Since we all couldn't fit into my car, my dad and Fan-Ning had to take a taxi. I was surprised, because I had figured my Dad would want to ride with the three of us. He probably didn't want Fan-Ning to feel lonely during the hour-long trip.

Me and my friends were the first to arrive at my house. Once I opened the front door, I was not only greeted by my little terrier, Togo, but also by a mixed aroma of tomato soup, lasagna, and cherry pie. Hannah had obviously been busy in the kitchen.

"We're here!" I shouted.

Hannah came out of the kitchen, with her apron covered with flour and sauce. She seemed tired, but was wearing a bright smile. That's one of the things I love about Hannah, she's always happy.

"Oh, I was beginning to get worried. You're thirty minutes late."

"Sorry, Hannah, traffic was pretty bad."

"Well, that doesn't matter. Come inside and wash up for supper."

While George and Bess went to the bathroom, I plopped down on the sofa and Togo jumped up and snuggled next to me.

"So, do you like Fan-Ning?" Hannah asked.

My eyes widened in surprise. I stood up and went into the dining room where Hannah was setting the table for supper.

"You knew about Fan-Ning?" I asked.

Hannah gave me a sheepish smile. "Your father wrote me a letter and told me that he had met Fan-Ning. He didn't want me to say anything because he wanted you to be surprised."

"Well, I defintely was surprised."

Hannah frowned. "You do like her don't you, Nancy?"

I shrugged. "I'm not sure. I really don't know her."

Hannah sighed and set down the last plate. She came around to my side of the table and wrapped her arm around my shoulders.

"I know your father hasn't dated much since your mother passed away, and I can imagine seeing him serious about someone is a frightening change for you. Just try and get to know her Nancy, you might be surprised."

Before I had the chance to speak, me and Hannah heard the front door open. Soon, my Dad and Fan-Ning came into the dining room.

Hannah hugged my dad. "Welcome home, Mr. Drew."

"Thanks, Hannah. Is all of this for me?"

"Well, for you and for Fan-Ning."

Fan-Ning smiled and Hannah hugged her. "Welcome to America, dear."

"Thank you, Hannah. Carson spoke highly of you. He told me that you are the best cook in the entire country.

Hannah blushed. "Oh, I'm not so sure about that. Now, how about we all sit down and eat."

"Actually Hannah, before we have dinner, I have an announcement to make." Dad said.

At that moment, George and Bess came out of the bathroom.

"What announcement?" George asked.

I couldn't help but notice Dad and Fan-Ning smiling at each other, and squeezing each other's hands.

"Why don't we go into the living room?" Dad suggested.

The four of us followed Dad and Fan-Ning into the living room. Once everyone was seated, there was a long moment of silence. My Dad looked nervous, and that's something that rarely happens with him.

"Tell them, Carson." Fan-Ning said.

Dad sighed and looked around the room at us. Finally, he opened his mouth to speak.

"Well, first let me say that I'm glad to be home. I missed everyone and everything in River Heights. When I arrived in Shanghai, I had expected for a relative of my client to pick me up. To my surprise, it was Fan-Ning who was waiting for me. Turns out that she was the lawyer of one of my client's brother who had opposed his sibling's use of a foreign lawyer to settle his will. I'll admit me and Fan-Ning argued at first, but we soon settled our differences. Before I knew it, I was asking her out on a date. Every night we went out together; we talked, we laughed, and we fell in love. Pretty soon, I realized that I would be leaving Shanghai and couldn't bare to leave Fan-Ning behind. So, the week before I left, I took her to a fountain, got down on one knee, and asked her to spend the rest of our lives together."

"Well, did you accept?" Bess asked.

Fan-Ning held up the hand with the diamond ring. "I accepted."

While Bess, George, and Hannah were screaming with excitement and hugging and congratulating Dad and Fan-Ning; all I could do was sitting on the sofa and feel my heart drop into my stomach. When I saw the ring on Fan-Ning's hand, I wished that it was only a gift that my Dad had gotten her. I was wrong. My Dad was getting married to a complete stranger!

"Nancy, you haven't said anything. Aren't you happy?" Dad asked.

"Happy?" I shouted. "You expect me to be happy when you're replacing Mom. You told me that you would never marry someone else! You said that Mom was the only one who could you make happy!"

Everyone was staring at me in shock. Even I was a little surprised by my behavior, but that didn't mean that I was sorry for what I said. Dad was replacing Mom and I knew it.

Not wanting anyone to see me cry, I ran up the stairs to my bedroom with Togo trotting behind me. After slamming the door, I threw myself on the bed and began to cry. For once, I was not eighteen. I was a little girl who was losing her Daddy to a stranger.