“I’m sorry, child,” Grace said. “But you knew how I was then. The truth is, I’ve no clue of your father’s identity. I wish it weren’t so.”

“I understand.” Monica lowered her head.

She would never know the identity of her father; her mother had been her last hope in that regard, because Lily had been unable to tell her, either. She had lived her entire life without knowledge of her paternity, had learned to accept the situation, but she’d always had a hope that someday, she would learn the truth.

Now, that door was closed for good.

She sucked in a rattling breath, nodded at her mother to keep going.

“Lily was upset with me when she learned of the pregnancy, to put it lightly,” Grace said. “In her words, I had violated her trust. But she allowed me to stay with her until I gave birth to you. Our agreement, from the beginning, was that she would adopt you.”

“Who named me?” Monica asked, and didn’t know why it was important to get an answer to the question. She simply wanted to know.

“I gave you your name, of course. I wouldn’t have allowed Lily to rob me of that small honor.”

“Was it . . . difficult for you to give me up?”

“Yes, but as I said, I realized I was unprepared for the responsibilities of motherhood. Mostly, I was eager to escape Lily’s strict household rules by that point. I left her home soon after I birthed you.”

Monica went to sip her tea, found the cup was empty. She hadn’t remembered drinking any of it. Grace refreshed her cup.

“Since then, I’ve lived in various cities, here and abroad,” Grace said. “Usually, wherever I am, I’ve worked as a nanny. It’s agreeable work, as I’ve got a sweet touch with children.”

“I noticed that,” Monica said. “You literally had Lexi eating out of the palm of your hand yesterday.”

“She’s an adorable child,” Grace said. “It’s a blessing to be here with you all, at last. My only regret is that I couldn’t come sooner.”

“I know, but let’s simply focus on today, and the future, all right?” Monica said.

“Agreed. Let’s do that.”

Grace squeezed her hand, and they smiled at each other. Monica couldn’t think of any other questions to ask. Her mother had laid so much to rest, and while Monica didn’t like all of the answers, more than anything else, she’d craved only to learn the truth. It felt as if a burden she had borne for years had finally eased off her heart.