Chapter 7 A Natural Father

(Lydia)

The shrill sound of the doorbell ringing punctured the peaceful quiet of my hotel room. I glanced at the wall clock. 11 p.m. Who could it possibly be?

I pulled the blanket over my daughter’s back. Her sweet face glowed like an angel while she slept. Padding along the plush carpet, I peered through the peephole and felt my stomach churn.

Sarah.

I drew in a steadying breath, unbolted the door, and opened it a crack. “What do you want?” I exhaled in a harsh whisper.

Sarah’s face was ashy white and her lips were drawn into a tight line. “Let me in!” she shrieked.

She thrust herself against the door but I stood firm, blocking entry. “You need to leave. Now.” I said, quietly but firmly.

A soft whimper came from the king-sized bed and my heart clenched. I couldn’t let this racket wake up my children. As I stepped aside to check on my daughter, Sarah took advantage of the distraction and brushed past me into the room.

“Quiet. You’ll wake them up!” I hissed.

“Is that … Thomas’s?” Sarah