Chapter 1: The Bargain at the Kitchen Sink

When my older sister died, she left behind two little kids who still ask for her at bedtime.

The clatter of silverware sounded too loud with her chair empty. Every memory—faded photos on the mantle, laughter that seemed too quiet—cut deep. Our family was never meant to be this broken, not in Flagstaff, not anywhere.

Mom begged me to marry my brother-in-law as his second wife.

She tried to sound practical—"help keep the kids in the family, keep our branches close"—but she couldn't hide the rawness in her voice, or the way she wrung her hands raw at the kitchen sink.

My stomach twisted. I wanted to laugh, or maybe scream, but all I did was stare at the water spots on the counter. I didn’t sugarcoat it and asked straight up: "Caleb’s a handful. If he acts up, am I allowed to discipline him? Just so we’re clear."

Mom opened her mouth, closed it, then nodded quickly. "Of course you can."

Her answer was too eager, almost a sigh of relief. In our family, discipline had always been hands-on—never cruel, but clear. I think she hoped my firmness might set things right where her worry only added to the chaos.

"Natalie is sensitive—if she messes up, can I scold her?"

I kept my tone even, but inside I was already picturing Natalie’s big, searching eyes, so much like my sister’s when we were kids.

"No problem."

Mom’s words came fast, but she avoided my gaze. Maybe she knew how hard this would be for a six-year-old girl, losing her mother and being handed a new one without warning.

Finally, I said, "And my brother-in-law? I’ve always found him annoying—can I smack him?"

Mom wiped her brow. "That, you’ll have to ask your mother-in-law. He’s not my kid, after all…"

She managed a weak smile. We both knew there was no right answer for that one.