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I blink back tears, I squeeze my eyes shut so tight, it hurts. I can’t let him see how much his approval means to me.

“You could be so much more than me, Cohen.” Now it’s his turn to break down. “Don’t let revenge sail you down the river of regret like I did. It will consume you, darken the best parts and crumble the worst ones. One day you won’t recognize yourself, you’ll be staring down death and feel it all slipping through your fingers. I’ve been given a second chance at life, by the grace of God and I’m hoping that maybe you could find it in your heart to give me one too?” His chest is heaving and his own eyes swim with tears.

How do you say no to that?

I look over at Scarlett, who is watching the exchange, she smiles at me and nods.

She’s taught me about taking chances and proved you should never say never. I never thought I would have a dad, yet here I am.

Opening my eyes, I look into his eyes, my father’s eyes as a tear falls down, leaving a salty streak down my cheek.

“Okay.” My voice is hoarse.

“Okay?” He stares at me in shock.

“Okay, I’ll give it a chance. Get to know you, the rest we will see about.” I clarify.

“I’ll take it. Please come by tomorrow, I have something I’ve been waiting a long time to return to you.” Not wanting anymore surprise I ask him what it is.

“Return?” I look at him, waiting for an answer.

“A bear that I found at Paddington Station two decades ago.” It can’t be.

“That was real? I always thought maybe I dreamed that night.” I whisper aloud.

“It was very much real, I was so close to finding you that night, I wasn’t sure the bear was yours, but I hoped.” He confesses.

“Thank you.” I choke out, momentarily stunned into silence. Mr. Bear. It seems he wasn’t alone all these years after all.

“Well, I should be going. I forget Barrington bills this room by the hour.” He makes a joke to ease the tension still surrounding us.

“Till tomorrow.” He nods.

“Good thing you can afford it.” I smile back, and he chuckles. Then I watch my father slowly walk out the room, where another guard stands waiting for him. My father.

“That was…” Scarlett wraps her arms around my waist and holds me tight.

“Yeah.” I agree, not knowing how to describe it either.

“Ready to get out of here?” She nuzzles tighter into my chest.

“Absolutely.” My lips brush her forehead and we turn to go.

“Are you okay?” She asks, follow me.

“I will be.” I smile down at her and know that as long as I have her at my side those words will ring true.

As we’re exiting Barrington’s office a voice calls out from behind the desk, “Cohen is that you?” Shit.

“Miranda, how are you?” She beams up at me and Scarlett looks like she’s ready to break the poor girl’s glasses. This could be bad, we’ve had enough drama for one day, so I quickly think of a way to diffuse the situation.

“Doing well, so looks like we ran into each other again, after all.”

“So it seems. Have you met my fiancé, Scarlett?” Scarlett stiffens next to me, not bothering to extend her hand. She’s jealous. Glad to know I’m not the only one.

“I haven’t, lovely to meet you.” She plasters on a fake smile and walks away.

“Do I even want to know?” She groans, walking outside.