Nor did she fill in the gaps with things she could not know.
When she finished, Sophie remained silent for a long time.
Then she picked up the photograph.
“So this is my grandmother?”
“Your biological grandmother, yes.”
“And my father’s family knew about me?”
“His parents knew. I don’t know what everyone else knew, and I won’t pretend that I do.”
Sophie traced the edge of the photograph with her finger.
“Did they offer Grandpa money to make us go away?”
“Yes.”
“And he refused?”
“Yes.”
Sophie swallowed.
“I’m glad he did.”
Emma reached across the table and took her hand.
“There’s something else you should know. I never wanted you to feel that you were the reason my life became difficult. You weren’t. You were a child, just as I was. The adults were responsible for their own decisions.”
Sophie looked at her mother.
“Do you want to meet her?”
