She hadn’t learned much about Leo beyond his business, which appeared to be thriving, according to the upmarket website showing stunning houses he’d built. He didn’t have any personal social media profiles, which is what she’d really been hoping to discover. The thought she might have a half-sister was a total spinout. She’d never needed siblings, she had Karly and Nev; they were closer than close and she depended on them. Which made this entire situation more bizarre, considering she hadn’t confided in them yet. She’d hunkered down for the last few days, hibernating to nurse her confusion in peace.

  Jy had called once and they’d had a short chat but she’d made it clear she had a lot of work and could do without the interruption. He’d think she was fobbing him off again, but she didn’t have time to worry about that. Not when her entire life could be turned upside down the moment that email landed.

  As if she’d willed it, a loud ping signalled a new email and a small rectangle flashed in the top right corner of her screen, with RESULTS in the subject line, before it slid away.

  Her chest tightened with anticipation and her hands grew clammy as she swiped her index finger across the mouse pad, opening up her inbox and clicking on the email. Her gaze focussed on two words.

  POSITIVE MATCH

  A head-spinning combination of shock, relief and hope made her clutch the table. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, and wasn’t surprised when her mobile rang.

  ‘Hey, Mum.’

  ‘How are you feeling, sweetheart?’

  ‘Stunned. Oddly relieved. Curious. Confused.’

  ‘Totally understandable. Want me to come over?’

  ‘No,’ she spat out way too abruptly before tempering it with, ‘I need time to process. I’m not upset, just surprised, so how about I call you later?’

  ‘That’s fine, as long as you’re okay.’

  ‘I am, Mum.’

  ‘Right. Chat later. Love you.’

  ‘Love you too.’

  She knew Rayne wouldn’t believe she was okay and would probably lob on her doorstep in fifteen minutes, but in that moment, Summer needed a calm head, someone impartial to listen to her vent without offering well-meaning advice like Karly or Nev or her mum would.

  So she snatched up her keys and phone, and headed out before she spent the rest of the evening staring at the paternity test result and wondering what the hell happened from here.

  CHAPTER

  39

  ‘You okay?’ Jy handed Summer a steaming hot chocolate, wishing he could do something other than offer her a comfort drink to ease the shock still lingering in her eyes.

  ‘Not really, but nothing a few extra marshmallows won’t fix.’

  He seriously doubted that, but flashed her an understanding smile before heading back to the kitchen. Even now, four hours later, he couldn’t believe she’d agreed to accompany him to Melbourne for the weekend. When she’d lobbed on his doorstep at the motel, dishevelled, confused, and with tear streaks tracking down her cheeks, he could’ve sworn his heart stopped.

  He thought she’d wanted to cool things off considering they’d barely spoken all week, but to discover she’d turned to him after learning the truth about her biological father—it made him want to save her. To be a hero. Because he knew what it cost a strong-willed, independent woman like Summer to turn to anyone for help, let alone a guy she’d made more than clear could never be anything more than a hook-up, and he wanted to be there for her.

  After she’d told him the story about Rayne and Leo she’d still appeared so fragile, so lost, he’d blurted his invitation to escape town and re-evaluate in more neutral surroundings and to his surprise, she’d accepted. They’d swung by her place to pick up an overnight bag then she’d snoozed for the entire trip to Melbourne.

  Crazy that last weekend he’d been rattling around his house wishing she was here and now she was, he’d never felt so out of his depth. He didn’t do emotions well, never had. Guess he had his folks to thank for that. But Summer had just gone through a life-changing event and he’d better step up because she needed him, if only as a friend.

  He could see them being friends after the end of next week when his stint in Acacia Haven ended. Not that he’d be heading back to the town any time soon, but if her dad lived in Melbourne maybe they could meet up, have dinner, whatever, when she was in town.

  He grabbed the bag of marshmallows and headed back to the lounge room where Summer now sat on the sofa, cradling her mug in both hands, staring vacantly at the TV that wasn’t on.

  ‘Here. I thought this situation warranted the whole bag.’

  She blinked and focussed on him, like she’d been a million miles away. ‘Situation is one word for it.’ She took another two marshmallows, dropped them into her hot chocolate and swirled it around. He noticed she hadn’t taken a sip yet. ‘It was bad enough finding out the dad I adored was an abusive arsehole, then I discover he wasn’t my dad at all.’

  ‘I’m here to listen so offload as much as you want.’ He sat next to her, close enough he could reach out and lay a comforting hand on her thigh if needed. ‘But for what it’s worth? Maybe it’s a good thing Noel isn’t your biological dad.’

  She stiffened and shot him a death glare. ‘Why? Because nastiness is inherited?’

  ‘That’s not what I meant. Noel’s gone and has been out of your life for sixteen years. Now you’ve got a chance at establishing a relationship with another father, one your mum obviously adores, if she’s moving to Melbourne to be with him.’

  That was another spinout, learning Rayne was leaving her life—and daughter—in Acacia Haven to shack up with a guy she barely knew. Summer had poured her heart out in his motel room, telling him everything in a rush between manic laughter and a few tears.

