Sophie’s voice shook.
“There was an entry every birthday.”
Brooke took the notebook.
“Age five.”
She read:
“Sophie called me Dad today.
“Then Lily and Brooke admitted they’d already been calling me Dad at school.
“I cried in the parking lot.
“I hope they never find out how scared I am that one day they’ll decide I’m not really their father.”
My knees weakened.
People around me gasped softly.
Lily took over.
“Age thirteen.”
“Eric called tonight.
“He wants to come back.
“Maybe I’m selfish, but I’m scared.
“Not that the girls will love him.
“I want them to love him if that helps them heal.
“I’m scared they’ll look at him and realize I was only a substitute.”
I bent forward.
My hands were shaking.
On stage, Lily closed the notebook.
Sophie spoke again.
“Dad, you spent our entire lives afraid you were the substitute.”
