A Father Lost Nina Delacruz, age ten, refuses to believe that her father's never coming back. Even though her mother, Mercedes, says it's the truth. Even though, in her heart of hearts, Nina knows it's the truth. April Montgomery, age eleven, hasn't got a mother, and now she's withdrawing from her father, too. April's been keeping a secret from her dad, Cass, one she knows will hurt him deeply. If she tells him, maybe he won't love her anymore.... A Father Found The Delacruz and Montgomery families are brought together by a dog--a dog they both claim. When they take their dispute to court, the judge orders them to spend their time in each other's homes so the dog can choose. This turns out to be the best thing that could possibly have happened. Because now, with Mercedes's help, Cass will become the father both girls need. And the lover, friend and husband Mercedes needs.