Chapter 9 - THE DAUGHTER WHO CAME HOME FOR SUNDAY DINNER
Olivia invited Adrian to dinner three months after their first meeting.
He arrived carrying flowers.
She opened the door.
“You didn't have to bring anything.”
He smiled nervously.
“I wasn't sure what fathers are supposed to bring.”
Olivia laughed.
“Usually themselves.”
He nodded.
“Good. I brought that too.”
Her adoptive parents were there.
So was her husband, Michael.
The evening was awkward at first.
Then Adrian noticed a framed photograph on the mantel.
Olivia at seven.
Missing two front teeth.
Holding a school certificate.
He stared.
Olivia approached.
“That's second grade.”
He smiled sadly.
“I missed so much.”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
Adrian looked at her.
“I'm sorry.”
Olivia took a breath.
“I know.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then she smiled.
“But you're here now.”
Adrian's eyes filled.
They sat down for dinner.
Olivia served white bean soup.
Adrian froze.
“Where did you learn to make this?”
She smiled.
“Claire gave me the recipe.”
Adrian looked down at the bowl.
The smell of rosemary filled the room.
May you like
For the first time in twenty-six years, he tasted something that reminded him of his mother.
And he cried.
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