"Sorry, dad," she said softly. "She hurt me too, you know."

"I know." He reached down and put his hand on her shoulder.

"I would have wanted to live with you anyway, but she didn't even try to get me to come with her, just left." She briefly tilted her head to rest against the back of his hand. "So I get mad at me when I sound like her too. I'll try to do better, promise."

"I will too." He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "You're not her, you're much sweeter."

Cassie laughed loudly. "Get the high boots! But can I say something?"

"Go for...