The Dolls(108)

He stares at me for a minute. “Your mother would be so proud of the young woman you’ve grown up to be.” He smiles sadly. “I’m here now, Eveny. I’m here to help you win back Carrefour and avenge your mom’s death. Whatever it takes.”

“In that case,” I say, my heart hammering, “we’d better get some rest.” I don’t quite know what to make of my father’s return after all these years, but my gut tells me the emotion in his eyes is real. So I push aside thoughts of Caleb, the Dolls, and everything else I’m responsible for, and for just a second I let myself believe in a future that isn’t fraught with complications and lies. Maybe this is the first step. Maybe everything’s going to be okay.

“Dad,” I say softly, “I’m glad you’re home.”