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She was well aware he wasn’t a fan of her plan, but it was like he told her, “I work for you. If this is what you want to do. I’m with you and will make it as safe as possible.”

Technically Manny paid his salary, but her husband was very hands-off when it came to his interactions with Roy.

Ivy wasn’t exactly a fan of the cloak and dagger, but she wasn't ready to reveal her plans to Manny or Frank yet. There was no way of knowing if this would yield any results. She didn't want to get anyone’s hopes up. More importantly, she didn’t want them to try to talk her out of what she wanted to do.

Manny would have lost his shit if he found out she flew commercial. He was super superstitious about her flying. And there was no way for him not to find out that she’d booked a flight with their private jet. So, Ivy had agreed to do a guest lecture at a medical school, so she would have justification to fly out to Alberta.

“I’ll be away for a couple of days. Sage is looking forward to spending time with you.”

“This trip came out of the blue,” he’d commented.

He was correct. Ivy had sprung her trip on him a day before she took off.

“They didn't think they could afford my expensive visit. When she joked it would be nice if I could visit pro bono, I said that wasn’t a problem. I guess she wanted to jump on the opportunity. It's a smaller school, but they are doing good work.” At least she was being honest about that part of her trip.

Now Ivy was here. The entire flight she hadn’t figured out what she’d say to the woman who rocked her marriage to the core. Hopefully, on the drive there, she’d figure out something. This visit just had to point her in the right direction to solve this mystery. After running into Clara, the one thing she was certain of was that her heart was right. She fucking knew Manny. It was about time she proved it.

Thankfully, Ivy remembered the legal documents containing Jasmine Journee’s information. The papers were filed in Manny’s office at home.

They had been driving for half an hour when she received a text.

Manny: You okay Doc?

Me: Yes, sorry I forgot to message.

Manny: No, it’s okay. I noticed you landed. Just checking everything is alright.

Me: Everything is good.

Manny: Have a great trip.

Me: I will. You and Sage have fun. I love you, Manny.

Manny: I love you too, Doc.

This is why I will do whatever I have to do to make sure my family is made whole.

Sage would not end up being a kid who split her time between her parents. Not when those parents loved each other with everything they had.

God, Ivy missed Manny. They were partners in crime. After all these years, she loved how she could be herself with him. Ivy knew at times she came across as a bit socially awkward and an odd duck. Manny never made her feel bad about it. It wasn't like he pretended it wasn’t true either.

“Doc, you have a brilliant mind. You get to be as different as you want. If anyone has a problem with it. Well, fuck them.”

“Ivy,” Roy’s voice called. How had she managed to drift off?

“Ivy, we are a block away from the address you gave me. Would you like to head over?”

“Just give me a moment.”

Ivy took a moment to take in Jasmine Journee’s neighbourhood. It was picturesque. Two-story houses, white picket fences. Most of the driveways had one or two midrange vehicles. The sidewalks were well-shovelled and salted. There were lots of streetlights. When she registered that fact, Ivy finally realised the time. This wasn't the part she had thought through thoroughly. She was showing up at a stranger’s house around dinnertime. Ivy had come too far to just come this far.

“Roy, I am ready to head over there now.” The drive was less than a minute and they stopped in front of a blue house. Roy moved to open his door, but she stopped him.

“No Roy, it is fine. I’ve got this,” she said, reaching for the door handle.

In the driveway there was a small luxury SUV. Ivy glanced inside as she walked by, and the sight of the car seat sent a chill up her spine. Of course, she knew why she was there, but the sight of the child’s seat put everything into perspective. There was so much at stake. Not just for Ivy and her family, but for this woman, too.

Christ!The thought she hadn’t looked up this woman slammed into her as she reached the door. She had no idea what she looked like. Well, it was too late to turn back.

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