“Am I doing something bad,” Hannah asked, “by reminding you about Mom?” I took both of her cold hands in mine.

“You have done absolutely nothing wrong,” I said, and I made my voice as firm and certain as I have ever made it.

“Nobody will ever punish you for being Rebecca’s daughter.

Not ever.” Her lower lip trembled.

“Pamela said you’d agree with her after the wedding,” she whispered.

“Because husbands are supposed to choose their wives.” I stood, and I picked her flower basket up off the floor.

“You are coming outside with me right now,” I told her.