a face that resembled mine. His eyes were the same color as mine, but with the beard, it was hard to see any more resemblance. He didn’t look nearly old enough to be my father, and even if he was, how had he found me? I finally whispered, “How do you know me?”
“I’m your big brother.” He said as he beamed. “I think we have the same father. As a matter of fact, I’m almost positive we do. He admitted that there was a third child, and you resemble me and our half sister, Mesha.”
My brother? I had a brother and he was standing here in front of me, smiling down at me as he held my hand. He knew our father? And I had a half sister too? My heart was racing at the thought of these people who I had wondered about my entire life suddenly becoming reality.
“Mesha?” I asked.
“She’s the non-pregnant woman that came in with me. The pregnant one is my wife.”
“Oh my goodness,” I whispered. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Hell, I don’t either,” he admitted with a laugh. “I’ve seen you in here a million times over the years, and I’ve even talked to you. I wondered occasionally if you might be her, but I didn’t want to say anything. You’re not the only one I suspected, actually, and I didn’t talk to that one either.”
“You said you talked to our birth father? Did you grow up around him?”
He grimaced. “Not really. That’s a story that requires a stiff drink in hand on a patio somewhere quiet.”
“And our mother?”
“Also a stiff drink kind of conversation,” he said, averting his eyes. “Maybe three or four, if I’m being honest.”
“Hank,” the pregnant woman said from just a few feet away. He turned around and smiled at his wife and held his hand out for her to join us. She shook her head. “Mesha’s about to bolt. Just thought you should know.”
“I want to meet her,” I said excitedly as I hurried past the couple. “Don’t let her run away!”
My mind racing, I hurried over to the sitting area, keeping my eye on the woman who looked like she was about to make a break for it. She was watching me with an odd look on her face, but I saw tears in her eyes as I got closer.
“Hi,” I said softly as I sat down close to her, angling my body so I could see her face. “I’m Eliza. Are you my big sister?”
“I think so,” the woman whispered, one tear making a trail down her cheek. “Hank always wondered if we were related to you, and we found out that it’s true. You’re our little sister.”
I laughed nervously for a second, not sure what to say. My heart was racing and happy tears were streaming down my face.
“I always wished for siblings,” I confessed as Mesha reached for my hands and held them tightly. “I can’t believe my wish came true.”
“You’ve had a good life, right?”
“I have.” I smiled. “My dad isn’t with us anymore, but my mom is in the backroom right now sorting a new shipment of books. They’re the best parents anyone could ask for.”
“I’m so glad,” Mesha said and then bit her lip with worry as she glanced around the store. “Will your mom be okay with you meeting us? We don’t want to cause any problems with your family.”
“My mom will be so excited! She’s not like that at all; she’s the greatest. She’s my best friend.” I laughed.
Mesha laughed. “Maybe she’ll adopt me.”
Hank and his wife sat down on the couch across from us, and I glanced over with a smile. “This is the best surprise! How did you find me? When is your baby due? Are you married?”
I fired out questions, looking from one person to the other and not even giving them a chance to answer.
“I’m sorry! I talk a lot when I’m nervous.” I laughed. “Oh my goodness!”
“I’m Nicole,” the heavily pregnant woman tried to lean forward, her hand out to shake mine. She leaned back with a sigh and waved. “Nice to meet you. I’m due in about 20 days.”
“She’s ready,” Hank asserted. “And yes, we’re married and have been for a few months now.”
“Are you married?” I turned to my new sister and asked with a smile.
“No.” Mesha let out a breath. “My girlfriend and I can’t get legally married just yet, but things are looking up.”
“You have a girlfriend?” I repeated. “What’s she