Read bedtime stories.

Stayed beside him whenever he was sick.

To Dustin, Parker was simply Dad.

Until Alana decided to make him question it.

I wrapped my arm around him.

“You did absolutely nothing wrong.”

From downstairs came the sound of suitcases being dragged across the floor.

Then I heard Ellie.

“She’s completely lost it.”

Alana answered confidently,

“Parker will straighten her out.”

I almost went downstairs.

Instead, I stayed beside my son.

Then my phone buzzed.

An audio file had appeared.

Apparently, Ellie’s phone had remained recording downstairs.

At first, I assumed it contained nothing more than our argument.

Then I continued listening.

I heard Ellie’s voice.

“Do you think she believed it?”

I froze.

Alana answered,

“She reacted exactly the way we wanted.”

Then Ellie laughed.

“Good.”

My stomach tightened.

The recording continued.

“Keep making Dustin uncomfortable,” Ellie said. “Eventually he’ll refuse to come here.”

There was a short pause.

Then Alana replied,

“Once he stops coming, Parker can visit without them.”

I stared at my phone.