One of Joseph's rules had been that Miranda should never open their bedroom door without asking his permission. The few times the child had forgotten, Joseph had become enraged and punished her—most times severely. When Zach spotted the pair, he swore under his breath, which convinced Kate he was furious. When he shifted to leave the bed, she reacted instinctively, crying out and grabbing his arm. "No! She didn't mean—" Kate scrambled to her knees, yanking at the folds of her nightgown so she could move. "Don't hurt her! Please! I'll make sure she doesn't do it again!" Miranda fell back against the wall and started to wail. Nosy began to bark. Kate scurried to place herself between her angry husband and her child. Zachariah scotched that plan, seizing her by the shoulders. "You stay put," he ordered in a gravelly voice. "I'll handle this." "No, please…" Kate grabbed his arm with both hands.
