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“and just say that it proves my point.”
    “Not really. Dad's in love with you. He’d want to have sex with you whether you were pretty or not.”
    Erin’s initial reaction was to be offended, but then she thought through the nuances of what Anna had just said.
    It was almost a miracle. That two people with so many issues with relationships had managed to raise children who understood so deeply, so instinctively, what true love really was.
    How the hell had they accomplished such a miracle?
    “That’s true,” Erin said at last. “And you shouldn’t want to have sex with anyone who doesn’t feel exactly that way about you.”
    “I know, I know.” Anna rubbed her face with her hands. “But I still want guys to think I’m pretty.”
    She sounded so small and wounded that Erin couldn’t resist leaning down to give her a hug. “They will, sweetie. I promise. A lot of men like our kind of looks more than model-type prettiness. But high school guys aren’t always mature enough to recognize it.”
    Anna rolled her eyes. “Yeah. I suppose.” She returned Erin's hug though and didn't try to pull away.
    When she let go, Erin got up, not knowing what else to say. One more thing to worry about--that Anna’s insecurity about her ability to attract men would lead her into seeking approval in ways that weren’t safe or healthy.
    "Dad thinks Mac is prettier."
    Erin gasped and whirled around. "No! No, Anna, he doesn't."
    Anna just stuck her chin out mulishly. An expression exactly like Mackenzie's. And Erin's.
    "You can't really think he does." Erin took a few steps back toward the bed. "He's just been talking about Mackenzie lately because she has the date. He thinks you're every bit as beautiful."
    Anna's face twisted into a half-smile, as if she hadn't been serious. "I know. Don't worry about it."
    That was manifestly impossible. Erin's gut was already churning with concern. She’d have to talk to Seth about this. She could only imagine how pained Seth would be that, in trying to affirm one of his daughter's self-esteem, he'd unintentionally damaged the other's.
    As Erin was leaving the room, Anna said, “Mom.” When Erin turned back, Anna smiled. Her emotions had always been as variable as the weather. “Thanks. I do think you’re pretty, you know.”
    Erin broke into a warm grin, wishing Anna was still young enough to hold in her arms. “Thanks. I think you’re pretty too.”
    ***
    It was almost time for Justin to arrive, and Erin felt like she was ready to fall over.
    Two trials tackled already this evening. One major trial yet to come.
    Seth still had to meet Mackenzie’s date.

Three
     
    Erin paused in the hallway, torn in several different directions. Shaking her head roughly, she finally made up her mind and hurried down the hall to Seth’s office.
    He was probably pacing the floor, waiting for Justin’s arrival.
    She nearly collided with him as she pushed in through his office door. He was on his way out, obviously intent on laying wait so he could ambush poor Justin as soon as he arrived. Seth was wearing one of his more intimidating suits and his favorite blue power tie. In a different context, Erin might have giggled at how seriously Seth was approaching the subject of his daughter’s date.
    But this was Erin’s family, and she wasn’t giggling at the moment.
    “Seth,” she began softly, pushing him back into his office and shutting the door behind her. “We should talk.”
    Seth ran a hand through his hair in obvious impatience. “Can it wait? It’s nearly six o’clock. Assuming the boy can manage to get here on time.
    Erin put a hand on his arm to stop him from brushing past her. “He’s not here yet. And I wanted to talk to you—”
    “I’m going to behave.” Seth’s eyes narrowed with annoyance. “You've already given me your complete set of rules. I don't need yet another lecture. I assure you I have plenty of experience with diplomacy. Not to mention experience in