Chapter 72: You Did This!, Part 1

"Chloe." My father approached. Then he hugged me, but I was too shocked to return the gesture, so I stood there, arms by my sides. "I've missed you, kiddo," he said, his voice exactly as I remembered it.

Dazed, I stared at him for a moment. He was a bit fuller in the face and stomach than the last time I'd seen him - ten years ago - and his dark hair was tinged with gray now, the locks thinner. Tearing my gaze from him, I looked around the room. Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean stood next to each other, and Abby was curled up on the couch, face wet with tears.

"Aunt Beth?" My voice trembled. "What's going on?"

"Oh, Chloe. I'm so sorry." Tears streaked her face. "I was afraid if I told you on the phone that your father was here, you wouldn't come home."

"What's he doing here?" I directed my questions at Aunt Beth, refusing to speak to the man who'd abandoned me.

"I'm here to take you home, Chloe," he said.

"I am home," I snapped, finally returning my gaze to him.