Page 44 of Someone Like You
“Sure.” Anger tinged Dawson’s voice. “But that was before their daughter died. Now it just seems …” What was he thinking? That finding Maddie and telling her about her biological family was somehow his right? That his curiosity and determination to do this for the Quinns mattered more than Maddie’s feelings?
“Look.” His dad stared straight at him. “I know how much you miss her, Son. But now somewhere in Indiana, London’s sister must feel like the world is collapsing around her.” He paused. “Maybe just let it go. You said thegirl didn’t want to talk.” He shrugged. “End of story.” His hesitation was long enough to let his words sink in. “Don’t make this about you, Dawson. Please.”
Dawson didn’t want this conversation, didn’t want to reason away the hope of connecting with Maddie West. Even now. But his father was right. Louise and Larry didn’t need to meet her. He had called the Quinns when his plane landed yesterday and told them the news. He had found her. London’s sister.
But neither of them had said much. The reality of having another biological daughter had only seemed to confuse them and make them more sad. “We should’ve tried again,” Louise had said. “Then this girl would be ours.”
So if it didn’t help Louise and it exposed a terrible lie to Maddie, what was the point? Dawson stared at the table. “Maybe you’re right.” It was the last thing he wanted to admit. That he might’ve gone to Indiana looking for someone to replace London. Dawson lifted his head. “She’s engaged. If that helps any.”
His dad’s lips curved in a partial smile. “It does. Because maybe you’ll let it go.” He put his hand over Dawson’s once more. “I’m sorry, Son. I’m so sorry. We all are.”
Dawson nodded. His dad was sorry because he was right. London was gone. And no one could ever replace her. Dawson did a few slow nods. “I know.” He pursed his lips. “Thanks, Dad. I didn’t want this talk … but I needed it.”
“Yes.” His dad exhaled. “Sometimes God helps us face the very thing we’re running from.”
Like going after Maddie West.
Understanding filled Dawson. Their lunch arrived and they talked about the deal his dad had just closed and the prospects in the coming week. They left together, and hisfather stopped near his truck. “Glad you’re back.” The two hugged. “Not just from Indiana.”
Dawson could feel the sadness in his eyes. Because this conversation had an air of finality about it. “Thanks, Dad.” He patted his father’s shoulder. “I mean it.” Dawson smiled. “See you tomorrow.”
“Sundays are the best. Going to be a good message at church!” His dad grinned. “I have a feeling about that.”
“Save me a seat.”
They waved and Dawson climbed into his Chevy. His dad had been spot-on today. Dawson never should’ve gone to Indiana. He thought about his father’s words.You can’t replace her … you can’t replace her.
Was that really what he’d been trying to do? In his desperation after losing London?
A light rain began to fall. He didn’t want to replace London, right? That wasn’t it. He had no delusions that the girl would want to talk to him and that somehow they’d find the same sort of friendship he’d shared with London. That wasn’t it.
The truth hit him then.
He didn’t want Maddie to fill London’s place. He wanted London. Just a few more minutes with her. He had hoped being with the girl at the zoo would give him that gift. Hearing Maddie’s voice, watching the way she tossed her hair and walked across the kangaroo exhibit.
And he had been right.
Sitting on the bench by the lions and giraffes watching her, when she didn’t know he was looking, he had allowed himself to pretend. London had a blond wig, but she was there and she was whole. She hadn’t died, after all.
Dawson shuddered at the reality. What a terrible thingto do to the Indiana beauty. Projecting his own brokenness on her as if the girl could ever be London Quinn. Yes, his dad had been right about almost everything he’d said at lunch. But one thing wasn’t correct.
He had never intended to replace London.
Since Maddie didn’t want to talk to him, the entire ordeal was behind him. He could get on with accepting the situation as it was. As it always would be. London was gone and she wasn’t coming back.
The rain came down harder. Dawson was halfway home when he remembered the missed call from the Indiana number. If it had been Maddie, she would’ve left a message or called back. Through the afternoon and evening that’s what he told himself. Anytime recent memories of Maddie came to mind, he pushed them out.
His heart had no room for them.
But just before eight o’clock, he was sitting at the edge of his dock, remembering London, seeing her racing ahead of him on the river, when his phone rang. A single glance told him it was the same Indiana number. For a few seconds he only let it ring. This wasn’t Maddie. That was all a big mistake.
But before the call could go to voicemail, he answered it. “Hello?”
Silence filled the air.
“Hello?” He gritted his teeth. “I think you have the wrong number.”
Then he heard a sharp breath. “Dawson Gage?”
