Page 74 of Vodka and Chocolate Drops

If John or her mother had come forward when Amber was a kid, she would undoubtedly be a different person in many ways. Which meant she might not have become the right person for Scott.

She stood suddenly, feeling as though her entire life had just dodged a bullet.

Delia looked surprised at her sudden move. “I’m sorry,” her sister said. “I was just philosophizing.”

“No, you’re right.” Amber felt as if she had to move. Had to go. Had to get back to Blueberry Springs. She was missing out on the life she was supposed to be leading--right now.

She gave her sister a massive hug. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“I wouldn’t have my life any other way. Things are good. Life is good. This is where I’m supposed to be right now.”

Her sister smiled, looking as though there was something else she wanted to say.

“I’m glad…” Amber began saying when her sister remained silent. She paused, trying to find the right words. “I’m glad that you and our mom have hit it off.”

Delia smiled again, giving her hand a squeeze. “You’re the best sister anyone could ask for, Amber.” She picked up an envelope from a table in her front entry as Amber slipped on her shoes. But before she could open the front door, her sister stopped her, asking, “Is John someone you would have chosen to be your father?”

Amber would never have assumed someone like him could be her dad. He rescued girls who didn’t have fathers, but she had never dared dreamed that he could really and truly be hers.

“Yes. Yes, I would choose him. Over anyone.” She grinned.

“Would you choose me as a sister?” For the first time, Amber saw an inkling of uncertainty in Delia.

“Yes! Definitely, yes.” Amber gave her a big hug, even though she was eager to get out of the house and off to see Scott.

“Good.” Delia handed her a piece of paper, relief relaxing her features. The letterhead showed it was from the government adoption agency that had handled Delia’s adoption. The same agency Amber had contacted to verify their sibling match. It looked as though Delia had contacted them as well.

Amber scanned the document and smiled. “Welcome to the family, sister.”

* * *

Gloria was sittingin her car in front of Amber’s house.

“What’s wrong?” Amber asked, hurrying to her mom who was climbing out of the car.

“Where have you been? You weren’t answering your texts. I had half the town out looking for you before Delia told me where you were.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I was worried. I don’t want to lose you, Amber.” Her mother hauled her into a hug so desperate it was like being squeezed by a python.

“You won’t lose me.”

“I thought this was what you wanted.”

“I was just overwhelmed for a moment. I’m okay now.”

Her mother let out a sigh, releasing her, but still looking so worried that Amber pulled her into another hug.

“Really. It’s a lot to process, but I think it’s cool that you and Dad are getting back together. And I think it’s cool that he’s willing to be my father and that Marisa is willing to be my sister.”

Her mother’s face wrinkled with pent-up emotion. “When I was younger I imagined the family I started being a lot different than this.”

“You didn’t imagine a daughter who loves you?”

Her mom gave her a grumpy, don’t-mess-with-me look.

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