The Prodigal Cousin. Anna Adams

met him.

      At the third door, he knocked again and Eliza immediately opened it.

      “He’s my son. I have nothing else to say, Pat—” She backed up, her eyes red from crying. She pushed her fingers beneath each eye and looked away. “Oh. I thought you were my husband.”

      “He left you?”

      “Wouldn’t you if you found out your wife had lied to you the whole time you’d known her?”

      “What do you mean?”

      “I never told him about you.”

      He understood. Fiona had lied at first. She’d thought he wouldn’t want to date her if he knew about the condition that had prompted so many prospective parents to leave her at the orphanage. But he’d fallen in love with her.

      He managed a hesitant smile. “I’d forgive her once she explained.”

      Eliza turned, covering her eyes again. “I’m sorry. This isn’t your problem.”

      “It is. I came hoping Tamsin and Nina might be part of a family, but if I’ve already ruined yours, I’ll leave.”

      “You won’t.” Eliza turned. “Now that I know about you, you aren’t going anywhere and you aren’t taking my granddaughters.” He must have looked startled, because she laughed at his expression. “I don’t make the same mistake twice, Sam.”

      “I have a conscience.”

      “So do I.”

      Her conscience made his decision harder. “I don’t want to stay because you feel you should make up for the past.” He straightened. “I had a good life.”