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The hairs on the back of Fallon’s neck stood up. She was about to speak when Savannah charged forward.

“Yes,heragain. I can have who I want in my own home, Forrest. Not even you can control that, despite what you might think.”

Forrest snorted and shook his head. “She’s a bad influence on Brinley.”

“I am?” Fallon moved in closer, flanking Savannah. “I think both of you are. You’re arguing so loud, and don’t think that Brinley can’t hear every single word that you’re saying.” It wasn’t quite the truth, but it was truth enough. Fallon wouldn’t have it any other way. They needed to understand what they were doing to their daughter.

“You’re right,” Savannah murmured, pulling back.

“You don’t have a place here.” Forrest doubled down.

“She has a place here if I say she does,” Savannah reared right back up, her hands balling into fists. “You won’t dictate who I can have in my life.”

“I can dictate who’s in my daughter’s.”

“Not while she’s under my roof.” Savannah plowed back.

The ping-pong match was back, and Fallon now had a front row seat, something she didn’t want. She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. This was so much like when she was a kid. She couldn’t make either of them see and understand her. But they had to realize how much this was hurting Brinley.

“You need to stop,” Fallon said, but her words fell on deaf ears.

“We’ll see about that!” Forrest yelled. “If I have to take you back to court for full custody, then I will.”

“Then do it, Forrest. Stop threatening, and just do it.” Savannah squared her shoulders, raised up to her full height, and she wasn’t going to back down. Fallon could tell that in an instant. She was ready to fight, and Fallon had never seen her this prepared before.

“I think you two need to have this conversation outside or quieter where Brinley can’t hear you.” Fallon was going to double down on this as much as she could. Brinley didn’t need to know about the arguments between her parents. She didn’t need to know what the problem was. She was nine. She needed and deserved to be protected.

“Shut up!” Forrest yelled.

“Get out,” Savannah growled. “Leave. Now.”

Fallon had never heard Savannah sound like that. All the happiness that she swore was in Savannah’s veins was nowhere to be found, and she was the star of the show fighting right now. She was standing her ground and holding her own with him. Fallon stayed half a step behind Savannah, not sure where she should go.

Leave?

Or go back with Brinley?

“Get out, Forrest. You don’t need to be here. I don’t want you here. I won’t tell you again before I call the cops.” Savannah stayed, her feet planted.

Forrest looked at her, stunned. Had she never stood up to him like this before? Savannah stepped forward, forcing Forrest to take a step back. “You’ll pay for this.”

“I told you to leave.” Savannah stated firmly.

Savannah closed the door as he backed up, locking it immediately. She leaned against it and closed her eyes. Fallon wasn’t sure what to do. Once again she was frozen in place, confused about whether or not she needed to leave or stay or what exactly was expected of her. Surely Brinley could hear the calm, the difference from five minutes ago to now. What would she think?

“I’m going to talk with Brinley,” Savannah said, her shoulders rounded in defeat.

“I’ll just…” Fallon trailed off and stopped. She had no clue what to do. She was never very good at this. Her mother used to leave her alone after the arguments and the beatings.

“Please stay.” Savannah folded her hand into Fallon’s. “I want to talk to you when she’s asleep, but I don’t think we’ll manage before then.”

“Right.” Fallon drew in a deep breath. “I’ll make something to eat. Since I’m sure we’ll be up late.”

“That’ll be helpful. Thanks.” Savannah nodded and took a step, but she didn’t let go of Fallon’s hand. “Do you promise you’ll be here when I come out?”

Fallon stayed still, not quite sure what to say. Had Savannah sensed her fear and her retreat? Was she worried that Fallon would slip out into the night and not come back? Because she wouldn’t lie, the thought had occurred to her.

“Fallon?”