#Chapter 21: Step Up!

“I can’t believe you all!” I shout. “You’ve completely tossed aside this baby now that I’m here.” Beau snorts. “Isn’t that the point? We got you to take care of her so we can go about our normal lives?” “No!” I say. “A proper home needs both maleandfemale influences. Children learn separate things from their mother and father. Having both is imperative. Can’t you see that?” “Our mother was barely around,” Steven says softly. “I think we turned out alright.” I’m half tempting to ask if he’s kidding but instead I just snort. I shake my head. “I don’t know where this baby came from—” “And you don’t need to know,” Archer snaps. I gnash my teeth together behind my lips. “But if you care about her, which I think you do, you need to step up,” I shake my head. “You can’t expect me to do this all on my own. I’m only one person. Plus, she needs to develop a bond with you. Or else she’ll forget you ever even were around.” The Hayes brothers all get quiet. They look at each o