Boyfriend

Ryan cleared his throat to get Abigail's and Josh's attention. "How was your flight, Abi?" he asked. "Do I not get a hug too?" His voice was light, yet his words made Abigail's skin crawl.

Ever since she found out he wasn't her father, she had become very wary of him.

Abigail hesitated for a moment before she slowly she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a brief, stiff embrace.

Ryan exhaled slowly as he pulled back. "I know I haven't been a great father to you," he admitted, his tone softer than she had ever heard before. "But in your absence, I realized how much of a failure I was. I don't expect you to forgive me overnight, but I want to make it up to you."

Abigail studied him carefully as she wondered what he was up to now. Then, she nodded and signed: [I'm happy to hear that.]

Ryan gave her a small, relieved smile. "Come on," he said. "We should head home before we attract too much attention."