Julia pulled back.
"For what?"
"For not finding you."
Her eyes filled.
"You didn't know."
I began crying harder.
She hugged me again.
Across the table, Catherine wiped her tears.
"I loved her, Mara."
I looked at her.
"I know."
She swallowed.
"I still do."
I reached for her hand.
"That doesn't have to change."
Then Emily came toward us.
She looked at Julia.
Two young women.
Born days apart.
Raised in different homes.
Connected by a decision neither of them had made.
Emily smiled through tears.
"I guess our family just got complicated."
Julia laughed.
And for one beautiful moment, all four of us held each other.
***
That moment ended when Detective Collins called.
Her voice sounded urgent.
"Mara, we located a former employee of Cedar Vale."
My heart quickened.
"Does she know where Zane is?"
"Not yet."
A pause.
"But she's provided information about the maternity program."
I sat down.
