I recognized the handwriting instantly.
My grandfather’s.
Not my father’s father.
My mother’s father.
The man who died when I was sixteen.
The only person in my family who had ever believed in me.
The governor carefully handed me the envelope.
“He asked me to deliver this if I ever met your daughter.”
My hands trembled.
“What?”
“He said one day you’d understand.”
I slowly opened the envelope.
Inside was a letter.
My grandfather’s voice seemed to come alive on the page.
My dearest Claire,
If you’re reading this, then Daniel Hayes kept his promise.
