The man blinked again, more rapidly this time, his eyes beginning to glisten. Her words stirred something deep inside him. Did she really remember? Was there a trace of recognition behind those eyes?
He took a small, hopeful step forward, instinct urging him to close the distance—to hold her, to embrace the daughter he'd lost so long ago. But before he could reach her, she offered a faint smile and turned toward Marianne.
"Both of you make a beautiful couple, Miss Thomas," she said lightly, as she nodded at him again and then walked away, without another look..
The man stood still, watching her go, his chest tightening with a longing he couldn't name. He had to physically stop himself from calling her back, holding her, hugging her and crying about how he had finally found his little star back.
Slowly, he turned to face his wife, confusion shadowing his features. "What did she mean by the words that I still look the same?" he asked uncertainly.