I strolled about the garden for some time wrestling with the emotions of meeting my father. Regardless of how abandoned by him I had felt I could not deny the desire to know him. And now I had that much longed for opportunity. I knew I would regret it if I turned away from him now and it was obvious Mother still adored him. I couldn't blame her for he was quite a handsome man and his bearing bespoke of grace and courage. Also, he could undoubtedly answer some questions I could ask no one else. Not even Mother had all the answers I needed.

Having made my decision to listen to what he had to say, I turned toward the cottage and saw my father standing outside the door watching me. He smiled at me then and Asked, "May I join you in this wonderful setting, Daughter?"

'Daughter.' What a beautiful sound coming from his lips.

I returned his smile as tears welled in my eyes. "Yes, Father. Please do come and sit with me for a spell."