Chapter 18

October 1866

Charlotte POV

It was a shock to see my parents face to face for the first time in my life. But it only took one look for me to know that I was their daughter. I could see bits of myself in each of them. It must have seemed like an eternity to them, but it was just a matter of seconds before I was flying across the room into my mother’s arms. As they folded their arms around me, I finally felt the hole in my soul filling up. However, I wasn’t quite ready to call them mother and father.

After a few moments, Conor said, “You are more beautiful than my dreams allowed. We have much to discuss, but for now, please know that we agonized for years about the decision we had to make. Your mother is right, Matilda was the perfect choice to be your adoptive mother.”

I nodded slightly, my head still on Esther’s shoulder. We stayed like that for a few more moments and then I lifted my head and stood tall once more. I had so many questions and although I was overjoyed to have finally