The transcontinental train rolled in a steady rhythm along the tracks, slow enough for me to take in the passing scenery. I put down my book and looked out the window. City landscapes gave way to wooded acreage and then to open flatlands. It was like watching a moving picture show. My imagination ran wild—making up stories of adventurers like those in my books, exploring new and unchartered territory. I was like a child, delighted with my own make-believe. I must have been smiling because, when I looked away from the window, Aidan was eyeing me with curiosity. I blushed and turned away to Lily, who sat beside me, drawing pictures in her notebook.

I was bursting with love for the child. It was she who had given me this second chance, and I would forever be grateful to her.

About a week before I was to sail for Donegal, I knelt in front of the child and took her stiff little body in my arms. “I’m so sorry, darling,” I whispered. “I have to go away soon. Your daddy is taking you to Texas and I will not be going. You see, I did a bad thing. I told your daddy a lie—well, several lies—and he is very upset with me. I told him my name was Nora. But I’m not Nora. I’m Delia.”

She stared at me solemnly. “And—and I have been s-staying away from you on purpose because . . .” My voice cracked. “Because you must get used to life without me.”

I expected her to burst into tears. Instead, she pulled away from me and stuck out her chin. What I saw in her eyes was not sadness, but some other, stronger emotion. If I’d not known better, I would have said it was anger. My heart sank.

“I’m so sorry, Lily,” I said. “I didn’t mean to make you sad or angry. I love you very much and I never wanted to leave you. But your daddy . . .”

Without waiting for me to finish my sentence, Lily seized my hand and pulled me forward. I got to my feet. Still holding on to my hand, she pulled me out of the room and down the stairs. When we reached the door to the library, I froze. I knew Aidan was in there, and the last thing I wanted was to face him. I tried to wrench away my hand, but Lily was having none of it. She pushed open the door without knocking and, with me in tow, marched straight over to Aidan.

He looked from Lily to me.

“You may go now,” he said.

I nodded and turned to go, but Lily’s small hand was like a vise. She looked Aidan in the face and shook her head from side to side, as if to say she was not letting me go anywhere.