Free In Love with a Stranger by Rose Von Barnsley Page A

bacon grease, because that was the only way eggs should be cooked if it was available. I didn't know how much they ate, so I made the full dozen. I made Hannah's eggs soft the way she like them and popped the bread into the toaster for her. I scrambled Penelope's, because that seemed the simplest for a little kid, and I cooked mine and Ophelia's all the way through.
    I brought in the plates of food and doled out the eggs as planned. There was an open place setting next to Hannah, so I sat by her, pleased that someone had set it there for me. "You girls did great setting the table," I directed my compliment more towards Penelope.
    "It's my job," she said proudly.
    We were halfway through our meal, when Penelope shocked us all. "So, you're my dad?" I looked at Hannah, not sure what to say. "You kissed my mom, and no one kisses her. You also have my eyes," Penelope tipped her head to the side, double checking. "You talk weird."
    "Penelope," Hannah was finally able to find her voice, but I didn't think she knew what to say, "That's not a nice thing to say," her voice wavered.
    "Where do you live?" Penelope pressed forward, not deterred by her mother at all.
    "London, England, but I've decided to move here." I looked over at Hannah, hoping for help. Was I supposed to confirm I was her dad? I didn't want to tell her I wasn't.
    "Why'd it take so long for you to come back? Is it a long way away, or didn't you love my mom anymore? Did you not want me?"
    I couldn't stand for this. I didn't care what Hannah wanted, there was no way I was letting my daughter believe I didn't want her. I quickly moved around the table. "Penelope, I swear to you, if I’d known where you and your mother were, I would've been here. I would've been here in a heartbeat. I never left on purpose. Things happened that…" I looked back at Hannah, looking for help.
    I was surprised when it was Ophelia who stepped in. "Penny, you remember us telling you about when your mom and I met a long time ago, when she was sick, and that was why you guys lived with me?" Penelope nodded her head yes. "Well, part of her being sick was she forgot who your daddy was."
    "FORGOT? How can you forget that?" Penelope asked wide-eyed.
    "She got a really bad bump on the head and lost her memory."
    "Like in the cartoons?" Penelope clarified.
    "Yes, just like that, and since she didn't remember who your daddy was or where she'd lived with him, they couldn't find each other. But your daddy found you guys now, and I don't think he's gonna leave anytime soon," Ophelia smiled and nodded at me.
    I shook my head no vehemently. "I'm never leaving again. I swear it."
    My daughter jumped into my arms, hugging me tight. I squeezed her back, fighting my tears and failing. Penelope finally stepped back, looking very serious. "So, since you're my dad, does that mean you can give me candy, even if mom says no?"
    We all burst out laughing. "I'm sorry, I think you'll find that I'll always do what your mum says. It's just easier that way." She let out a sigh with her shoulders sagging, and it was the cutest thing I’d ever seen. "How about I talk to her about it? Maybe I can convince her that a little candy now and then never hurt anybody."
    Her face lit up with a bright smile. "Really?"
    I looked at Hannah, who rolled her eyes at me. "You're going to spoil her," she warned.
    "I've got some time to make up for."
    "This is great! I can't wait to tell Grandpa Scott I got a dad!"
    I saw Hannah go stiff. I knew talking with her father was going to be hard, but it needed to be done. Ophelia reached over and took her hand, sensing something was wrong, but wasn’t sure what.
    "It's time to go to school, honey. I want to take you today." Ophelia gathered up my daughter and headed out the door.
    "Hannah," I approached her slowly, not sure what she wanted me to say or do.
    "I can't…I know what he did, but why, William? Why would he do this to us? Why would he keep me from you, keep Penelope from her father?