“Plenty of people I can call.”

“Sure,” Ivy said.

He dropped his ring of keys in her hand. “Thanks.”

“You really should stick around,” Dani said. “You started this, cousin.”

“I didn’t start it,” Ivy said through gritted teeth. “But you need to finish it.”

Dalton walked Ivy to the truck. “The second gear sticks a little, but it runs fine.”

“I used to drive the Seaside Resort’s truck all the time. If I can manage that piece of junk, this will be easy.”

“I’m sorry to put you in the middle.”

“No, you’re not. But that’s okay. Better you talk to her now. In six weeks, I’ll be gone, and she’ll need you.”

He opened the door, she slid behind the wheel, and as she clicked the seat belt, he closed the door.

She shifted into reverse and backed out onto the road. The car slid easily into first, and second was a little tricky, but before she’d gone a mile, she’d figured out the truck.

When she pulled into her driveway, it was after three, and she tried not to picture what mess Libby might have created. When she reached the front door, there was a note. I’ll take the little brown pup if he’s not taken. My sister may want the other one. Will talk to you about it tomorrow. Bert (Dalton’s foreman).

She tugged the note free and opened the front door. She owed it to Libby to make sure the puppies were taken care of. And then she would sell the house to Dalton. And then she and Libby would find a new life. It was all falling into place.

As she crossed to the kitchen table and set the registration book down, Libby ran to her, her tail wagging. “Hey, girl.”

The dog licked her hand and then, teats wagging under her belly, walked to her food and water bowls, which looked freshly filled. Bert. A good sign.

She skimmed her fingers over the frayed fabric cover of the registration book. She thought about Ruth. Had Edna told Ruth the truth about her birth? Or maybe Carlotta had told her during her years on the Maisy Adams? Had Ruth known what Edna had done to protect Ruth, Ann, and Carlotta?

“So who was the daddy, Ann?” Ivy asked. “I know you know.” The room crackled with silence. “You don’t have to tell me. I’ll find out. I’ve never met a question I was afraid to ask.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO IVY

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

IVY

Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 5:00 p.m.

“Luigi,” Ivy said. “Sorry I missed your call.”

“Ivy Neale,” he said. She could hear the buzz and clatter of his restaurant’s kitchen, which would be throttling up toward full speed for tonight’s dinner service.

“I saw your recent magazine piece. Very nice.”

“It was very flattering.” No missing the pride.