Catherine showed Marlissa old photo albums.

"He looks very cute!" Marlissa squealed when her mother-in-law showed her an old photo of a ten-year-old Ryan dressed up for Halloween. "Who is he dressed up as?"

"Indiana Jones -- that's why he became an archaeologist," Catherine replied. "You have never seen the movie?"

"No," Marlissa shook her head.

"I am sure Ryan will make you watch it on your honeymoon," Catherine laughed.

"Who is this?" Marlissa asked, pointing to the young girl dressed as Princess Leia standing next to Ryan.

"That's Megan, my daughter," Catherine sighed.

"Oh... I am sorry."

"It's okay, dear," Catherine said with a weak smile and turned to another page in the photo album.

Marlissa wondered what caused the falling out between Ryan's parents and his sister. She made a point to ask him later about the matter.

They continued to look at photos throughout Ryan's childhood until they stumbled upon one that peaked Marlissa's curiosity. "Who is she? She is very beautiful!"

"That's Dr. Madelaine Pryor," Catherine answered. "She was my assistant for years at the university while working on her doctorate. She is... was..."

"Ryan's fiancée?" Marlissa finished her mother-in-law's sentence.

"Yes," Catherine nodded.

"May I ask what happened?" Marlissa asked.

Catherine stared at her daughter-in-law, not expecting such a question. "I don't think that's a good idea to ask me, dear. You should ask your husband about that..."

"I understand, Mom," Marlissa nodded and flipped to the next page. She or would be a touchy subject to bring up with Ryan so she would not bring it up again.