Lucky Penny (58 page)

“Miss Paxton, I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Daphne, ever outgoing, stepped forward to shake his hand. “And I am pleased to meet you, Your Honor.”

With the formalities finished, the family was free to leave. A celebration was planned at Ace and Caitlin’s. Brianna knew it would be an unforgettable evening, with delicious food, music and dance, and love abounding. And later, she would lie in David’s arms while their daughter slept, secure in the knowledge that she belonged with him, and only with him.

As they exited the building, Brianna thought once again that it really was funny how things could turn out. Against all odds, Daphne was actually related to David. From the start, he’d kept saying, “I know a Paxton when I see one.” And he’d been absolutely right. Either that penny truly was lucky, or God had reached down and shuffled the chess pieces on the board, lining them up so the outcome would be perfect, giving Daphne what Brianna and Moira had never had.

A
real
family.