"I've had limits imposed ever since the boat," I quietly assure Skinny, as if that's a guarantee I'm not about to do anything mad or stupid or both. My smile turns even more distant and fond as I reach up to ruffle Sophie's hair back from her sunscreened neck. "I'd never leave them alone. I couldn't."

Not after I did it to three other children, somewhere else.

"I hear starfish are good for you," I offer cheerfully. "Good luck."

"Daddy, I changed my mind," she said, confiding. "Uncle Skinny has to be the Princess, kay! And you can be the Prince!"

"I know a lot of people who won't like that, sweetie," I tease with a grin. "Most of them who know how bad your Uncle Skinny looks in pink taffeta."