Contents
Chapter 60
Overview
At Teddy’s sixth birthday, Naomi arrives early despite Jeremy’s instructions, sparking tension. Veronica intervenes to keep the peace so Teddy can enjoy his day. Privately, Veronica opens the DNA results and learns with near certainty that she is Teddy’s biological mother. This revelation upends the custody conflict and Veronica’s identity.
Summary
Veronica narrates Teddy’s sixth birthday, noting his nonstop joy and the extravagance Jeremy orchestrates, which she interprets as overcompensation for the divorce. She reflects on Dominic’s missed birthday and braces for DNA results she expects will confirm Teddy is not her child.
As guests arrive early, Veronica hosts while sensing disapproval from some parents. At noon, Naomi appears despite Jeremy’s repeated instruction to come at one. Tension flares as Jeremy moves to eject Naomi, and Teddy begs for his mother to stay.
To preserve Teddy’s happiness, Veronica intervenes, inviting Naomi to remain and directing her to the food, defusing the immediate conflict. During the party chaos, Veronica receives an email that the DNA results are ready and retreats to the master bedroom to view them in private.
After login hurdles, she opens the report and finds a maternity probability of 99.9999998%. Contrary to her expectations and fears about Dominic, the test confirms that Teddy is Veronica’s biological son. The chapter ends with Veronica absorbing the life-altering revelation amid the still-ongoing birthday celebration.
Who Appears
- Veronica (Ronnie)Narrator; hosts Teddy’s party, averts a scene with Naomi, and learns via DNA that she is Teddy’s mother.
- TeddyBirthday boy turning six; overjoyed at the party and wants his mother to stay.
- JeremyTeddy’s father; orchestrates an extravagant party and tries to bar Naomi for arriving early.
- NaomiTeddy’s legal mother; arrives early against instructions, nearly causing conflict, allowed to stay by Veronica.