Marie sat in the living room watching the clock, and the door to the bathroom where Nicole rushed around in pre-wedded bliss.

A sob pushed itself out of her throat as Marie shut her eyes tight. She squeezed her eyes tighter when a thud from the bedroom upstairs reverberated in the room. A month in County, and three in rehab hadn't changed Bobby's attitude, or habits.

"You don't have to come."

Marie's eyes popped open to see Nicole's beaming face. She was so happy. Marie fought the urge to grimace. "Don't you want me there?"

It was a silly question. Marie knew exactly where Nicole stood on that. Half of the arguments over the past week after Nicole moved back home to prepare had been about that very thing.

The whole idea of moving back was ridiculous. Brant spent half his time there anyway. The money flowed, but it couldn't have irritated Marie more. Brant's sickly sweet charm grated on her nerves. Why couldn't Nicole see how fake it was?

And exactly where did Brant spend the other half of his time?

That was the question that fueled the other half of the arguments.

Marie looked back at the child in front of her. Conflicting images fought for position in her vision.

A ten-year-old on roller blades thrilled to perform acrobatics for the neighbors.

A twelve-year-old wearing tights and a pink tutu as she spun on one delicate toe in a rented auditorium for recital parents.