Option 3: Transfer ownership of the beach house to Maria’s family.

A smaller home nearby will be purchased for Howard using Julie’s insurance fund.

My breath caught.

Julie hadn’t only protected Maria.

She was protecting me—giving me a chance at the life she knew I needed: purpose, connection, belonging.

Patricia handed me a final envelope.

Howard, if you’re reading this, choose love. Choose belonging. Choose the family that chose me when ours no longer could.

There was only one decision left.

When I returned to the beach house, Marcus and Diana’s cars were already in the driveway. Through the window, I saw them standing stiffly in the kitchen while Maria poured coffee.

The tension was suffocating.

“Dad, you need to come home with us,” Diana said. “These people—”

“Stop,” I said firmly. “Sit down.”

They obeyed reluctantly.

I placed Julie’s letters on the table.

“This,” I said, “is your mother’s truth. The truth you kept from me.”

Their faces drained of color.

When I finished reading, Diana was crying. Marcus stared at the floor.

“This house belongs to Maria now,” I said calmly.

Silence.

“You’re giving everything away?” Diana asked.

“No,” I replied. “I’m honoring your mother’s wishes.”

They left shortly afterward—angry, shaken, powerless.

That night, sitting on the porch with the ocean whispering nearby, I finally understood.

Julie hadn’t just built a house.

She built a home—out of love, compassion, and second chances.

And she left it to me.