Chapter 78

SCOTT

Dad looked at Mom. "Sandra?" A plea of I don't know what.

"Twenty strokes of the paddle, Dan. Hard. Don't spare them. Then we don't speak of it again and we let it continue, as is. We may take issue with it, but at least they're not doing anything they'll get arrested for. I almost prefer this to them fighting and not getting along. Don't know as if people have much control over who they love."

"If I do," Dad said, "it means you too, Scott. You're not getting out of a good deserved whipping because you're not a slave."

Hell, I was happy they planned to continue speaking to me and weren't seeking an end to it.

"I won't argue the point. I don't feel as if I'm doing something sinful, but I know you might not feel the same about it. I'll take whatever you think is fair."

"Done." He shook my hand and hugged my sister. Mom h