Yes, the answer is obvious. Carter, as Jaci's father, should have the right to know the truth.

But I was afraid that if he knew, he would take Jaci away from me.

So I told him brutally, "No, Jacqueline is not your daughter."

His expectant eyes suddenly darkened and he said despondently, "Okay, I understand."

He dragged his heavy feet away, like the walking dead. I watched his back disappear until he was out of sight before closing the door.

Even a few short words seemed to take up a lot of my strength. I went back to my room and lay down on my bed, obviously tired, but could...