know you’ll never be a woman, no matter how many surgeries you get, right?”


Al’s eyes narrowed. “And who are you again?” he said sharply. “Another man that Maranda’s going to eat alive?”


John blinked, thrown off. “Huh?”


Rick leaned forward, protective. “There’s no reason for the hate. My wife is a woman — full woman — and that’s that. You just worry about your own life and your own wife.”


John shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clearly outnumbered. Chuck caught Rick’s eye and gave him a respectful nod.


Maranda looked up from her plate and sighed. “I apologize on his behalf,” she said. “Everyone has opinions, but we’re family. And I’ll always respect you as such.”


Al gave a small, tight smile. “I guess when it matters.”


Maranda decided to change the subject. “Anyway, congrats, Kerry. That baby’s going to be spoiled living here with Grandma.”


Kerry smiled softly, rubbing her small belly.


John leaned forward, his tone light but his eyes sharp. “So, who’s the special guy in your life?”


Kerry froze. The question hung heavy between them. She met John’s gaze — wondering if he wanted her to expose him.


Evie noticed immediately. She set her fork down and tilted her head. “Yeah,” she said. “Who’s the father? Do you even know? Is he going to support you and the baby?”


Kerry let out a small, nervous laugh. “I’m sorry. I won’t say anything else.”


Grandma turned her attention to Evie, her voice firm. “What’s the reason you keep attacking Kerry and talking about money?”


Evie shrugged. “Maybe because I was Grandpa’s caregiver until the end and I didn't get anything in the will. But I was always Grandpa’s favorite.”


Grandma gave her a sly smile. “So, this is about money?” She chuckled. “I thought you were a successful restaurant owner. What’s really going on?”


Evie’s expression hardened. “I deserved something. Grandpa told me I was going to get a hundred thousand. Where is it?”


Grandma’s eyes darkened. She looked over at Chuck.


“Please don’t upset her,” Chuck said quickly. “Grandma’s been having blood pressure issues. She doesn’t need to get worked up over this.”


Evie gave a sarcastic laugh. “And this is exactly why I stayed away. I’m not about to fake it just to be around family.”


Grandma leaned back in her chair, her gaze steady. “Then what did you come for, Evie? Because it clearly wasn’t about family. It was about money.”


The silence that followed was thick — the kind that holds more truth than anyone is ready to face.