Chapter 34
“Are you sure you should be sitting up?” Lorraine said, afraid.
“Don’t worry, dear. I’m a tough old bird. It’s not easy to put old Sadie down.”
Suddenly, Lorraine’s reserve broke, and she began crying. “Oh, Mama, how could this have happened? Why?”
“My baby,” Sadie whispered. “I’ve waited a long time to hear you call me that.”
Lorraine lifted her tearstained face to her. “Why didn’t you and Papa tell me?”
“We never got the chance, honey. Harriet found out about me, and when we tried to get you back, she wouldn’t hear of it. She said if we didn’t stay away she would get full custody. We knew no court wouldgive you to a couple like us—”
“A couple like you? What do you mean?”
“I mean…not married.”
“Oh God,” Lorraine said. “You mean I’m…” Lorraine looked down at her fidgeting hands, “illegitimate.”