Finding You

Chapter 23

Darcy fidgeted with her purse strap while she stood on Oak Street in Matthews. She scanned the nearby parking lot, looking

for anyone who might possibly be Robyn. She paced back and forth, imagining all kinds of scenarios for how the meeting might

go. What if she and Robyn had nothing in common? What if they sat awkwardly and stared at each other?

Or what if they bonded immediately, and Darcy walked out of there feeling complete for the first time in her life?

Darcy already felt guilty for looking for her biological mother because her adoptive parents had given her such a wonderful

life. They had provided her with nothing but love and unending support. If she were to become close with Robyn, though, they

might feel slighted or taken advantage of. Even worse, they might feel left behind. Betrayed.

She folded her jittery hands.

“Darcy?”

Turning, she came face-to-face with Robyn. She sucked in a breath as she looked into green eyes that reflected hers. Although

Robyn’s blonde hair had a few strands of gray, and though her lips had surely thinned with age, Darcy still knew she was looking

into a face that resembled her own.

For the first time in her life, she was looking at her biological family. Darcy felt an immediate connection—something unexplainable,

warm, and overwhelming.

“Hi,” Darcy whispered.

Robyn clasped her hands together. “Oh, Darcy. You’re absolutely beautiful!”

“Thank you,” Darcy said. “Would it be okay if I hugged you?”

Robyn nodded, and her eyes glimmered as she opened her arms. Darcy stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the woman who

had brought her into the world. She breathed in her scent—lavender mixed with soap—and couldn’t stop her tears from flowing.

She’d waited nearly her entire life for this moment.

“I’m so happy to meet you,” Robyn whispered. “I’ve waited so long for this.”

Darcy laughed. “I was just thinking the same thing.” She stepped out of her embrace. “Thank you.”

“Sweetie, you don’t need to thank me.” Robyn squeezed her shoulder. “Let’s sit.”

They found a bench in front of a line of stores and sat down. The August morning was hazy, hot, and humid as the sun beat

down on Darcy’s shoulders and neck. Birds sang in nearby trees, and the fresh scent of flowers from nearby planters floated

over her. Darcy’s heartbeat took flight as she looked at her birth mother, and questions churned inside her.

“So,” Robyn said. “How are you today?”

Darcy laughed. “Great.”

“Tell me about your parents,” Robyn said. “All I know about them is that they were older.”

“Their names are Ross and Josie. They were in their forties when they adopted me, and they had tried for years to have a child.

They’ve given me an amazing life.” Darcy shared how her parents had run their own orthodontic practice and then sold it about

ten years ago. She talked about growing up in Marvin, spending vacations at the beach house, traveling around the world, and

going to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

“Are you close to your folks?”

“Yes, very close.”

Robyn nodded, and her expression seemed wistful. “I always prayed you had a good life. I’m grateful to hear that you do.”

“I definitely do, and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me. I’ve always known they love and support me.” She paused.

“I just always felt like I didn’t fit in. It’s nothing my parents did or said. I just always felt different from them—like

I didn’t belong.

“They never pressured me to be like them. That was all pressure I put on myself. For example, I felt I should go into the

medical field because that’s what they did, but turns out, I’m not cut out for that. I know it’s okay to be different. They

love me for who I am, and I’m so thankful to have their love and support.” She was silent again, trying to find the right

words. “But I also think it’s natural to wonder about where you came from. Something always seemed to be missing in my life,

and I think that missing piece might have been you.”

Robyn sniffed and blotted her eye with a tissue. “I begged my parents to let me keep you, but they insisted it would be best

if I gave you up since I was only sixteen. Still, it broke my heart.”

Darcy moved her finger over the edge of the worn wooden seat. “Would you tell me about my father?”

“Of course.” Robyn folded her hands in her lap. “His name was Stuart Bost. I met him at a friend’s birthday party. He was

very handsome. He was tall, brown-haired, and had stunning blue eyes that reminded me of the Carolina sky. I was smitten the

first time I met him.” She shook her head. “He was a couple of years older than me, and we went out on a few dates. I thought

I was in love, and... well, you know.” A sigh sifted through her lips. “Next thing I knew, I was pregnant.”

Robyn frowned. “I was terrified to tell my parents because I knew I had let them down.” She fidgeted with her purse strap. “And then I couldn’t find Stuart to tell him the news. I called the house, and his mother said he had left for boot camp.”

“He joined the military?”

Robyn shrugged. “That’s what his mother told me. I don’t know if it was true or if she just said it to get me to stop calling.

I dropped by the house, wrote him, and tried to track him down in the military, but I couldn’t find him. Then I gave it another

shot after you were born. I wanted him to know that you existed, but my efforts were in vain. I have a feeling his mother

blocked me the best way she could, even though I told her about you.”

“I’m sorry he hurt you.” Darcy took Robyn’s hands in hers.

