The aunt raised an eyebrow. The two friends’ expressions—one skeptical, one defensive—made Maggie think there was an old argument behind their exchange.

“You’re handling your responsibilities,” Thomas continued. “Linnie isn’t.”

“She just … can’t,” Sam said.

“She might be able to if she got the proper help. Not your kind. Professional help.”

A short laugh. “With what money?”

“You know I’d chip in.”

“Again? I don’t want you to.”

“This isn’t about what you want. It’s about Linnie and what she needs. You’ve set her up as a kind of mission, like if you’re patient enough and supportive enough, you’ll erase all those years she spent in foster care.” Thomas dropped his gaze and traced a gouge in the table with his thumb. “Sometimes I think this has to do with your mom passing away.”

Sam flared his eyes. “Thanks for the insight, Dr. Blake.”

Aunt Wren, in an obvious effort to ease the tension, said lightly, “Technically, he is a doctor.” To Maggie: “Thomas teaches at Allenport College.”

“History,” Sam said. “Not psychology. I don’t need a therapy session.”

“Everyone could benefit from therapy,” Mom said.

Maggie felt her mother looking at her but pretended she didn’t.

“Especially Linnie,” Thomas muttered. “Therapy, rehab, something, for Pete’s sake.”

Sam shook his head, defeated. “Linnie’s troubles are beside the point. I have to consider what Kate needs. She needs her parents. Both of them. A child deserves that. I’m just trying to make it happen.”

Mom shrugged. “Well, that’s true enough.”

At the same time, Sam’s father and Aunt Wren shook their heads. “Not in this case,” Thomas said.

The aunt cut her sister a sardonic glance. “You don’t really think that.”

Mom straightened. “Believe in the benefits of a child having two loving parents? Absolutely, I do. And I’m sure I have the backing of countless studies.”

“Loving is the operative word,” Thomas said.

“Linnie loves Kate,” Sam said sharply.

“Linnie’s a poor wreck,” Aunt Wren said. “Listen. More than anything, Kate needs stability. What she’s got now is not stable.” She threw up her hands. “Do you want to know how Kate will make out living in a precarious situation, living with constant trouble? She’ll grow up scared and sad and angry. She’ll grow up thinking about fighting or fleeing. She’ll grow up trying to get away.” She rapped the table with a knuckle. “She’ll grow up like I did.”

Mom’s mouth dropped open.

Her color hectic, Aunt Wren glared at her sister. Then she looked away and pressed her lips together.