“I want to know what you’re apologizing for.”
“For the picture.”
Marcus shook his head.
“This is bigger than today.”
Vanessa looked down.
“I know.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
“How long have you felt like she wasn’t really part of your family?”
Vanessa’s head snapped up.
“I have never said that.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“That’s unfair.”
Marcus stared at her.
“Amara told me you complain when plans change because she’s coming.”
Vanessa’s face changed.
“I have said things.”
“To an eleven-year-old.”
“Not the way you’re making it sound.”
“How did you say it?”
Vanessa tried to remember.
Marcus waited.
Finally she said, “Sometimes I’m frustrated.”
“With her?”
“With the situation.”
“She can’t tell the difference.”
Vanessa became quiet.
Marcus continued.
“You told Caleb and Zoe a vacation without Amara was your first real family vacation.”
Vanessa closed her eyes.
“I forgot about that.”
“She didn’t.”
That sentence hit hard.
Marcus walked toward the counter.
“How did we get here?”
Vanessa said nothing.
“I thought you loved her.”
“I do care about her.”
Marcus turned.
“That isn’t what I said.”
Vanessa looked hurt.
“Marcus.”
“Do you love her?”
She hesitated.
Marcus saw it.
He nodded.
“Okay.”
“No.”
Vanessa stepped forward.
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Ask me a question that doesn’t have a simple answer and then punish me because I hesitate.”
Marcus stared at her.
Vanessa’s eyes filled.
“I love Caleb and Zoe in a way I do not love Amara.”
Marcus looked away.
“That hurts to hear.”
“I know.”
“But it’s true.”
He remained silent.
Vanessa continued.
“I gave birth to them.”
“I’m aware.”
“You asked me to be honest.”
“I did.”
“I care about Amara. I would protect her. I would never want anything terrible to happen to her.”
“But?”
Vanessa’s voice shook.
“But she has a mother.”
Marcus turned back.
“I never asked you to replace Danielle.”
“I know.”
“Then why does that matter?”
“Because sometimes I don’t know where I fit.”
Marcus frowned.
“You’re my wife.”
“That’s easy for you.”
“No, Vanessa. It is literally your role.”
She shook her head.
“You don’t understand.”
“Then explain it.”
Vanessa looked toward the hallway.
“Every time Amara comes here, Danielle comes with her.”
“That’s not true.”