He closed his eyes for a moment.

“Yes.

I suppose there is.”

He told me about the first time Vanessa had used the grandchildren to force a family decision.

It had been a Thanksgiving dinner seven years earlier.

Mom had wanted to invite Marianne’s new partner; Vanessa disapproved and threatened not to come.

Dad canceled the invitation.

The family had enjoyed what he called a peaceful holiday, except for Marianne, who stayed home with the person she loved.