She smiled. “Thank you, but it all worked out. I got my GED and then went to college, and that’s where I met Graham. He’s

very supportive and loving, and we adore our two boys.” She gave Darcy’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I’ve waited a lifetime to

find you, and now I have.”

“I feel the same way.”

“Tell me about Carter,” Robyn said.

Darcy couldn’t stop her smile. “He’s wonderful.” She shared a brief version of how they met and started dating. “We just seemed

to click. Something about him just felt familiar.” She sighed. “He’s kind, sweet, easy to talk to, and has a great sense of

humor.” She chuckled, recalling how he’d joked about watching reality TV when she’d picked up her car at his shop.

“And handsome,” Robyn added with a grin.

“Oh yeah, he’s very handsome,” Darcy agreed. “Will you tell me about my brothers?” Happiness whirled through her. “I’m so

excited to have siblings.”

“Well, they are very athletic, but they get that from their father,” Robyn began. “They both play football on their high school

team. They’re very competitive.”

Darcy listened while her birth mother discussed her brothers. Then she folded her hands as the question that had haunted her for more than three years rose to the surface.

“Does kidney disease run in your family?” She froze, waiting for the response.

“Kidney disease?” Robyn asked. “Well, uh, my mother told me my grandfather suffered with kidney disease. He was on dialysis

for several years. He passed away when I was an infant.” Then her brow creased. “Why do you ask?”

Darcy’s limbs trembled as the words she’d feared rolled through her mind: Her kidney disease was hereditary. There was a chance she could pass it along to her children. She took a ragged breath as she stared down at her

sundress. Then she met her biological mother’s concerned gaze. “I had a kidney transplant a little over two years ago.”

Robyn leaned toward her. “Oh, Darcy. What happened?”

“I wasn’t feeling well, and when my symptoms seemed to linger longer than an ordinary virus, my doctor ran some tests. I thought

I might have mono or something, but when the bloodwork came back, I found out the truth.” She stared out toward the line of

stores across the street as memories of the ordeal filled her mind.

Robyn touched her hand. “Take your time.”

“My kidney function was declining, and the numbers weren’t good. My primary care doctor gave me a referral to a nephrologist.”

She picked at a loose piece of wood on the bench seat. “Next thing I knew, I was told to start preparing for a transplant.

My parents wanted to donate a kidney for me, but they both are older and weren’t matches.” She hedged as her eyes began to

sting. “But my fiancé insisted on donating for me.”

“Your fiancé?”

Darcy nodded. “Yes, I was engaged... His name was Jace Allen.”

“Oh.” Robyn’s expression was full of curiosity.

“He wasn’t a match for me, so he donated a kidney on my behalf. He gave to another man about his age, while I received a kidney

from a man who was donating for his daughter. It’s called a paired donor exchange.”

“And you were engaged to Jace?”

“Yes.” Darcy took a deep breath. “He passed away. It will be two years next month.”

“Oh sweetie. I am so sorry.” Robyn looped her arm around Darcy’s shoulders. “That had to be devastating for you.”

“Yes.” Darcy looked out toward a group of young women walking into a boutique across the street. “I had forgotten to pick

up my medications, and he offered to go pick them up for me.” She released a tremulous breath. “He was turning into the pharmacy

parking lot when a man ran a red light and broadsided him. He died on impact.” She shuddered. “If I had only gotten my medication

a few days before, he’d still be here. We’d be married and maybe even starting a family by now. But he’s gone because of me.”

“Don’t say that, Darcy. It wasn’t your fault.”

“Yet I live with that guilt every day. And I don’t know how to move on.”

“But you are moving on. You’re with Carter now.”

“It’s not that simple. I love Carter, but I don’t know how to tell him. I also haven’t told him about the kidney transplant

yet.” She hugged her arms to her middle. “I feel this invisible force holding me back. It’s like I can’t take that step with

him. I can’t fully let go of Jace because it’s my fault he died. Jace gave up his kidney for me, and his life.” She turned toward Robyn and sniffed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to unload.”

“Don’t apologize,” Robyn said. “You deserve happiness, Darcy.”

Although she nodded, she didn’t agree. “So kidney disease does run in your family.” Disappointment continued to rain down

on her.

“Well, if my grandfather had it and now you have it, it seems to have skipped a few generations. I’m sorry you’ve suffered like that.”

Darcy ran her hands down her sundress. “I had wondered if I might pass the disease along to my children—if I ever get married

and have a family.”

“I suppose there might be a chance, but I wouldn’t allow that fear to stop you from having a family if that’s what you want.”

Robyn touched her arm. “How are your kidneys now?”

“Perfect. I saw the doctor the day my car wouldn’t start, which was the same day I met Carter. I’ll need to take medication

for the rest of my life, but hopefully I won’t need another transplant.”

