Page 155

CHAPTER 66

APRIL

The room is perfect.

I’ll be sending Kat an enormous bouquet. She’s been messaging, hoping everything goes well, and trying to arrange another girls' night.

I walk up to the large windows that overlook manicured gardens. The large sofas are positioned opposite each other, and plumped-up cushions offer a homely vibe. My stomach churns as the moments tick by.

What the hell was I thinking? Why am I doing this?

I turn to face Cal, who is standing quietly near the door. My heart stutters as it always does when I see him. I can’t believe he is here with me, is supporting me. That he loves me.

I take a step towards him, as a knock resounds on the door. We both freeze, our eyes darting towards the sound.

“Come in,” Cal calls.

Miriam, the hotel manager, pops her head into the room. “Your guests have arrived. Would you like me to show them in?”

His eyes move to mine, as do Miriam’s. I straighten my shoulders and raise my chin.

“Yes, please,” I say, my fingers plucking at the material of my dress.

Cal walks towards me, holding out his hand. I intertwine our fingers and appreciate when he gives them a gentle squeeze.

“You’ve got this,” he whispers, moving to my side as the door opens.

A woman enters, followed by a tall, slender man. The woman stops in her tracks, her eyes locking on mine, her mouth twisting, before a hand comes up to cover it.

It’s my turn to gasp, my other hand coming around my front to grip Cal’s arm.

“I know you,” I whisper, earning a sideways glance from Cal, his expression confused.

“April,” the woman who gave birth to me whispers, stepping forward. When I make no move towards her, she pulls up short. The man steps up to her, placing an arm around her shoulder.

“I know you, Sarah. How is that possible?” I say, my brain whirling with hurt and confusion. How and why? Understanding dawns in her eyes.

She nods, her bottom lip disappearing beneath her top teeth.

“You used to come to dance recitals,” I say. “You were there.”

I can sense Cal’s confusion next to me, but the squeeze of my fingers lets me know I am not alone. He has already told me that if I want to leave, I can. I’m in control.

Tim’s arm tightens around Sarah’s shoulders.

“I did,” she says, her chin dropping, but her eyes never leaving mine.

“Did Di know?” I ask, hoping and praying she says no.

“She did. It was Di who suggested it.” Her words shoot a lance of pain through my chest. Di knew my birth mother was there and never told me. Cal’s arm comes up around me and I realise I must have swayed into him.

“It’s not what you think,” Sarah’s voice pleads. “I contacted her through the agency. Asked to meet you. You told them you didn’t want to see me.” Her tone is desperate, and she holds up her hands towards me. “Please, April. You were twelve, and you’d just moved in with Di and Julian. I didn’t blame you; your life was in turmoil. I just wanted--”

Her voice catches and I find myself frozen to the spot. My thoughts racing… too many questions.

“I’m sorry, I can’t do this.” I pull out of Cal’s arms and make my way past Sarah and Tim, neither tries to stop me, but I can’t miss the look of devastation on Sarah’s face.

I turn the handle and step out into the corridor, pleased we are away from the reception area and the prying eyes of other guests.