She laughed weakly.
Neither did I, of course, but I’d never expected her to admit it.
Amanda reached for the estimate.
“I’ll cover the cleaning. All of it.”
“You don’t have to pay more than the actual cost,” I said.
“I know. We’ll get the car inspected first. But I gave Lily permission, even if I didn’t understand what I was agreeing to. I should pay for making it right.”
Dad nodded approvingly.
“And there’s something else,” I said.
Amanda looked up.
“Please don’t ever threaten to keep Lily away from me because we disagree. She’s not something you can use to win an argument.”
Her expression grew serious.
“You’re right. I promise I won’t do that again.”
Dad finally put the jewelry box away.
Before he closed it, Amanda gently touched one of the faded flowers.
“Mom kept it even after I ruined it,” she murmured.
“She didn’t consider you ruined,” Dad replied. “That’s the difference.”
