I wanted them to grow up remembering warmth, not the price of the decorations.

Brandon asked to spend the holiday morning with us.

The temporary schedule already provided time that afternoon.

I considered the request, then offered a shorter visit before breakfast with Paul present.

That arrangement gave the girls a familiar environment and kept the morning manageable.

Diane objected immediately.

“A father shouldn’t need supervision from his own father.”

“Paul is here because the girls know him well,” I said.