Lorelei and Lucy were out on a walk with Finn.”
Reagan’s gaze immediately skipped to the bottom of the page. “Who’s Vance?”
“My father’s brother.”
“I don’t understand. What’s this about?”
“Read it.”
Frowning, she started to read out loud. “‘Dear Charlotte, I’m sorry I stood you up last night. Chuck dropped in unexpectedly. At first I thought he knew about the baby, that you must’ve broken down and told him. But he didn’t say anything about that. You understand why you can’t, right? Please promise me you’ll never tell him. Love, Vance.’” Reagan dropped the letter in her lap and looked up. “Damn.”
“Sounds like they were having an affair, doesn’t it? There’s no date on that note, but the fact that it refers to a baby, and it’s so old and yellow, makes me think he was talking about me.”
“Where did you find this again?”
“Here in the cabin—in my mother’s old jewelry box.”
“Why would she leave it there, where your father could possibly come across it?”
“It has a false bottom. He’d never suspect that. I only thought to look because I had a similar jewelry box as a kid, and I loved the secret compartment.”
“Still. She should’ve burned this letter!”
Serenity grimaced. “The fact that she didn’t makes me believe his declaration of undying love might have meant something to her.”
Reagan paused to read the letter again. “This has to be upsetting for you.”
“It is. But it might solve the mystery of how we’re related.”
“How would he have known my mother and Lorelei’s?”
“From what I’ve heard, he’s lived in many places.”
“Cincinnati? Florida?”
Serenity took the letter back. “I can’t say for sure. I only know that he’s moved around.”
Reagan stood. “How can we find out more?”
“I’ve called him. He didn’t pick up, but he might call me back.”
“What will you say when he does? You’re not going to tell him you found this letter, are you?”
“No. My mom thinks he lives in Vegas. I was going to tell him I’m coming to Vegas for a few days, see if he might be able to have dinner with me.”
“And if he agrees? What will you say then?”
Serenity folded the letter and returned it to her purse. “I won’t say anything in particular. I’ll make small talk until he leaves the restaurant, and then I’ll take his glass and swab it for DNA.”
“Of course! Smart.”
“We should tell Lorelei,” Serenity said. The house had fallen quiet; she guessed Lorelei had finally gotten Lucy to sleep.
“Not my news,” Reagan protested. “I’m not ready to face how it’s bound to make her feel.”
Serenity touched Reagan’s elbow. “Just about the letter, then.”
She got up but Lorelei appeared in the doorway before Serenity could take more than a few steps.
“Is there any way you two would mind watching Lucy?” she asked. “I mean, she’s asleep and I’m pretty sure she won’t get up, so it shouldn’t be any trouble. But I wanted you to know I won’t be here, in case.”
“Where are you going?” Reagan asked.
“Next door to watch a movie with Finn and his brothers.”
Serenity had noticed that Lorelei had stopped wearing her wedding ring. And right now her eyes were bright, her cheeks flushed. Her level of happiness had changed a lot in the last few days. Serenity hated to interfere with that, but she didn’t want Lorelei to end up in an even worse situation. Maybe one like Reagan’s. “Are you sure you want to get involved with Finn, Lorelei?”
“We’re just going to watch a movie,” she said as though Serenity was crazy to be worried, and after what Serenity had done last night, she didn’t feel in any position to preach.
“Okay. I’ll watch Lucy.”
“I’m glad to see you’re feeling better,” Lorelei told Reagan and hurried off before Reagan could respond.
“I’m worried for her,” Reagan murmured once they were alone. “She’s falling too hard and too fast for Finn.