I stared at my dad in disbelief. This was the first time I had ever seen him act so assertively in front of Mary.

“Don’t just stand there. Let’s go. I’ll treat you two to a meal,” he said, grabbing his jacket as he prepared to leave.

Mary stood at the door, changing her shoes, clearly wanting to follow us. My dad shot her a sharp look. “You stay at home. And if you cause any more trouble, I’ll divorce you. Take the money your daughter gives you and ...