My son said, “My wife thinks you’re a burden. And honestly… I agree.” I said, “Good to know.” That night, I quietly made one decision. But at Sunday dinner, looked at my son, and said one thing that turned the whole table silent.

“You can’t throw us out of Parker’s house.”

I looked directly at her.

“This isn’t Parker’s house.”

Silence.

“I purchased this property five years before Parker and I married. My name is on the deed.”

Her expression immediately changed.

Then she pointed toward Dustin.

“You’re creating a family crisis because a child didn’t get fried chicken?”

“No.”

I took Dustin’s hand.

“This became something much bigger when you decided a seven-year-old should feel unwelcome around his own family.”

Alana rolled her eyes.

“You’re overreacting.”

“Maybe you think so.”

I checked the time.

“One hour and fifty-eight minutes.”

Then Dustin and I went upstairs.

Behind us, Ellie shouted,

“I’m calling Parker!”

I stopped on the stairs.

“He’s going to hear exactly what you’ve done!”

I turned around.

“Please call him.”