Page 70 of The Taste of Deceit

I nod.

“He said yes.”

She pulls me into a tight hug.

“I’m so happy for you.”

I hold her for a moment before stepping back.

“When your father asked me to marry him, he promised he’d spend the rest of his life taking care of me.” She smiles softly. “I know you will do that for Sarah.”

She cups my cheek again.

“He would’ve been so proud of the man you’ve become.”

My throat tightens.

“He would’ve loved Sarah, too.”

I swallow.

“I hope so.”

She smiles.

“I know so.”

“There’s something else.”

She waits.

“Sarah knows.”

Her smile fades into quiet confusion.

“Knows what?”

“Everything.”

I hold her gaze.

“About us. About the family. About what I do.”

She stares at me for a long moment.

“You told her.”

“I did.”

“And she’s still here.”

“She is.”

Ma lets out a slow breath.

“Does anyone else know?”

I shake my head.