  It had been the tears that had undone him and she’d leapt at the opportunity to escape town when he’d offered. It spoke volumes that, despite all his self-talk about keeping things casual, he cared about her as more than a friend if the speed at which he bundled her into his car and whisked her away was any indication.

  It wasn’t until now, sitting this close to her on the sofa, that an unexpected thought insinuated its way into his otherwise logical brain. If her mum moved to Melbourne, there’d be nothing holding Summer to that backwater town, so could there be the slightest possibility she’d consider moving too? If so, what did that mean for them?

  He hadn’t had a real relationship since Aggie, and Summer was the only woman to tempt him into considering it since.

  ‘What are you thinking about?’ She touched his knee, and he scrambled for anything other than the truth. The last thing she needed to hear was the direction his thoughts had taken.

  ‘Your mum must really love your biological dad to make such a big move.’

  ‘Yeah, that thought had crossed my mind.’

  He chuckled at her drollness. ‘When are you meeting him?’

  ‘Hell, I only discovered the truth a few hours ago; give me some time to assimilate the news.’

  ‘It’s just that you’re in Melbourne for the weekend and he lives in Melbourne …’

  ‘I already told Mum I’d meet him this weekend but it still feels too soon,’ she muttered, lifting the hot chocolate to her mouth and finally taking a sip, probably to keep from telling him to shove his advice.

  ‘It’s your choice, but waiting isn’t going to change facts.’

  Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him over the rim of her mug before lowering it. ‘Stop being so logical.’

  ‘It’s a gift.’

  She stared at him for a long time, as if evaluating something, before placing her mug on the coffee table. ‘You have other gifts I’m more interested in.’

  Jy’s eyebrows shot up at her change in mood. ‘You want to flirt at a time like this?’

  ‘Can you think of a better time?’

  Before he could muster a response she’d clambered onto his lap, straddling him, her hands resting on his shoulders. ‘You make me feel good, Jy, and that’s what I need the most right now. I want to forget everything else and just feel.’

  Certain parts of his anatomy were all for her plan, but he couldn’t help but think he was taking advantage of the situation no matter how much he wanted her.

  ‘You’re vulnerable right now. Are you sure you want—’

  ‘Ssh.’ She pressed her fingers to his lips. ‘I love that you’re concerned for me, but I’m sure. I want you.’

  She set about proving it.

  CHAPTER

  40

  Rayne had barely slept so at five the next morning she hit the road. She’d been beside herself with worry last night, not wanting to bug Summer but wanting to hold her daughter close too. She’d respected her daughter’s wish for alone time to process … for all of an hour. However, when she arrived on Summer’s doorstep and her daughter didn’t answer the door, Rayne’s worry had morphed to panic. Thankfully, Summer had picked up her call and Rayne had been equal parts stunned and concerned to learn she was on her way to Melbourne with Jy. But Summer had sounded okay and said she wanted to get away for a few days, so Rayne had no other option than to accept her daughter’s decision. For a bizarre moment she’d wondered if Summer had gone to the city to confront Leo before realising her daughter didn’t know where he lived.

  Thankfully, Leo had taken the paternity news in his stride. Rayne wondered if anything ever fazed that man. Summer had been her first call when the email landed, Leo her second, and he’d been thrilled. Shocked, but thrilled.

  But that’s when reality had set in. Until now, she’d been living in a fantasy: opening herself up to the possibility of dating again, connecting with DadBod online, rediscovering Leo, realising they still shared a spark and beyond that, a strong bond that would only build with time. Never in her new-found euphoria had she pictured dealing with a daughter coming to terms with finding out her father wasn’t who she’d thought he was. She’d been nervous enough about Summer meeting Leo and approving of their relationship, let alone adding his paternity to the mix.

  She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it all night and she knew it would be easier dealing with all this with Leo by her side. Strong, stoic, dependable Leo. The man she’d chosen to spend the rest of her life with. If karma was real, she’d used up her bad stocks with Noel and had a whole heap of the good stuff coming her way.

  She pulled up outside Leo’s house just after eight and she’d barely set foot on the path to his front door before it flew open and there he was, looking deliciously sleep rumpled in grey cotton track-suit pants and a white T-shirt, his hair standing on end like he’d dragged his hand through it one too many times.

  ‘I’m glad you’re here,’ he said, opening his arms to her, and she stepped into them, resting her cheek on his chest, inhaling the subtle sandalwood fragrance of his soap.

  His hug infused her with strength and after he released her, she reached up to cup his cheek. ‘How are you? Has the news sunk in yet?’

  ‘I could lie and say I’m fine, but I haven’t slept much and I wish I could’ve been there with you when the email arrived.’

  ‘I’m fine. It’s Summer I’m worried about.’

  ‘Of course. How is she?’

  ‘Okay, I think.’

  ‘She must be overwhelmed.’ He squeezed her hand, closing the door before leading her inside to the lounge room, where they sat side by side on his trendy sofa. ‘I know I was.’

  ‘And now?’

  A slow grin eased the tension bracketing his mouth. ‘I can’t believe I’m so lucky to be blessed with another daughter. One that’s ours.’

  This time before he bundled her into his arms, she glimpsed the sheen of moisture in his eyes.

