Chapter 19

"Never saw my father so mad after you left. He really went off on Abigail. When Mom tried to step in, he went off on her. He was like a mad man. Everyone thought he get over it but he didn't. It went on all summer. It was abuse, mental abuse. Finally, I think, to save the family, Abigail gave in. Jessie might know more but she has never said anything to me. Her marrying Ranger was a bad deal from the start. It never seemed right. But you know Ranger was an asshole from the get go. I know one thing. I have never in 15 years seen Abigail so happy as she is now. I don't know what you're doing." At that, Joey laughed and said, "But keep doing it."

"I plan to," and they both laughed.

Abigail and Karen came back just as they finished. "I see you two hit it off," Karen said. "What is so funny?"

Joey kissed Karen. "Nothing, babe."

Abigail said she wanted to show Hayden something in the house, so they headed that way. They entered and headed up the stairs into her parents' room. Hayden was a l