“I know, and I appreciate it.”
“Here. Today’s mail came, and seeing as how you don’t have a forwarding address yet, I wanted to make sure you had everything before you took off.” She handed Molly a large envelope.
Molly turned it over and looked at the return address. Napa Valley, California. Her errant father had surfaced on a day other than her birthday or Christmas? That was odd.
“I’ve got to get back inside. I’m working on an ad to place in the paper to rent your apartment.” Anna Marie spoke matter-of-factly, but her words only added to the knot in Molly’s stomach.
“You were a wonderful landlady, neighbor and friend.” Molly enfolded the other woman in a hug. “Thanks for everything.”
“You keep in touch, Molly Gifford. I hope you find what you’re looking for in this world.” With a final wave, Anna Marie headed back for the house.
Molly reached for the car keys in her jacket pocket, accidentally dropping the envelope Anna Marie had given her. She scooped it back up. The paper burned her hands. The urge to drive far away from the memories here warred with curiosity over what was inside. Curiosity won and she tore open the sealed binding, pulling out a card and a separate, folded sheet of paper.
She scanned the beautifully printed, pink baby announcement. Her father’s other daughter, Jennifer, had had a baby. Molly’s dad was a grandfather. Molly didn’t know her half-sister at all and the news would normally barely register on her radar except as another arrow in her heart. The accompanying note changed everything.
She scanned the attached page, reading and rereading as if the words would change on the next viewing. They didn’t.
She grew dizzy fast and realized she’d stopped taking in air. Forcing herself to breathe deeply and evenly, she leaned against the outside of the car and read the note once more.
Dear Molly,
As you can see, I’m a grandpa. It’s the most amazing thing. More so than becoming a parent even. And this new phase in my life has caused me to reevaluate some decisions I made when I was young. I understand biological ties and family so much more now, and I owe you this information. What you do with it is up to you.
We both know your mother is a woman with an agenda. Always was. She married me and passed her pregnancy off as mine, but I soon learned that you were the product of her affair with a man she’d known before coming to California. His name is Frank Addams. General Frank Addams, which explains why your mother chose a vineyard owner with family money to name as her baby’s father rather than a man planning an army career. Since I knew you’d never want for anything, I kept her secret, but I now realize the fact that you had food and shelter couldn’t possibly replace family.
I took the liberty of looking into things for you. General Addams currently resides in Dentonville, Connecticut. I wish you well.
Martin
Molly’s stomach cramped and nausea enveloped her. It was all she could do to keep from doubling over in real physical pain. Only reminding herself that she hadn’t lost a father, at least not one who truly cared, enabled her to push forward, if not really process the news.
With shaking hands, she refolded the papers and tried to stick them back into the envelope, but they wouldn’t fit. Just like Molly had never fit anywhere. Now she knew why.
The man she thought was her father wasn’t, and he’d known it all along. “Well, that explains his disinterest,” she muttered. As for her mother, Francie was a selfish, self-centered prima donna and always had been. Molly would deal with her another time.
The magnitude of this letter left her stunned and reeling. She’d turned her back on Hunter and what could be the love of a lifetime because in her heart, she’d known something was missing inside her. Five minutes ago, she hadn’t known what that was or where she’d go to find it. Now, looking at the address Martin had provided, she had a destination and more. She had the name of the man who was her father.
Her real father. Her heart picked up speed as she realized those missing pieces could very well be in Dentonville, Connecticut. She’d either be welcomed or rejected, but she’d know.
She climbed into the car and paused to open a bottle of water she’d put in the vehicle earlier. She drew a long sip. If nothing else, Molly thought, she’d have answers. And just maybe, she’d find herself at last.
She turned on the ignition, shifted into reverse and backed out of the long driveway, starting her journey. She wouldn’t just show up on the man’s doorstep. In fact, she might detour the long way via California to see the man who’d given her the news first. Some confirmation and a little more information would be nice. Regardless, Molly hoped she found something good at the end of her journey because she’d given up something very precious to get there.
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About the Author
Carly Phillips is the N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels featuring hot men, strong women and the emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. Carly’s career spans over a decade and a half with various New York publishing houses, and she is now an Indie author who runs her own business and loves every exciting minute of her publishing journey. Carly is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs (two wheaten terriers and one mutant Havanese) who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at www.carlyphillips.com.
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Epilogue
About Sealed with a Kiss
Excerpt from Sealed with a Kiss
Keep Up with Carly
About the Author
Cross My Heart Page 26