  ‘I love your hugs,’ she murmured, snuggling into the crook of his arm when he released her. ‘They make me feel invincible.’

  ‘You don’t need me for that …’ He trailed off, oddly uncomfortable. ‘I’ve got something to tell you and I hope you won’t hate me for interfering.’

  She straightened, immediately missing the comfort of his arm around her. Foreboding shimmered through her. Had she tempted fate? Was all this too good to be true?

  ‘I could never hate you, but you’re worrying me.’

  He grimaced slightly. ‘When you told me about Noel, I could see the genuine fear in the way you fidgeted, the way your shoulders sagged, and I couldn’t bear to see that bastard having an effect on you all these years later. So I thought if I could lay your mind to rest about him, you wouldn’t have to worry anymore.’

  Stunned, she stared at this man who seemed to know her better than she knew herself. ‘How did you know I still harbour fear that he’ll come after me one day?’

  ‘Because it’s natural. You blackmailed him into leaving you alone but that doesn’t mean he’ll stay away, especially when he knows where you live.’

  ‘But he’s known for sixteen years and he hasn’t returned.’

  ‘And he won’t.’

  She didn’t understand his emphatic declaration, until realisation dawned. ‘You had him investigated?’

  Sheepish, Leo nodded. ‘Are you mad?’

  ‘Hell, no. But I am nervous about what you found.’

  ‘That’s the good part. The investigator discovered Noel headed to Sydney after he left, so that’s where the PI started. Apparently he worked at a station in Parramatta for the first few years and ended up marrying again.’

  Leo paused, and she saw concern etched into his kind face. She wouldn’t like what came next, but he’d said the news was good? Unless her initial fears had come true and Noel had moved on to a new victim.

  ‘Tell me,’ she said, gripping his hand tight, needing this kind, safe man to anchor her more than ever.

  ‘The marriage lasted ten months before his wife brought assault charges against him. She came from a family of lawyers, so they took him to court and he was convicted.’

  All the air left Rayne’s lungs in a whoosh as admiration for a strong woman she didn’t know filled her.

  ‘He was dismissed from the police force and has been living in Bali for the last decade. So you never have to worry about that prick again.’

  Leo was wrong. A small part of her would always worry, because while she may have finally moved on and entered a new relationship, being a survivor from an abusive marriage meant she’d never, ever forget.

  ‘Thank you,’ she said, scooting closer to drape her hands around his neck. ‘For being sweet and intuitive and knowing exactly what I need.’

  ‘Always,’ he said, resting his forehead against hers as Rayne closed her eyes and revelled in being with a man who would always have her back.

  He kissed her, the softest brush of his lips against hers, and she sighed, wanting nothing more than to head upstairs with him but aware they had important things to discuss first.

  ‘Summer’s in Melbourne for the weekend.’

  ‘Does she want to meet so soon? Is that why she’s here?’

  She hated to dash the hope lighting his expressive features. ‘She agreed to meet you but I think she ran away with the guy she’s seeing. He lives here and once she learned the truth, she wanted some time out.’

  ‘Understandable. But if I’m here and she’s here what’s the point in waiting? This isn’t going to get any easier.’

  ‘I know, but … I don’t want to bug her.’

  ‘Sweetheart, she’s my daughter. I want to meet her.’

  Leo wouldn’t beg, he was too proud for that, but she heard a hint of a plea in his deep voice and it got to her. If he’d do anything to make her feel safe and comfortable, including investigating her arsehole ex, the least she could do was reach out to Summer again.

  ‘Okay. Let me make a call.’

  CHAPTER

  41

  ‘You should’ve talked me out of this,’ Summer said, her head swivelling between Jy, irritatingly calm in the driver’s seat, and the beautiful modern house where her biological father lived. Her mum’s car was parked in the driveway and rather than reassuring her, the sight of it reinforced how little she’d known of her mum’s life growing up. Yet when Rayne had called a few hours ago asking her to come over, Summer had been powerless to say no. Because a small part of her blamed herself for not being aware of what had been happening under her very nose, in her own house, between her parents. She should’ve been able to protect her mum, to offer some kind of comfort, rather than being the reason her mum didn’t run when she should’ve.

  ‘You’re the strongest woman I know, so the odds of me trying to talk you out of anything? Slim to none.’

  She stuck her tongue out at him and Jy reached over to rest his hand on her thigh. ‘You don’t have to do this. I can start the car and drive away and you can call your mum and tell her it’s not the right time.’

  ‘That’s the problem though, isn’t it? There’ll never be a right time and this way, we get to meet while we’re both still in shock.’

  ‘I happen to agree.’ He squeezed her thigh then removed his hand. ‘For what it’s worth, I admire you, facing this head on.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  Summer wanted to say more than thanks. She wanted to tell him how much she valued his support, how he’d been nothing short of amazing since she’d landed on his doorstep at the motel last night, an absolute basket case, how she couldn’t have done this without him. But now wasn’t the time for heavy declarations. Besides, her emotional attachment to him could be born of her shock, clinging to the one stable thing in her life. But that was crazy. Jy couldn’t be her rock and she sure as hell couldn’t get attached to him.