Page 96 of Summer Nights

"No problem. Let me know if you need anything else."

I clicked off the call and opened the slider to sit on the patio. It was a beautiful morning with the pool shimmering in the morning light and the sound of waves crashing on the shore, but I hurt for Ivy. Her father abandoned her, then moved on to have another family. A good one from the sounds of it.

Why couldn't he check in with Ivy? Why couldn't he send her mother child support?

I needed to know why for Ivy's sake. I had a feeling there was more to this story. Decision made, I snuck into the bedroom and grabbed fresh clothes, showering in the spare bedroom before heading out.

Ivy needed her sleep, and I needed answers. I'd talk to her about it when I got back. I just hoped she'd be willing to listen. I'd put this into motion, and I couldn't back down now. I was so close to knowing the answers.

I drove to the address that Jack had sent me in his emailed report. I saw the one-story home that appeared to be well taken care of, and then I headed toward the garage that he worked at. I wondered if he was already at work this morning.

I got out of my truck and approached the man who was standing in front of the garage.

"Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for Clint Baker. Does he work here?"

The man looked me over. "That's me."

"You're Clint?" I asked him, taking in the man who was in his early fifties in overalls that had seen better days. His fingers were permanently stained with grease and his skin smattered with wrinkles.

"That's right. How can I help you?"

"I'm dating your daughter." I wasn't sure how else to begin this conversation.

His brow furrowed. "I don't have a daughter."

Anger shot through me. "She's the one you left behind on Sanibel Island."

"I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm telling you that I don't have a daughter."

I sighed, assessing whether he was telling the truth. "One you know about anyway."

He leaned forward. "Are you saying I have a daughter that I never knew about?"

His confusion was too genuine to be contrived. "Her name is Ivy Buckley. Her mother told her you took off before she was born."

"What's her mother's name? I was involved with someone on the island, but it wasn't serious."

"Tessa Buckley."

"Yeah, that's her. Are you saying she was pregnant when I left? If so, why didn't she ever say anything? I would have supported her. I'd would have wanted to see my daughter."

I rubbed the back of my neck. "I don't know. But they struggled and sure could have used your help."

He was quiet for a few seconds as if he was contemplating his new reality. "Can I meet her?"

I winced. "Ivy doesn't even know I'm here."

"Is she going to be happy about you meddling?"

"No."

"I'll let you sort that out. But when things settle down, I'd love to meet her." His eyes went unfocused as he stared off into the distance. "I can't believe I have a daughter."

I didn't have the heart to tell him that she was pregnant too. That seemed like something that she should reveal. "She thinks you abandoned her. That you left because you didn't want her."

Shock crossed his expression. "I never would have left if I'd known."

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