Aria reached out just in time to grab Wanda’s arm. “Enough, enough. Let’s head back. Your father needs his rest. Don’t go acting like some spoiled brat who doesn’t know better.”

She settled Owen down first, then went searching for a cotton ball to clean Wanda’s lip wound herself. But her frustration with Wanda’s lack of grit made her touch decidedly heavy-handed.

Wanda winced, her lips parting in a pained grimace. Frustration bubbled over. “Mom, ...