But he believed that ownership meant freedom, especially for a daughter who might someday be told to make herself smaller.

He died when I was twenty-three.

At the time I was grieving, finishing college, and trusting my father’s friend to handle the paperwork.

My aunt Janice helped me through the funeral.

Kyle and I wouldn’t meet for another three years.

By the time we married, I believed Dad’s assets had been consumed by estate expenses and taxes.

Kyle said he’d consulted someone who confirmed it.

I had no reason to suspect otherwise.