His throat felt dry as he struggled to find the right words. “My name is Brent Dunn. My mother was Joan Burton. I think… I think you might be my uncle.”
Jonah’s eyebrows shot up, and he took a step closer, scrutinizing Brent’s face. “You’re Joanie’s boy? I didn’t even know she had a son.”
He nodded, a lump forming in his throat at the mention of his mother’s name. “Yes, that’s right. Joan was my mother.”
Jonah’s expression softened, a mix of emotions flickering across his face. “I can’t believe it. You look so much like her.” He paused, staring hard, as if drinking in every detail. “Joanie had a boy. How could I not know that?”
“I’m not sure. Mom died when I was a young boy. My father’s family never told me anything about my mom’s family.”
“But how did you find me? I thought… well, it’s been so long.”
“It’s a long story,” he said, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden connection. “I’ve been researching my family history, and I came across some information that led me here. I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d find anything.”
“And yet you did.” The man never took his eyes off him.
“I’ve been researching the history of Southwest Florida. I’m staying on Magnolia Key.”
Jonah’s eyes lit up with recognition.
“And what I found out in Magnolia Key is that…” He paused, staring at Jonah. “That you died in a hurricane.”
Jonah slowly nodded. “I heard that rumor.”
“And you did nothing to correct it?”
Jonah glanced around the lobby, then back at him. “This isn’t really the place for a reunion like this. How long are you in town? Maybe we could grab a coffee or something?”
He nodded eagerly. “I’d like that. I have so many questions if you’re willing to answer them.”
A shadow passed over Jonah’s face, but he managed a small smile. “I’m sure you do. And I’ll do my best to answer what I can. How about we meet at the diner down the street in about an hour? I need to wrap up a few things here first.”
“That sounds perfect,” he agreed, eager for more details. He’d come looking for answers, and now he was face-to-face with a living piece of his family’s history. He had an uncle. Family.
As Jonah turned to leave, he called out, “Uncle Jonah?” The word felt strange on his tongue, but right somehow.
Jonah paused, looking back at him with a questioning gaze.
“Thank you,” he said simply. “For agreeing to meet with me.”
Jonah’s expression softened again, and he nodded. “Of course. We’re family, after all.” With that, he headed back into the depths of the building, leaving Brent standing in the lobby, his mind reeling from the unexpected encounter.
Brent sat at the diner, checking his watch. It had been over an hour and no sign of Jonah. What if he didn’t show up? He had disappeared from everyone’s lives before. Was he doing it again? The minutes ticked by slowly.
He finally looked up and saw Jonah hurrying inside. Jonah slipped into the seat across from him. “Sorry, I’m late. Took me longer than I thought to wrap things up.”
“No problem.” He was just glad Jonah showed up.
They both ordered burgers, fries, and malts. Jonah took his long-handled spoon and stirred his malt. “So, I guess you have questions?”
“I do. Like why does everyone on Magnolia Key think you’re dead?”
“The day of the hurricane, I was out by the marina. I was supposed to… to meet someone. They never showed up. So I started helping secure the boats when the hurricane hit. I was swept out into the bay. The other workers saw it happen.”
“But you didn’t die. Obviously.”
“No, I caught hold of part of a boat floating by and eventually washed up on shore down the coast. I was pretty banged up and someone took me to the hospital. When I was discharged about a week later, I made my way back to my parents’ house.” He smiled slightly. “Joanie threw herself into my arms when I walked in the door, and Mom broke into tears.”
“But… why does everyone think you died?”
