Page 43 of Come Home to Me

The words break her. She swallows hard, smiling while she cries, unable to stop touching me. I want to bury my face in her neck, breathe in all the scents of home, and cry, but I pull away and turn to my dad.

His eyes are open. Staring me down. The look on his face, unreadable.

My heart stops. My breath catches. Time freezes.

And then…he lifts his hand. Reaches for me.

“Sarah…”

I can’t remember the last time I’ve heard my name wrapped in his voice. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen him look at me like I was anything but despicable.

Chin trembling, I step closer. Take his hand.

“Hi, Dad.”

Somewhere, someone sniffs. Colton brings me a chair and I sit, my eyes locked on my father’s. There’s so much to say. I don’t know where to start. I remember Frank’s words. Just be there. So, I pat his hand, his skin like parchment, thin and worn. I hold his gaze, his image wavering through the tears in my eyes.

And he smiles.

It’s tiny. A movement so small I might have missed it, but damn it. It’s there.

After all this time. All the things we never should have said. All the fear and worry and hurt. The first thing my dad does when he sees me is smile.

Mom comes to stand behind me, her hand on my shoulder. Colton stands at my side, his arm wrapped around Tessa. David walks through the door with his wife and children. His eyes land on mine and his face softens.

My dad sighs. Closes his eyes and swallows hard. “You’re all here.” The words grate through his throat, heavy with emotion. His eyes open and settle on mine. “All of you.” Years of history waver in his gaze as he studies my face. “It’s been too long since our family was whole. I’m glad you came, Sarah.”

Mom tightens her grip on my shoulder and a sob hiccups past my lips. There’s so much between us. So many years to understand, to apologize for. But not yet. Not now. Instead, I squeeze my father’s hand. Lick my lips. Wipe away my tears.

“Yeah, Dad,” I say, when I can finally trust my voice. “Me too.”

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