Page 193 of Unexpected Heroine

What I mean is... did he maybe fake his death, as far as my family knew, to avoid having to take care of a baby? Maybe he had a friend send a letter to my mom saying he was dead.

Lyin’ Snake:

Lettie, your father is the most honorable man I’ve ever known. I believe wholeheartedly that if he knew you existed, he would have been there for you from day one.

Sugar Bear:

So my grandparents lied. There’s no other possible explanation.

Lyin’ Snake:

I can’t think of any other reason. I’m sorry. I know that’s not the answer you wanted to hear.

Sugar Bear:

I wanted to hear the truth. I think we’ve all had enough lies for one lifetime, don’t you?

Lyin’ Snake:

Can I come see you?

Sugar Bear:

Are you having memory problems, old man? We’ve already discussed this.

Lyin’ Snake:

I just smiled for the first time in days.

Sugar Bear:

Wow. Good for you.

Lyin’ Snake:

I know you’re being sarcastic. And that made me smile again.

Sugar Bear:

Oh yeah, that’s right. You like it when I’m bratty now.

Lyin’ Snake:

I figured out why.

Sugar Bear:

Why?

Lyin’ Snake:

Because it meant that my Lettie—my sugar bear—was still inside there. They didn’t break her.

Sugar Bear:

No, they didn’t.

Lyin’ Snake:

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