“We’re also covering the down payment on a house for them,” my father announced, as casually as if he were discussing the weather forecast. “Three bedrooms, two baths, beautiful neighborhood over in Maple Heights. They close on it next month.”

Jasmine squealed. Douglas looked appropriately grateful, though I noticed his eyes held a calculating gleam. This was a man who knew exactly how to play the game.

“That’s amazing,” I managed, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears. “Really generous of you both.”

“Well, it’s what parents do,” my mother said, though her eyes didn’t quite meet mine. “We want to give our daughter the best possible start to her married life.”

Our daughter. Singular.