“Because he’s older, Claire!

Because he can talk and dress himself, and because Joanie already loves him to death!” Peter burst out in desperate frustration.

“The newborn twins can’t exactly pack their own bags and go live in another town, Claire, be realistic!”

“Neither could Austin, Peter, until you and your mother spent a whole week brainwashing him into thinking he was a burden we couldn’t afford,” I fired back fiercely.

Peter looked up, his bloodshot eyes swimming with tears as my words struck home.