cradling him in her arms.

“He has Jake’s nose.”

For a moment, I almost believed she was here just to see her grandson. But as she handed the baby back to me, she dropped the act.

“So,” she said, brushing her hands together.

“When can I expect my money?

I’ve waited long enough.”

I stared at her, holding my baby close. My smile didn’t waver. “Of course, Abigail.

I’ll pay you—on one condition.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“Condition? What condition?”

I walked over to the computer desk we kept in the area between the kitchen and the living room and pulled out a folder I’d prepared earlier.

I’d spent the past few days going through every instance when Jake and I had done something for her.

Every favor, every single dollar we ever spent on her (excluding gifts) was all there in black and white.

“Well,” I said, flipping it open, “since you’re charging us for your services, I figured it’s only fair we do the same.”

I laid the folder on the table and slid it toward her. Abigail leaned over, her face tight with suspicion.

“What is this?” she asked.

“You can think of it as an itemized invoice,” I said, keeping my voice light.

“You know, like professionals do.”

Her face went pale as she grabbed the paper and scanned what I’d written.

“Let’s see,” I began, tapping the paper. “Helping you move houses last year? That’s $800.

That’s cheaper than regular movers, so you can consider it a family discount.

Then, there’s the time we paid for your car repair when your transmission failed. That was $1,200.

And the free babysitting I did for your neighbor’s kids at your request? That’s around $600.”

Abigail’s mouth opened and closed like a fish.

“This is ridiculous!” she finally sputtered.

“You can’t charge me for things family does for each other!”

I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. “Exactly,” I said, my tone sharp. “Family helps each other out without expecting payment.

At least, that’s what I thought.”

She tried to argue, but her words came out jumbled.

“But… but this is different! I had to rearrange my schedule to take care of Rich!”

“And I had to rearrange my entire life to have your grandchild,” I shot back, shrugging.

“So if you want to talk about fair compensation, I think we’re more than even.”

Abigail’s face turned beet red. She stood there for a moment, staring at me like she couldn’t believe what was happening.

Then, without another word, she spun around and stormed out of the house, slamming the door so hard the baby started to fuss.

Jake, who had been watching silently from the kitchen, walked over and shook his head, a small grin tugging at his lips.

“No one should mess with my wife,” he said, wrapping me in his arms and kissing my cheek.

I couldn’t help but laugh as we pulled apart. “You got that right,” I replied teasingly, sinking onto the couch with the baby.

Rich trotted over, his tail wagging, and rested his head on my knee. I scratched his ears, looking down at the little bundle in my arms.

At that moment, I felt at peace.

Abigail might not have learned her lesson, but at least she wouldn’t be bothering us about that $600 again.

And if she ever did, well… I still had the folder.

Let her try me.

Source: amomama