Had Andrew genuinely believed the document was valid, or had he known all along that it couldn’t give him control of my home?
Two weeks after Christmas, Andrew asked to meet me alone. I agreed, suggesting we speak at Michael’s office to avoid further misunderstandings.
When Andrew arrived, he looked exhausted. Michael placed the records on the table and explained that the family home legally belonged to me. The document Charles had provided didn’t change that fact.
Andrew listened quietly.
Then I asked the question that had troubled me since Christmas.
“Did you know that document couldn’t give you ownership of the house?”
He stared at the table.
“Not at first.”
I waited.
“Charles told us Dad wanted me to have the property eventually. Rebecca believed we could use the house to improve our finances.”
“What did you believe?”
Andrew took a deep breath.
“I wanted it to be true.”
His answer revealed more than any explanation could have.
He admitted that although he’d found stable employment after closing his construction business, he and Rebecca continued spending beyond their income. Their townhouse mortgage, car payments, and household expenses left little room for savings.
My monthly assistance had become part of their budget.
When Charles suggested the family home might eventually belong to Andrew, they began planning. They imagined moving into the larger property, selling their townhouse, and using the proceeds to settle outstanding expenses.
Eventually, they stopped treating the idea as a possibility and began treating it as something they deserved.
“Why didn’t you ask me?” I said.
Andrew looked embarrassed.
“Because I knew you wouldn’t agree.”
The room became quiet.
My son hadn’t misunderstood my wishes. He had simply hoped he could change them.
