Papa bowed his head, and no one spoke for a few moments. “I imagine my aunt was afraid to lose Sauveterre,” he said. “I was presumed to be the son of Didier Palomar, rightful owner of the place, and Rotrude’s role as my guardian gave her a roof over her head.” Papa squeezed Hank’s hands in his. “I wish I’d known, too. I wish I’d known that the visitor was my father, seeing me for the first time. But I never knew. Neither of us ever knew.”

Camille and Julie only spent the day, although Papa planned to stay longer, to get to know the man who had fathered him. He walked with Camille to the car and hugged her close. “Thank you,” he said. “None of this would have been possible without you.”

“It’s a privilege to be a part of this, Papa,” she said. “I love you so much, and I’m so happy that you found your father. I’ll develop the photos right away and make sure you and Hank get copies to share with everyone.” She hugged him again. “Are you sure you’re all right to come back on your own?”

“More than all right. I feel complete in a way I never have before. Perhaps it’s just the high of discovering so much about the past, but I truly do feel different.” He took a step back. “There’s something else you should know,” he continued. “This fall, I’m going back to Bellerive for a longer stay.”

“Papa, no. You shouldn’t go alone.”

“I won’t be alone, chérie.”

She caught the soft, contented look in his face. “Oh . . . Michel?”

He smiled. “At long last.”

“Ah, Papa.” She was feeling overwhelmed by emotion.

“I know, Camille. Look what has happened this summer. Life as it reveals itself is filled with riches. What will happen, will happen. Worrying will not affect the outcome.”

“You’re right, but how can I not worry?”

“By wishing me well. I waited so long to find happiness. I hope you aren’t making the same mistake, turning away from Finn when he just might be your next great love.”

She flushed, hoping he wouldn’t see her pain. “Finn and I . . . we’ve gone our separate ways.”

Then why, she kept asking herself, did she want to call him immediately, tell him about the extraordinary meeting with Hank Watkins? Why did she wish Finn had been here to see the joy of the reunion? Why did she lie awake at night, remembering every touch, every kiss, every whisper?

Boarding the plane for Dulles, Camille felt a familiar beat of panic. She slowed her steps, took a deep breath, and walked forward. Maybe she’d never lose her fear of flying, but she was going to do it anyway, because of the destination. Maybe next time, she’d be a little less afraid.

When she got back home, she tried to keep her focus on Julie and work. Yet her wandering heart kept leading her back to Finn. She realized that one reason she kept pushing him away was that he was so alive, so present. And why did she shy away from that? Why was she afraid of the deep intensity of the feelings he stirred in her?