9. I’ll be OK with any of those 3 guys as my dad… I could love any and all of them. And, whichever one it is, I’ll have another bonus—2 new uncles.

She hated ending on an odd number, thought for another minute.

10. My life is going to be good, happy, worthwhile.

That pretty much covered it, that last one. With an unaccustomed sigh of satisfaction, she closed the notebook and slid out of bed.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

EARLY THAT AFTERNOON, Carly was ready and waiting to say goodbye to Mary Jean, Len—and Holly. They’d promised to drop by once they’d picked up the dog, and Carly was waiting on the porch after lunch, planning her announcement for Cord and Tina. Yes, she’d moved the Big Meet again. Friday, no further excuses or delays.

Shallie had just joined her, dogs crowding around, when they heard the Lewis SUV coming down the drive. They parked and got out, as did Ted. He removed Holly from a brand-new dog carrier.

The beagle trotted unsteadily to the porch. Carly could hardly keep herself from breaking into tears—a mixture of sadness and joy for the “little girl” who’d been granted such a wonderful home. She was heartened, too, by the way Cord’s dogs approached Holly, how sweet they were with her. She suspected Holly needed more socialization, of both the canine and human kind. Hugging her carefully, she whispered goodbye as she stroked those adorable long, silky ears.

Cord and Tina had emerged from the house a few minutes earlier; they and Shallie took their turns with the dog. While the three of them were engaged in that, Ted began a conversation with Carly, telling her he’d spoken with Aaron and the others, and they’d arrange a rehearsal soon. She was thrilled and told him so. Then as Ted returned Holly to her carrier, Carly kissed Len and Mary Jean goodbye. She felt that, with them, she’d gained more parents, more family.

Today she’d promise Shallie that she’d set up the discussions with Cord and Tina, followed by the ones with Eli and J.P. Unhappily, it had somewhat belatedly occurred to her that if Eli turned out to be her dad, she’d be related to the Worthless jerk—a prospect that horrified her.

As they waved goodbye to the departing vehicle, Carly murmured, not for the first time, as she was well aware, “I just love that little girl.”