He didn’t look uncomfortable. He leaned back in his chair and nodded like the arrangement had already been finalized.
“You’re retired, Mom,” he said. “You’ve got plenty of free time.”
Five children surrounded the table—Noah, Ava, twins Parker and Lily, and baby Grace sleeping quietly in her carrier. I adored those children more than anything in the world. Madison knew that. Which was exactly why she used them as leverage.
For three years, I babysat whenever they asked. I skipped book club meetings, delayed doctor appointments, canceled church trips, even gave up a weekend visiting my sister after surgery. I cooked meals, cleaned their kitchen, drove children to soccer practice, bought school supplies, and never once asked them for money.Books & Literature
