“You can sit in the library. I’ll go get her and then bring in some refreshments.”
“Thanks, Mama Carter,” Jo said. She kissed Evan’s mom on the cheek. She motioned them to follow her down the hall.
It was strange to think Mrs. Carter would soon be Jo’s mother-in-law. Sometimes, Michelle couldn’t believe they were adults. It seemed like yesterday they had been throwing slumber parties and remarking on who was cute or not. Now, they all had adult issues and problems. Adulting was hard.
Chloe sat down on the sofa, anxiously looking at the doorway. Michelle motioned to Jo and they sat down in the chairs by the window, further away.
“Why are we sitting over here?” Jo whispered.
“She’ll want privacy if it goes well. If not, we’ll be here if needed.”
“Good point.”
Michelle tensed as the echo of high heels reverberated in the hall. A moment later, a young woman walked into the room. Her dark brown hair hung past her shoulders. Her skin was pale and smooth with a youthful look. She almost looked like a teenager. Michelle stared at her, searching for a resemblance.
“They kind of have the same chin and eyes,” Jo whispered.
“That’s what I thought.”
Chloe stood up and walked forward. “Hi. I heard you were looking for me.”
The young woman stared at her, a look of shock on her face. “Are you...are you...I mean are you my sister?”
Chloe crossed her arms. “It’s possible. I’m Chloe.”
“Jamie,” the girl murmured. “I’m Jamie Davenport.”
Chloe offered a shy smile. “Nice to meet you, Jamie.”
Jamie looked at her and then smiled. She lurched forward and wrapped Chloe in a hug. “I’m so excited. I’m sorry I was so quiet, but I didn’t expect you to have any family resemblance, but you do. You have our chin. And...and I feel like I’m looking into my own eyes. How did you find out about us? Where have you been? Why all the secrecy?”
Chloe glanced at them, a look of panic in her eyes. Michelle laughed. She couldn’t help it. Nervous chatter seemed to run through the Davenport family tree.
Jamie noticed them and stopped talking. “Hello, I didn’t realize anyone else was in here.”
Michelle walked forward. “We’re just here for moral support. We can leave if you’d like.”
“Oh, no, that’s okay. I’m Jamie.” She waved a hand. “Of course, you probably heard me say that already.”
“Nice to meet you, Jamie. I’m Michelle and this is my friend, Jo.”
Jo exchanged a greeting.
Jamie turned back to Chloe. “I don’t understand. Why didn’t my dad say anything about you?”
“I think he’s ashamed.”
Jamie’s brow wrinkled. “Why?”
“Well, he and my mom were in high school when my mom got pregnant. Plus, my mom is African American.”
If it was possible, Jamie’s brow wrinkled further. How could someone so young be able to wrinkle their forehead like that?
“Are you saying my dad’s a racist?” The confusion in her voice would have been laughable if not for the damage and rejection Chloe had already been through.
Chloe took a deep breath. “You have to understand I know nothing about him. I only recently found out his name. All the information I have is on hearsay.”
“And they’re saying he’s a racist?”
“More like your grandparents are.”
“Our grandparents,” Jamie proclaimed.
Chloe blinked. Michelle could feel the tension radiating from her friend, so she stepped forward. “Jamie, my friend was raised by her grandmother. Her mother’s mom. Her mother never told anyone who the father was except for a high school friend. This friend said the Davenports...your grandparents forbade him to have any dealings with Chloe’s mom. We only have the friend’s account, since Chloe’s mom is unavailable to talk to.”
Jamie slumped. “I can’t believe he’s a racist...or worse a coward. Who’s still racist in this day and age?”
The girl looked so heartbroken. Michelle was thankful that strides were being made in America, but it didn’t mean racism had been completely eradicated.
Jamie swallowed and looked at Chloe. “Well, I don’t care. If you are indeed my sister, then that’s who you are, no matter the color of your skin.”
Chloe nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. “Well, your dad didn’t want to do a DNA test.”
“Who cares.” She rolled her eyes. “Wait a minute,” she said, a sparkle lighting her dark brown eyes. “Can’t they figure it out using my DNA?”
“Yes, they can.” Michelle looked at Chloe. “It’s happened before when a kid is trying to prove who their parents are without having their maternal or paternal DNA.”
“Great. Then I’ll give you my DNA, a hair or spit, however it’s done so we can find out.” Jamie looked back and forth between Chloe and her.
Chloe smiled. “Thank you, Jamie.”
“Sure thing, big sis.”
Chloe laughed and then hugged the girl again.
Thank You, God for working that out for good.
GUY STARED OUT AT THE lake as a cool breeze blew the trees gently, making them appear to dance upon the lake’s reflection. Fortunately, summer hadn’t kicked into full gear yet. It was just as well, if Guy had to deal with his emotions on top of an Indian summer, he’d probably snap. It was bad enough seeing Michelle earlier. She had looked beautiful, exquisite even, but he just couldn’t look at her the same.
He was heartbroken.
She had taken a life. His child’s life and he never had a say in it. He hadn’t had a chance to object. To convince her she could be a mother. A good one at that. His girls certainly loved her.
He stood up, pacing back and forth in front of the bench, trying to rid himself of excess tension. All he could hear in his mind were the words “I had an abortion.” The more he heard it, the angrier he got. The angrier he got the more his heart seemed to break into two. How could this have happened? Why did You allow this, Lord? I don’t get it.
Guy ran a hand down his face and sat back down on the bench. Their
