PART 3 The courthouse smelled like wet coats, old paper, and coffee that had been burned for too many hours.

Lily.

At dinner, she asked him, “What are your intentions with our mother?”

Owen nearly choked on his water.

Savannah covered her face.

Amelia whispered, “She practiced that.”

Grace added, “In the mirror.”

Owen set down his glass and answered seriously.

“My intention is to earn trust slowly, respect your family completely, and never assume I belong in a chair continue reading …