“That is a miracle.” Robyn rested her arm on Darcy’s shoulder. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you when you were going

through that.”

Darcy smiled at her. “But you’re here now.”

“Yes, I am.”

They sat on the bench and talked for another hour. Then they took a few selfies and walked to their cars sitting in a nearby

parking lot.

“I don’t mean to be forward, but I’d love to meet Graham and my brothers sometime,” Darcy said. When Robyn hesitated, Darcy’s

stomach dropped.

“I need to tell you something.” Robyn grimaced, and Darcy clasped her purse strap. “I haven’t told Brayden or Keaton about

you.”

“Oh. Why?”

Robyn leaned back against her SUV. “I honestly don’t know how to tell them.”

Darcy blinked, trying to comprehend what Robyn had said. “So you don’t want them to know about me?”

“I’m not sure they’re ready yet. It will be a big shock to them to learn they have an older sister.”

Darcy felt her heart begin to break, but she worked to keep her expression even.

“But when I do tell them, I’ll be sure to get you all together.” Robyn pulled her in for a hug. “I’ll call you soon. I’m so

glad I found you.”

“Me too.” As Darcy watched her birth mother drive away, she tried to fight the surging disappointment. She had finally found

her family and some answers, but she was still part of a secret Robyn wanted to keep.

***

Carter looked at the time on his phone later that evening. He’d been waiting on pins and needles to hear news about Darcy’s

meetup with her biological mother. After she’d left her townhouse, he had cleaned up the kitchen, folded the blanket he’d

used overnight, and left it on the sofa beside the pillow.

He’d left her house and spent the afternoon running errands and taking care of chores, repeatedly checking his phone and expecting

a text or call from Darcy.

Worry and concern kept nipping at him, though he’d tried in vain to keep his mind occupied with something else. Once his other

chores were done, he paced the detached garage and organized the tools in his toolbox to stay busy. He hoped Darcy and her

biological mother were engrossed in a wonderful discussion and had lost track of time.

When his phone finally rang, Carter tripped over his floor jack and grasped the edge of his workbench to right himself. Lifting

his phone, he found Darcy’s name on his screen. His heartbeat trilled.

“Hey,” he answered.

“Hey yourself, Donovan.” He could hear road noise in the background, indicating she was driving. “Can you meet me at our spot

in the park?”

Carter pulled his Suburban keys from his pocket. “Yup. Are you on your way?”

“Be there in about fifteen minutes.”

He exited the garage and hit the code on the keypad to close the bay door. “See you soon.”

Carter arrived at their favorite bench ten minutes later. He scanned the area, and when he spotted Darcy walking toward him,

he closed the distance between them.

When she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close, he closed his eyes and breathed in her comforting scent. “I

guess it went well?” he asked.

“I know where I come from, Carter,” she whispered, her voice wobbling. “It feels like a dream.”

He rubbed her back. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Me too.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you.”

He looked down at her. “For what?”

“For being you.” She moved her fingers over the stubble on his chin.

He kissed her. “Are you hungry?”

She nodded. “I can’t believe I skipped lunch. We were so into our conversation that I lost track of time. Let’s get something

to eat.”

He took her hand and led her over to a nearby food truck, where they each ordered a chicken bacon wrap, chips, and a drink

before returning to their bench. “Give me details,” he said as they opened their wraps.

Darcy’s eyes glistened as she held up her phone. “I look like her, right?”

He expelled a puff of air as he took in the photos. Darcy smiled alongside a woman who looked like she was in her forties.

She had blonde hair and the same green eyes he adored. “Yup.”

She sniffed. “We talked about everything.” She opened her small bag of chips. “My brothers are fifteen and seventeen, and they’re athletic, which she says they got from their dad. Her husband, Graham, works in IT. I guess he’s my stepdad? My step bio-dad? My bonus dad?”

Carter nodded. “I guess so.”

She ate a few chips before telling him about her talk with Robyn.

“There’s just one thing that’s bothering me about Robyn.”

Carter turned to face her. “What?”

“She hasn’t told my brothers about me.” She frowned. “I asked if I could meet them, and she said she wasn’t ready.” She stared

down at her bag of chips. “It hurts. I finally have siblings, but I can’t meet them.”

He gave her a side hug. “I’m sorry. Just give her time. I’m sure you’ll meet them eventually.”

“I hope so.”

“When are you going to tell your parents about Robyn?”

Darcy cringed. “I haven’t figured that out yet, but I will tell them soon.”

They talked in the park until the sun began to set, and then he walked her to her car.

“I’m glad you had a good day with your birth mother.” He skimmed his hands down her arms.

Darcy kissed him and then unlocked her car. “Thank you for meeting me. Good night, Carter.”

“Good night.” As he watched her drive away, he hoped someday he’d find the courage to tell her everything.