PART 12:

Victoria tried. I made a mistake and hurt his feelings, so I need to give him some space. What mistake? I wasn’t honest with him about something important. Emma considered this. Did you say sorry? Yes. Did you mean it very much? Then he should forgive you. That’s what he always tells me. If someone says sorry and means it, you should forgive them. If only it were that simple.

In the distance, Victoria heard someone calling Emma’s name. Multiple voices. The search party. We should let them know you’re okay, Victoria said. But Emma grabbed her hand. Wait, can I ask you something? Of course. Are you really rich? Victoria froze. What? I heard dad talking to Aunt Michelle.

He said, “Your real name is Victoria and you’re a billionaire.” Emma pronounced the word carefully. Is that true? No point lying now. Yes. Like Batman rich. Despite everything, Victoria smiled. Something like that. Why didn’t you tell us? I was scared. A lot of people treat me differently when they find out I have money.

I wanted your dad to like me for me, not for what I could buy him. Emma thought about this. Dad doesn’t care about money. He says it’s nice to have, but it’s not what matters. I know that now, but I didn’t know it before. So, you were testing him? Victoria nodded, ashamed. That’s mean. You’re right. It was mean, and I’m sorry.

Emma was quiet again. The voices were getting closer. Victoria could hear Ryan’s voice among them, hoar from shouting. I don’t care if you’re rich or poor, Emma said finally. I just liked having you around. You listened to me. You didn’t treat me like I was stupid. You’re not stupid. You’re one of the smartest people I know.

Really? Really? Ryan burst through the trees. He stopped dead when he saw them. Emma. He ran forward, dropped to his knees in front of his daughter. Are you okay? Are you hurt? I’m fine, Dad. I just wanted to see Mirror Lake. Ryan pulled her into a hug so tight Victoria heard Emma grunt. You can’t do that. You can’t just leave school and disappear.

I thought I was terrified. I’m sorry. Ryan pulled back, checked her over like he was searching for injuries. Then he seemed to notice Victoria for the first time. Their eyes met. Victoria saw everything there. Relief that Emma was safe. Anger that Victoria had found her. Confusion about what to feel. I should go, Victoria said quietly.

She stood up. Wait, Emma said. Don’t leave yet. Your dad and I need to talk, but I’m glad you’re okay. Victoria started to walk away. Made it maybe 10 steps before Ryan called her name. How did you know where she was? Victoria turned. She told me about this place weeks ago. She said it was her secret spot.

Ryan’s expression cracked slightly. Thank you for finding her. Of course, Michelle and three other people emerged from the trees. Michelle saw Emma and let out a sob of relief. There were hugs, questions, Emma explaining about wanting to see Mirror Lake one more time. Victoria slipped away while everyone was distracted.

Made it back to the trail before Ryan caught up with her. “Victoria, wait.” She stopped. Didn’t turn around. Couldn’t look at him. “I owe you an apology,” Ryan said. That made her turn. What? The way I reacted at the diner. I didn’t let you explain. I just walked away. You had every right to walk away. Maybe, but I’ve been thinking about what you said, about being tested for 2 years, about men only wanting your money.

He shoved his hands in his pockets. That sounds lonely. It was. I’m still angry. I’m angry that you lied. I’m angry that you tested me like I was some kind of science experiment. I’m angry that you let Emma get attached without telling me the truth. I know you should be angry, but I also understand why you did it, and that’s making it hard to stay angry.

Victoria’s chest felt tight. Ryan, but I’m not saying I forgive you. I don’t know if I can, but you found my daughter when nobody else could. You remembered something she told you weeks ago. You came looking for her even though I told you to stay away. I couldn’t not come. Not when Emma was missing.

Ryan ran a hand through his hair. I don’t know what to do here. I don’t know if we can come back from this. I don’t either. I need time to think to figure out if I can trust you again. I understand, but Emma’s asking about you, and I don’t know what to tell her. Tell her the truth. That I made a mistake and you need time to decide if you can forgive me.

She won’t understand that. She’s smarter than you think. Ryan almost smiled. Almost. Yeah, she is. They stood in silence for a moment. The sun was setting, painting the sky orange and pink. In the distance, Victoria could hear Emma talking animatedly to Michelle about Mirror Lake and how pretty it was and how she’d wanted to see it one more time before it got too cold.

“I really do love you,” Victoria said quietly. “Both of you.” That was never a lie. I know that’s the worst part. I believe you, but it’s not enough. I don’t know. Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. Ryan looked exhausted. I need to get Emma home. Make sure she’s really okay. Of course. Go. He started to leave, then turned back.

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