Page 116 of My Mistake To Make

My dad went to him to find a way, a plan to pay off the debt, and Mr. Lavell offered him a quick and easy way to pay it off: me. If I married his son, the debt would be paid. My dad agreed, promising me to Bevan Lavell without giving me a say in the matter.

I refused. I told Daddy I’m in love with Andy, and I don’t want to marry Bevan, I won’t. The problem is, once Bevan was told I was his, he got fixed on the idea.

He kept bothering me, telling me I was his property and that I needed to get it together. Telling me no wife of his would dress the way I did, act the way I did. He kept coming around, showing up, threatening Andy to back off, and then one night, he caught up to me as I walked back from town to the house.

He didn’t give me a choice—he took from me something I was keeping for your daddy—something that meant so much to me. I didn’t know at the time, though, that he had also given me the most precious gift, you.

I told my parents what had happened. My dad insisted I had to marry Bevan now, but my mom thought differently, and they fought, we all did, but then I found out about you.

Mama was embarrassed, and for the first time in my life, I felt like she put her reputation in the town ahead of her relationship with me. She wanted me to get married, either to Bevan or Andy. She didn’t mind which, as long as I was an honest woman by the time the baby came. It was that or stay hidden away until you were born and give you away before the town could know I got pregnant in high school.

I couldn’t do that. I wanted to marry your daddy, but I didn’t want it this way. I didn’t want it forced.

When your daddy asked me to leave with him, move to Scotland, and build a life away from Forest Falls and myparents, I jumped at the chance to say yes. My life here had changed, become toxic. It was no longer a happy place full of beautiful memories. It had become a place where my father sold me, where my body was used without my permission, and instead of fighting against the people who did that to me, my mother was ashamed of the outcome. I couldn’t stay, but it doesn’t make leaving an easy choice.

The Lavells are the bad apples of this town. Aside from them, Forest Falls is a beautiful place with amazing people. It’s warm and happy, and I will miss it so much, but for you, for our family, I had to get away.

So, my sweet baby, whoever you may be, please forgive me for keeping all this from you. Please forgive your daddy, and please know that he is your daddy. He may not have been the one to make you, but he’s the one fighting to give you the life you deserve.

I love you already. I know we’re going to be the best of friends for as long as we have. Please don’t hold onto anger. I won’t.

Hold your head up, my little miracle. You’re special.

Love, your mama x

Getting My Girl Back

Cara

‘Thank you for bringingthis to me.’

I fold the letter back up, standing as I shove it back into the envelope, and I feel Doug’s eyes on me, but can’t look at him.

‘Cara,’ he says softly, and I inhale a shaky breath.

‘Do you know what this letter says?’

He stands and draws my eyes up to meet his like they just can’t help themselves.

‘No. I only know what Jessie told me—who you are to her.’ I blink and stare at him, trying to understand, and he swallows. ‘Um, that you’re her sister.’

My lips part, and I step back. Jessie… it was her father that did this.

‘Thanks again, Doug. I um, you can go now.’

‘Cara, please…’

‘I need to call my dad.’ The last word is a whisper as I realize for the first time that he’s not that. He’s not my dad. Hot tears sting my eyes as I rush for the door, leaving him standing on the porch. I can’t believe this is happening.

As I rush upstairs, I hear Missy telling Doug to leave, and to his credit, I don’t hear him argue.

I pick up my phone, not caring what time it is back home, as I press call.

‘Cara. Oh, sweetheart. I’ve been so worried.’

‘Is it true, dad?’ The tears escape before I can stop them. ‘You’re not my father?’

I hear him exhale, and I know he’s been waiting for this day ever since I told him I was heading to the States.

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