“It took twenty years.”
Loretta smiled.
Then Amber stepped through the opposite door.
She froze.
Her mother froze too.
Ruth looked between them.
“I did not arrange this.”
Amber believed her.
That mattered.
Loretta whispered, “Hi.”
Amber’s arms folded automatically.
“Hi.”
Ruth started to leave.
Amber said, “Stay.”
Ruth stopped.
Loretta looked uncomfortable.
Amber asked, “Why are you here?”
“To see Ruth.”
“Why?”
“To apologize.”
Amber looked at Ruth.
Ruth nodded once.
Loretta said, “And to tell the truth.”
Amber’s eyes narrowed.
“Which truth?”
Loretta took a breath.
“About your father.”
Amber went still.
Ruth frowned.
Loretta looked at her.
“You never knew all of it either.”
Ruth’s stomach tightened.
Amber whispered, “What about him?”
Loretta pulled out a chair.
No one sat.
“He knew about the college money.”
Amber stared.
“What?”
“Your father knew I took it.”
“You told me he didn’t.”
