“Dad, I thought you were going to call before you came,” I said. My voice grew softer as I spoke, and I couldn’t help but smile.Arthur stood in the doorway. His broad shoulders filled the space, just his presence made it feel like home.“I was,” he said, his voice familiar in a way that reached straight into my chest, “I just missed you. Thought I’d make it a surprise.”“It’s the best surprise,” I said, already moving toward him.I didn’t hesitate. I wrapped my arms around him. Everything else faded for a moment as he held me tight, ruffling my hair like he did when I was a kid.“You staying tonight?” I asked as I pulled back, searching his face.“I should get back to your mother,” he said, though there was hesitation there.“Just one drink then,” I said, already moving behind the bar, grabbing his favorite beer and sliding it across.“Just one,” he agreed.We both knew he would have more than one, but I played the game.He took a long drink, watching me over the rim of the bottle.“
Last Updated : 2026-04-20 Read more