“Why wouldn’t I? I have what I need. The rest of the money is just going to sit around while I figure out which charities to support. I was never lucky enough to have kids...” Joanna paused, focused on the sandwich. “But if I ever had a daughter I would have wanted her to be just like you. Not that I’m pretending to be your mother or anything weird. From the sounds of it, you were lucky enough to have a caring and wonderful mother, but I hope I can be a friend.”

Ashley looked at her, this woman who had every reason to hate her. Certainly had reason to resent her mother. “How can you say that? You should be so angry with her. I’m angry with her. And embarrassed.”

“Why? Her choices aren’t yours.” Joanna lifted the pan from the heat for a moment. “Was I angry with her? Yes, of course. I was angry with her and angry with Cliff. But doing a bad thing, making a bad choice, doesn’t make you a bad person. There was plenty your mother did right.”

“You never met her. You didn’t know her.”

“But I know you. She raised you to be independent and have self-respect. She taught you to be courageous and stand up for what you thought was right—that’s why you climbed into the car with Cliff. She loved you, and made sure you knew you were loved. I’ve never been a parent, but I’ve been a child and I’m pretty sure that feeling loved, knowing you’re loved and accepted no matter what, is the most important thing.” Joanna paused and then smiled at her. “And she taught you to cook, which is always a bonus.”

I’ve never been a parent.

Ashley was sure Joanna would have been a wonderful mother, but she didn’t say so. That might upset her. She didn’t want to upset Joanna.

“How do I forgive my mom for not telling me the truth about my real dad? How do I stop being so angry?”

“I don’t know. I’m not a psychologist.” Joanna frowned. “But honestly, I think your mother wanted the best for you, and she probably knew that Cliff wasn’t the best. And I think she was probably right. Even if he had taken responsibility, he probably would have let you down. That’s who he was. I’m guessing your mother was trying to protect you from that. Also, she might have been trying to protect you from the media attention.”

Why hadn’t any of that occurred to her? “That actually makes sense. You said that there was good stuff about him, too. You said you’d tell me.” Even though she struggled to think of Cliff as her father, she needed some good to dilute the bad.