After a while, he walked over to retrieve the paper that was lodged in the cedar branches. He smoothed it, brushing away needles. Then he folded it. She watched him walk toward the front door, but her view was blocked by the rosebush growing up alongside. He seemed to pause for a minute, and then she heard the screen door screech open. Her heart was racing, and she looked wildly for the portable phone, ready to dial 911.

Then the screen door slammed, and she saw him walk past the wishing well, up the stone steps, and out of sight toward the beach. Lily went upstairs, to the bedroom overlooking the front yard and dead-end road for a better view. He was nowhere in sight. Maeve was still dozing, and Liam and Rose hadn't returned from their boat ride. Lily walked down the stairs, through the first floor, and into the kitchen.

Hands trembling, she opened the door. The paper was wedged in the crack. As she reached for it, she pricked her finger on a thorn; he had slid a white rose into the paper's fold. She let the rose fall to the floor. Blood from her finger smeared the paper as she spread it open.

It was a subpoena:

THE CONNECTICUT STATUTE

Sec. 46b-168. (Formerly Sec. 52-184).

Genetic tests when paternity is in dispute.

Assessment of costs.

-         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --         --

(a) In any proceeding in which the question of paternity is at issue, the court or a family support magistrate, on motion of any party, may order genetic tests which shall mean deoxyribonucleic acid tests, to be performed by a hospital, accredited laboratory, qualified physician or other qualified person designated by the court, to determine whether or not the putative father or husband is the father of the child. The results of such tests, whether ordered under this section or required by the IV-D agency under section 46b-168a, shall be admissible in evidence to either establish definite exclusion of the putative father or husband or as evidence that he is the father of the child without the need for foundation testimony or other proof of authenticity or accuracy, unless objection is made in writing not later than twenty days prior to the hearing at which such results may be introduced in evidence.

Lily sank into a chair. She stared and stared at the paper. Patrick's words had just come true. The minutes passed, and she had no sense of time at all. She heard voices outside. Looking up, she saw Rose's face in the window. Happy, carefree, just back from her boat ride. She held up a hand in greeting, her eyes elated and full of joy.