Marianne noticed me immediately.
Her expression warned me not to approach.
But Sophie had already turned.
She looked directly at me.
“Mom,” she said, “is this the man you were talking about?”
The question was calm.
Almost curious.
Marianne didn’t answer for her.
“Yes,” she said finally. “This is Adrian.”
Chloe looked me up and down.
“The sponsor?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
“Then why were you shouting at Mom?”
I had no defense.
“I was wrong to do that.”
She studied me for another moment.
“Are you our father?”
The noise of the auditorium seemed to fade.
I could have lied.
I could have blamed the divorce, the letters, my family, or Cordelia.
But I had spent thirteen years hiding behind excuses.
I wouldn’t begin with another one.
“Yes,” I said. “I am.”
Sophie looked at Chloe.
They exchanged a glance I couldn’t interpret.
Then Sophie turned back to me.
“Why didn’t you come to see us?”
