His Penny-Pinching, My Power

continued. It became my sm

m," I' d say cheerfully w

tie. Let' s go see if Uncl

jaw. He hated it, but he couldn' t call me out on it without admitting why t

It was his mother, Eleanor Anderson. She swept into the house, wearing a pearl necklace and a look of deep disapproval.

a word," she said, her v

her, looking smug.

e," I said, my tone drip

aking your daughter call him 'Uncle.' What is that about? Are you trying to poison your child agai

oulder and looked Elean

difficult C-section and then immediately demand she pay f

cond. "He told me about your little arrangement. Fi

tricity, and not contribute a single dollar? Does a father send his wife itemized bills for diaper cream while her parents are the ones buying all the g

y. Eleanor' s mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out. My mother, who had bee

hadn't cooked a meal, washed a dish, or done a load of laundry since we' d arrived. My parents had borne th

changed her tactic. She softened her expressi

yrupy. "A new baby is a lot to handle. Tom is busy with his career, trying

hing Tom is doing for this fam

g. "If you' re so desperate for help, I' ll step in. I will move in and help you with

erfect, Mom! See, Sarah? My mom is willing to h

cornered. She would move in, take over, and report my every move back

er, Eleanor," I said slowly,

e. I' ll go pack a bag. I can

u understand that my time is valuable. I can' t just do this for free. I have my own expenses. I' ll

s a great deal, Sarah. Way ch

ts' house for free and help with a grandchild she had, until this moment, shown zero

greedy gaze wit

ight? Since we' re putting a price on everything, I' ll just draw up a detailed expense sheet. That way, w

hint of confusion and suspicion. They didn' t know what I w