Melissa smiled.
“And you’re Leah Morgan.”
“I’m trying to get used to it.”
Melissa embraced her.
No jealousy.
No resentment.
Only two women who had both lost seven years to the same web of lies.
Upstairs, Ava called for me.
I found her sitting on the bed.
“Is Mommy here?”
I sat beside her.
“Yes.”
“The real one?”
“Yes.”
She looked nervous.
“Does she want me?”
That question almost destroyed me.
“Oh, sweetheart.”
I pulled her close.
“She crossed half the world and spent seven years trying to get back to you.”
Ava cried into my shirt.
“Why didn’t she?”
“Because some adults made very bad choices.”
“Dad?”
I hesitated.
“Your dad made mistakes.”
“Is he bad?”
“No.”
That answer came easier than expected.
“He was scared and confused. But he loves you.”
“And the other lady?”
“Leah?”
Ava nodded.
“She loves you too.”
“Can I love both?”
I smiled.
