Robert stepped into the kitchen, his face pale.

I tapped the paper. “House rules. Rent is due the first Friday of every month by 5:00 PM — two thousand dollars for the two of you. Utilities split three ways.

Everyone does their own laundry. The kitchen is off-limits after 9:00 PM. Overnight guests require forty-eight hours’ written notice. And if either of you touches my office equipment again, you’ll be on the curb in five minutes.”

Madison let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “You can’t charge us rent. This is Dad’s house.”

“No,” I said, my voice ringing with finality. “It’s our house. My name is on the deed, and seventy percent of the down payment came from the sale of my condo.”

Robert looked as if he might be sick. “Laura, don’t do this now,” he pleaded softly.