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“She admitted you didn’t know she was pregnant with me when she left,” Abby said.“I’m your daughter.”

“That makes me so happy, Abby,” Brian said.“I can’t believe I was looking for two daughters and found three.”

“Mom hid a lot from all of us,” Morgan said.

“I’m a parent,” Abby said, “I know it would destroy me if I couldn’t see my kids.”

“I have grandchildren?”Brian asked.

“You have four,” Abby said.

“Oh wow,” Brian said, “I’ve always wanted grandchildren.”

“Be careful what you wish for,” Charlie said, and Abby lightly elbowed her.

“I’ve been thinking about something since we last talked, and I want to run it by you all,” he said.“Please feel free to say no if it’s too much.How would you guys feel if I flew out there to see you?”

Abby looked at Morgan and Charlie, but before any of them could say anything, Brian blurted out.“No problem.If you’re not comfortable, it’s okay.I don’t want to intrude.”

“We would be thrilled to have you come here,” Abby said.

“Really?”he said, and Abby could hear the smile in his voice.“That’s great.I’ll get a plane reservation and let you know when I’ll be there.”Brian exhaled as if he’d been underwater and had come up for air.

They all said goodbye, and Abby hit the button to hang up.

“I guess we’re no longer orphans,” Charlie said.“Unless he comes and realizes he doesn’t like us.”

“That’s impossible, we’re all likable,” Morgan said.“Except maybe Abby—he’s never met her.”

Abby couldn’t help but laugh.“We have a dad!”Abby said.

CHAPTER 43

Morgan

Four days later, Morgan awoke before the sun came up.She tried to go back to sleep but knowing that her father would be there that afternoon made her whole body vibrate with anticipation, nerves, and anxiety.She hoped she wouldn’t throw up.She put on her best sundress and cleaned the house, even though they had someone come in and do a deep cleaning a few days before.Dusting kept her mind busy.

When the doorbell rang, Abby and Morgan jumped up as if they had just won the lottery.Charlie followed slowly behind.

When they got to the front door, Charlie held up her hand.“We have no idea who this man really is.You two need to calm down.”

“Screw that,” Abby said, flinging the door open.

Brian stood on the doorstep in nice black slacks and a white button-up shirt.

“Hi,” he said, “If I got the address right, I’m your father.”He ran his fingers through what little hair he had left.He had wisps of light brown on the sides of his head but was completely bald on top, and he had lines on his face from a hard life.Morgan remembered a more youthful father, with all his hair and no wrinkles etched around his eyes.The last time he saw me, I was so young; I looked different, too,she thought.

“I’m Morgan.”

“And I’m Charlie or Charlotte.”

Abby stepped forward.“I’m Abby, the one you placed in a womb but never knew.”

“It’s so nice to meet all of you,” Brian said, then turned to Abby.“My grandmother’s name was Abby.Carla loved her, and she adored Carla.”

“Really?I was named after someone?”Abby said.

“Would it be okay if I hugged you all at some point?”Brian asked.