“Just say the word, Dad.

Say the word and I will go handle her myself.” “Please, not here,” Chloe whispered, always the one trying to keep the peace, twisting her hands.

Daisy simply stood frozen, staring across the room at the mother she had never known, spreading lies about the father who was the only parent she had.

I took one firm step toward Laura and her audience, the anger finally winning, and Samantha caught my arm.

“Not yet, Dad,” she murmured.