Page 70 of Since the Day We Kissed

Kara observed as the man shook his head silently, then turned away from her father, disappearing down the next aisle.

As he disappeared from view, Kara stopped in front of Whitaker. “Dad.”

“Kara.” Whitaker’s eyes widened as he stood up straight. “What are you doing here?”

“We need to talk. You and Charlotte both.” Kara took a deep breath. “She told me she was helping with a delivery. Where is she?”

“She’s sorting boxes in the back. Look, we’re swamped. Can this—”

Kara cut in. “I told Ethan about Charlotte. That she’s his daughter.”

Whitaker removed his wire-rimmed glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. “What were you thinking? Why on earth would you do that?”

“He deserves to know he has a daughter.”

“It’s pointless!” Whitaker glanced at the customer nearby. He leaned in, whispering. “Have you forgotten what the Bennetts put us through? You remember what happened to your mother, don’t you? And you want to associate with this man?”

Kara stood there, her heart pounding.

In that instant, she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think past the memories. Her mother, the accident, all of it swirled inside her, but she swallowed it down. No more secrets. No more lies. She glanced toward the back of the store, where she knew Charlotte was sorting boxes.

It’s time.

Kara took a step toward the stock room just as Charlotte emerged from the back. “Everything all right?”

“Charlotte, thanks for your help. Let’s get you paid, shall we?” Whitaker said, striding briskly toward the register.

“Oh, it’s no big deal, Grandpa—”

“I insist. Come over here, dear,” Whitaker interrupted, gesturing to the register.

Kara stepped toward her daughter, closing the gap between them. “Charlotte, we need to talk. Now.”

Her father glanced up, giving her a look.

Kara dismissed it and put a hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. “I need to tell you something that can’t wait.”

She led Charlotte toward the break room. She could hear his footsteps close behind.

As they entered, his voice rose. “Kara, don’t!”

She didn’t stop walking.

“Go home. I’ll make sure Charlotte gets back safely.” A warning, a last chance ...

Kara whirled on her heel after entering the break room. “No. I’m done waiting, and so is Charlotte.” She turned to her daughter, taking a deep breath.

“Mom, what’s wrong?”

Kara hesitated, her gaze falling to the floor as she gathered her courage, but at last she pulled out a chair and sat down.

Charlotte followed suit, while the patriarch of the family stood for a moment before reluctantly taking a seat as well.

“Charlotte, it’s about Ethan.”

“From the rescue?”

“Yes, Ethan.” Kara took a deep breath. “He’s your father.”

---