My brother’s name is Derek, but I have to admit I’m a little flabbergasted to hear from you. As far as I know, Derek is unaware that he’s a father. (Of course, we should confirm this.) Family history is a hobby for me, and I took the test in hopes of discovering new research on my ancestors. I feel like we should meet to find out more. I’m actually going to be in Phoenix next week for Christmas visiting my mother as she’s a snowbird there.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Garrett Westover
Lina clicked her phone off and turned it back and forth in her hands. “I told him my dad’s name is Derek. That was all the information I had before taking this test. What do you think? I can’t tell if my uncle is skeptical or excited.”
“I bet it’s a little of both. I think he’s waiting to meet you first. Are you going to meet him?” Dillon shifted on the branch, putting his arm more securely around her.
“Would you come with me if I did?” Lina had a feeling it would make them both feel better. Going alone to meet a stranger, even a related one, was an intimidating prospect.
“Of course, I’d come. I’ll do whatever you need me to. You do realize if this guy is your uncle, you might be meeting your grandmother as well.”
Lina shook her head, feeling like the whole thing was surreal. “It’s too much. How do you hold so much happiness and fear all in one place?”
Dillon leaned closer. “You just keep going, until there isn’t a need for the fear anymore.”
If anyone understood, he surely did. Lina turned so she could kiss him, allowing all the longing and vulnerability to be there with her usual affection.
Dillon’s hands cupped her face, and he was probably about to say something really romantic, but they both lost their balance and slid off the branch, landing ungracefully in the dirt below.
Lina laughed and brushed off her jeans. “All right, Romeo, let’s go finish our award-winning gingerbread house.” She took his hand and swung it as they walked back.
OceanofPDF.com
Chapter 15
The restaurant parking lot held only a smattering of cars. Three p.m. was a good time to meet in public and still keep a little bit of privacy.
Lina had baked a loaf of pumpkin bread, and she held it out in front of her like a lifeline as they were walking up to the restaurant doors. Dillon had never loved her more than in that moment. She was obviously terrified, but facing it head on as she always did, armed with a baked goods offering.
He linked his arm with hers. “I’d say I’m more nervous than you are, but that’s not true, is it?”
“I might pee my pants, but we’re fine, right?”
“We’re excellent.”
She leaned into him. “I’m glad I brought you with me.”
“Thank you for letting me come.”
“You don’t mind?” she asked, looking up at him.
“Why would I mind?” he asked. “I’m crazy about you, and sometimes that will make me crazy protective. Let me know when it’s too much.”
“As long as you let me know whenI’mtoo much.”
He wouldn’t say never, because he had a feeling Lina wasn’t ready to believe that yet. But he’d show her, little by little, that he was sticking around, that she lit him up inside and changed his world for the better every day.
Once inside the restaurant, his eyes adjusted to the sudden dimness. Lina had exchanged pictures with her uncle so they’d know what the other looked like. She glanced around, eyeing the tables and the long bar. A balding man and a tiny woman with a fluff of white hair waved them over from a table in the corner.
“Oh, Dillon. He brought his mom,” Lina whispered. “She’s looking right at me.”
Lina was drawn to her like a magnet. They shared the same eyes and smile. The woman slowly got up from her chair, and Lina was in her arms before her grandmother’s back even straightened to a standing position.
“Garrett tried to keep it from me, but I pestered him until the whole story came out. He said maybe you weren’t really Derek’s child, but one look at your picture, and I knew.” She held Lina’s face in her little wrinkled hands. “So beautiful.”
Garrett, Lina’s uncle, held out a hand to Dillon. “Thanks for coming. Are you her..?”
