“I know.’ she nodded. “But please forgive me if I have ever offended you. I didn’t mean it that way. Please, forgive me and Lake too. He didn’t have a choice and I would like you to hear him out. He loved you so much, he would do anything to keep you safe. If you still hate me, which I can’t force your feelings to like me yet, do it for him. Everything going on in this house should be because of him. And second, I’m not taking him away from you. He is still going to be the same lake you know and…the best father in the world…”

My...