“Thank you for your patience.”
“Thank you for being you.”
“Uh…” She scrunched her nose. “You’re welcome?”
When Ryan stopped in front of the big, white house, her stomach flipped again. She had no idea how she’d be received today, especially since she didn’t tell them she was coming. How could she stay away now that she knew the truth? They were right, and she had to admit that to them, and she’d have to listen to them call the only mother she’d ever known a murderer. She had to agree with them and console them in their grief over Theresa and the baby Bailey had been all those years ago when they lost her.
Despite her feelings about Nicole, this was her family, and she wanted them to be a part of her life. She took a deep breath and stepped out of the car when Ryan opened the door for her. He had been so gentle with her, and she tried not to let it bother her. She hated being treated like a weakling, but after her outburst and the breakdown that followed, she understood why he needed to be careful with her. She vowed to make it up to him when she got herself in order.
They stepped up onto the large porch steps, taking them one at a time, hand in hand until they reached the door. Ryan pushed the doorbell, and they waited. Waited for someone to open the door to Bailey, the long-lost daughter who’d come home after living the last twenty-eight years with murderers.
When Linda opened the door, she had a faint smile. Faint was an understatement, maybe more of a fake smile. Clearly, they hadn’t waited long enough. Maybe she should have given them time to gain some perspective.
“Hello, Bailey…and Ryan. We weren’t expecting you.”
“I hope it’s okay,” Bailey said. “I wanted to talk—work some things out and let you know what I’ve learned.”
“Of course.” Linda smiled again, and it seemed a little more genuine this time. “This is your home now, too. You can come home whenever you like.”
“Thank you,” Bailey said with as much sincerity as she could gather under the circumstances.
Linda swung the door wide and let them in. Once inside, Bailey thought the air was too still, too sad—as if the house itself was in mourning. Alex was sitting on the large leather sofa with a glass of amber liquid in his hand. She hadn’t seen him drink much since she’d known him, but she understood why he needed it today. Hopefully, he hadn’t had too much. She needed him at his best for what she was about to tell him.
“Hi,” Bailey said when he turned his head to look at her.
He smiled and stood, approaching her.
“I’m sorry,” Bailey said, wanting to be the first.
Alex’s eyes lowered, and his smile turned sad. “Wow,” he whispered. “I don’t deserve that, but I appreciate the gesture.” He finally lifted his eyes to meet hers. “I’m sorry.”
Bailey nodded. “I have some news I thought you’d want to know.” She glanced at Ryan, and he smiled in encouragement. “I wanted you to hear it from me.”
Alex’s eyes glowed with intensity, and Bailey really wanted to know what he was thinking.
“May we…” She gestured toward the sofa.
Alex grimaced. “Of course. I’m sorry. Come in, sit down. Maybe we have—”
“Yes,” Linda said. “Coffee? I actually just brewed a pot.”
“Yes, thank you,” Ryan and Bailey said at the same time.
Bailey sat down with Ryan on her right. Her father sat across from her, his eyes still sorrowful.
“Bailey, I’m truly sorry for the way I acted.” He sipped from his glass, and it looked like he needed the liquid encouragement. “I didn’t take things well, and I’m afraid I took that out on you.” He glanced up at Ryan. “And you, too, Ryan—you and your father.”
“It’s understandable,” Ryan said.
Alex shook his head. “It’s unforgivable.” He ran a hand through his salt and pepper hair. “I finally have my daughter back, and I screw things up.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Bailey said. “I don’t want you to tiptoe around me. You won’t lose me again if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Alex’s brow rose, and he started to talk but was interrupted when Linda came in, carrying a carafe of fresh coffee. She set it down with a small tray of creamer and sugar.
“You’re very forgiving,” Alex said.
“Of course, I am.” Bailey leaned forward, getting closer to her father. “You’re my dad, and I want you in my life. It won’t always be on my terms, nor on yours, but that’s okay. We won’t always see eye-to-eye, and that’s okay, too.”
He closed his eyes. “I wish things were different.”
“Me, too, but mostly, I wish I didn’t have to sit here and tell you that you were right about everything.”
He looked up sharply. “What are you talking about?”
“My uncle confessed to the FBI. In addition to that, Agent Sharpe has a letter written by Helen and addressed to me. It was a confession,” Bailey said.
“I knew about the letter. It was Nicole. That’s why she was arrested,” he said. “I didn’t know about your uncle, though. We have an appointment to meet with Agent Sharpe tomorrow. That must be why.” Alex’s eyes misted over. “Did he tell you what happened? Agent Sharpe?”
“No, but my uncle did,” Bailey said. “They’d been out drinking. Ernie was driving. He was lost and confused and didn’t see Theresa until after he’d hit her. I was unharmed in the accident. Patrick said he thought Theresa must’ve pushed the stroller out of the way when she saw the car coming toward her. Once they realized Theresa was gone, Helen decided to take me with them. She saw an opportunity and took it.”
Ryan took her hand and squeezed it.
“Helen couldn’t have children of her own, not that it makes what they did okay,
