The wedding reception was already underway when seven-year-old Sophie appeared near the front of the ballroom.
She was crying.
In her arms was a baby wrapped in a pale blanket.
Guests began turning toward her.
At the center of the room, Victoria stood in her white wedding gown beside Daniel Carter.
The moment Victoria saw Sophie, her expression changed.
What are you doing here?
Sophie tightened her arms around the baby.
I need to talk to Dad.
Victoria hurried toward her.
Not now.
Sophie stepped backward.
Daniel noticed.
He immediately left the wedding table.
Sophie?
She looked at him through tears.
Dad, please.
Victoria reached toward the baby.
Give her to me.
Sophie shook her head.
No.
The baby started crying.
Daniel stepped between them.
Victoria. Stop.
The entire ballroom became silent.
Then Sophie looked at her father and said the sentence nobody expected.
Dad, Mom left something for you.
Daniel froze.
Sophies mother, Claire, had been gone for years.
Sophie reached into the babys blanket.
And pulled out a small silver locket.
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