Clint's eyes shone with emotion. "You're going to be an amazing mother."
Ivy chuckled without any humor. "I wasn't sure about that after the example I've been shown."
"I'm sure your mother had her reasons why she didn't tell you the truth. She might have been fighting her own demons. But you're willing to grow and adapt. That sets you apart from her. And who knows? Maybe she'll make some changes in her life too."
"That would be good for Rae and Duncan."
"Don't give up on her just yet," Clint said softly, and it wasn't lost on me that this was his first bit of fatherly advice he'd ever given her.
"You're a good man. I wish I'd known you sooner."
"We can't change the past, but we can move forward in a different way and make a commitment to each other." Clint looked to me as if he didn't want to step on any toes.
"We'd love to have you in our lives."
"Cooper's parents are throwing us a party after the baby's born. It would be great if you could come. You can meet my sister and brother." Ivy fell silent for a few seconds and then added, "I'd like to meet my brothers too."
Clint grinned more widely. I don't think he was expecting a meeting of the entire family to happen so soon. "Do you need any help with anything? The nursery? I'd love to be involved."
"We need to paint the nursery if you'd like to help. We're waiting until after the baby is born so we'll know if it's a boy or a girl." It was important for him to be involved. He couldn’t be present for Ivy when she was a child, but he could be there for her now.
We talked about what Ivy was like as a child. She described herself as independent and strong. When boys tried to pick on her, she fought back.
I could tell that Clint was proud of her but sad that he wasn't there to protect and guide her. He was a good man, and I'd done the right thing looking for him. I could have handled the situation better, but I couldn't regret anything now. Not when this was the outcome.
We lingered over coffee and dessert, none of us wanting to leave.
Eventually, Ivy arched her back. "I hate to break this up, but I'm getting tired, and my back is aching."
Clint threw down cash for the bill, covering the entire thing. I let him because it was something he needed to take care of. "Let's get you home."
When we reached my truck, Clint hugged Ivy gently. "Take care of yourself, okay?"
"I'll look out for her," I added, knowing he needed to hear it.
Clint nodded, stepping away. "I know you will." And then he said to Ivy, "I hope you'll call us when you go into labor. We'd love to be in the waiting room."
Ivy blinked back tears. "I cry about everything now."
"You've had a lot of change in a short time. But I want you to know that you can count on me. Now that I know about you, I want to be here for you."
I knew he wouldn't want to step on my toes, but at the same time, we'd make room for him. He was part of her life now too. I hoped one day he'd walk her down the aisle at our wedding.
"I know."
Clint let out a breath as if he was worried she wouldn't believe him. We said our goodbyes and got into the truck.
On the drive home, Ivy said, "Thank you."
"For?" I asked, looking over at her.
"For finding my father. For giving him back to me."
That comment had my eyes tearing up. "I'd do anything for you, and I'm glad it worked out. He's a good man."
She reached over and covered my hand with hers. "So are you."
"You know I'll love you forever. You never have to worry about being alone again," I said to her.
