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“It’s okay, Abby,” Brian said.“Charlie and Morgan are right.”

“We can’t change the past, and at this point, I just want my father in my life,” Abby said.

“Me too,” Morgan said.

Brian looked expectantly at Charlie.

After a moment, Charlie said, “I’m willing to try, but it might take me a little longer.”

“Take all the time you need,” Brian said.“I’m not going anywhere; I plan to make up for the last thirty years.”

Morgan launched into every question she’d thought of since she found out he was alive.She wanted to know his favorite color, what music he enjoyed, and what he did for a living.She needed to find a connection she could build on.Brian answered each question with specificity and details.

They talked for hours until the outside porch light clicked on.

“Do you want to stay for dinner?”Abby asked.“I could make something, although we only have eggs and bacon right now.”

“That’s sweet of you, but I’ll head back to the hotel.I don’t want to overstay my welcome on the first day.”

“Will you come for brunch tomorrow?”Abby asked.

“I’d love to,” Brian said, standing up.The sisters walked him to the door.“Would it be okay if I hugged you all again?”

“Sure,” Morgan said, stepping forward.Abby followed, with Charlie stepping up last.Brian’s expression looked as if he’d won the lottery.

CHAPTER 44

Charlie

When Charlie dressed the next morning, she wore her favorite pink flowered dress.She was happy that she had a good reason to wear it.While Morgan made a vegetable frittata, Charlie arranged bagels, lox, and cream cheese on a platter.Charlie knew her sisters were as overwhelmed as she was since the only sounds in the room were the steady whir of the coffee grinder’s blades crushing the beans into dust and the refrigerator constantly opening and closing.

The women had brought in some of Carla’s things from the garage so they could make brunch special.Although having empty counters worked for home buyers, Charlie felt the room was barren and cold, like she needed a blanket and slippers whenever she wanted a snack.

Abby put the ground coffee in the coffeemaker and hit start.Within thirty seconds, Charlie could smell the coffee brewing, and her mouth watered.

At ten o’clock sharp, when they opened the door to Brian, he smiled warmly.He held a bouquet of white hydrangeas in one hand and a manila envelope in the other.This time, he was dressed in jeans and tennis shoes.Charlie noticed his Nirvana T-shirt.I like this casual father more than the one who was here yesterday.And he has great taste in music.

“It’s me again,” Brian beamed.“You said not to bring anything, but I didn’t want to show up empty-handed.”He gave Charlie the flowers and she thanked him.

“Come on in, breakfast is just about ready,” Morgan said.Since the vases were all in boxes in the garage, Charlie went to grab a tall glass from the cabinet.

On the table was a linen tablecloth the color of lush foliage in an emerald forest, Carla’s best china, and cream linen napkins at the side of each place setting.Silver candlesticks with candles to match the tablecloth sat in the center.

“Is all this for me?”Brian asked.

“No, we’re expecting the President of France,” Charlie said, and Morgan and Abby laughed.

“Cool, I’m honored to get to dine with him.”

Abby brought the platter of bagels in from the kitchen in one hand and the frittata in another.

“Can I help?”Brian said, jumping up.

“Thanks, but this is nothing.I feed four starving kids and a husband three meals a day.I could carry this, do laundry, and walk the dog at the same time.”

Brian sat back down and put his napkin on his lap.“I feel like a king,” he said.

“Then you’ll get along with the French President,” Charlie said.