**The Dale Family**
As soon as the car pulled into the driveway, Daisy Dale practically floated out the front door like a butterfly on a summer breeze.
“Mom, Catherine! You’re back already? Did something—”
Her words froze when she caught sight of Catherine Blair’s red, puffy eyes.
Daisy stopped dead, her face scrunched with worry. “Catherine, are you okay?”
If only she hadn’t asked. The moment Daisy spoke, Catherine was hit by another wave of bitter memories from the Carter family’s place. She could feel the sting of it all over again, bubbling up inside her.
Shirley Carter, ever the practical one, took a deep breath and gently steered Daisy aside. “Let’s get inside first, honey.”
Daisy’s eyes darted back and forth between her mom and Catherine.
One looked like she’d been crying for hours, utterly heartbroken. The other was frowning, visibly annoyed. They were nothing like the optimistic women who’d left earlier.
A pit of dread formed in Daisy’s stomach.
She glanced at them one more time, worry gnawing at her, but decided not to press it. Instead, she followed Shirley into the cozy kitchen.
Daisy poured Catherine a glass of water, setting it gently on the table. “Here, Catherine, have a sip. Or if you want something else, I can grab it for you—maybe some tea? Or I can make you a sandwich?”
But Catherine just shook her head, numb and lost.
Shirley eyed her, her voice a mix of frustration and care. “Crying won’t fix anything, sweetie. If you care this much, why not spend your energy thinking of a way forward instead?”
That finally got a reaction. Catherine looked up, her eyes swimming with fresh tears. “But, Mom… he’s married now. What am I supposed to do?”
Daisy’s big blue eyes went wide as saucers. “Wait, who got married? Ethan?”
Shirley just shot her a look, saying nothing, which was answer enough.


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