Evelyn rose and pulled Poppy into a hug.

In the noisy dining room, I caught Mrs.

Alvarez wiping her cheeks with a napkin.

After the guests left, I walked Evelyn out to the car.

“I used to think I missed my chance to have a family,” she said.

“David loved me, and I’m grateful for those years.

But I still missed the part of myself that knew you.”

“You found her,” I answered.