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times. Pictures of mine and Cassie's wedding adorned the wall, along with pictures of Jennifer and Alex's. Then, there were oodles of pictures of Charlie, some with only her and Cassie, others of her and me, and then a few of the three of us together. It didn't escape my notice that the last family picture we had of the three of us was when Charlie was two.
    Shaking my head, I made my way to the kitchen, promising myself that we would go and have some more taken soon. When I walked through the doorway, I found my father hard at work over the stove, and my mother was peeling carrots.
    “Hey,” I greeted, leaning on the counter across from my mom as she meticulously peeled the bright vegetables. “How did everything go today?”
    Mom laughed. “Well, your daughter has about three hundred pictures to show you from today. Though, I think only seventy are from the zoo. She and Seth were taking pictures of absolutely everything today while he and his mother were over.” She laughed softly. “You should really just arrange their marriage now. I'm pretty sure they're meant to be together.”
    “She's only four and you're already trying to marry her off to the neighbor boy. Nice, Mom,” I teased just as the front door opened and Charlie ran into the room, closely flanked by Jen and Alex, who took a seat at the table.
    I scooped Charlie up in my arms and held her close. “Besides, Charlie is quite sure she doesn't even like Seth.”
    “Oh no, Daddy. Seth is my very best friend now,” she informed me seriously, her eyes as wide as saucers.
    “Is that so? And what made you finally come to this conclusion?” I questioned.
    Charlie smiled brightly. “He shared his cookies before lunch,” she whispered, chancing a glance over at her grandmother to be sure she hadn't heard.
    My mother didn't look up to acknowledge Charlie's pre-lunch snack, but she smiled knowingly as she continued to prepare dinner. “Jack, will you and Charlie be joining us for dinner tonight?” she asked, looking up to meet my gaze.
    “No thanks. I think we're going to try for a quiet family dinner tonight,” I declined politely.
    Mom arched her brow and glanced at me disapprovingly. She shook her head quickly and returned her attention to the vegetables in front of her. “You know, Jack, I'm worried about you two,” she told me.
    I took a deep breath and forced a smile as I looked into Charlie's bright eyes. “Don't, Mom. Not now,” I pleaded, hoping for Charlie's sake that she wouldn't bring up my marital discord with Cassie.
    “I'm sorry, but I am,” she continued.
    I sighed exasperatedly. “Look, everything is fine. I should get Charlie home, though. I'll see you guys tomorrow.” I turned and started for the door.
    I was just putting Charlie's shoes and jacket on when my dad joined us in the doorway. “Son, don't be upset with your mother. We're both concerned. Ever since—”
    “Enough!” I shouted, causing Charlie to jump at the volume of my voice, and her eyes instantly filled with tears. I swept her up into my arms and stood quickly. I narrowed my eyes at my father and clenched my teeth together. “It's really none of your concern.”
    Wrapping her arms tightly around my neck, Charlie buried her face into my shoulder, and I could feel her warm tears seep through the fabric of my shirt. Her quiet sobs soon caused her breathing to shorten as she gasped for air.
    “Shhh, Charlie. Daddy's sorry for yelling.” I turned back to my father. “Look, I have to get her home. I'm sorry.”
    With an unspoken understanding, he nodded as I turned and opened the door. I walked to the Audi and placed Charlie in her seat, strapping her in tight as she swiped at her blotchy red eyes and sucked in an unsteady breath of air.
    I kissed her forehead softly before looking into her eyes. “Baby, I'm sorry for shouting. I didn't mean to frighten you.”
    “I…I know,” she said between sobs.
    I offered her a wide smile and rested my forehead to hers.