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With a sigh, I explain about Malik and hoas sent to rescue hostages in Syria but beca he has apparently been found and I’o on a rescue mission because of Sam

“You give up a lot for your son,” Mike murmurs “And I know your job is important to you I understand how i the best father a ht If there’s ever any advice I can i a father it is for you to continue being the same man you are when it comes to your son”

“Really?” I ask, because I’ right

Mike nods, a sust I sahen you were younger, and I see it now Frohton showed up on your doorstep, you have been a father in every sense of the word Even before you met Sam, you were a father because you didn’t ask questions and you immediately jumped in to do whatever it took to save his life Sam’s a lucky boy His life is lad this all played out the way it did”

I’et choked up by emotion, but I have to say… Mike’s words affect reat relationship with my parents, they’re not the type to be overly involved with me as an adult Once I flew the nest, they decided to start leading their own lives They’ve never told s I do I mean, I know deep down they are, but they’reood father But they’ll soon be given the opportunity to evaluate that since I’ to have to tell theer to et hiive theas for a visit

“You and Leighton see on very well,” Mikeloud and clear

I shrug, trying to brush off the significance of his clai for keeping Sa how fair I’ve been I think we’ve made our peace”

Mike takes a swig of his beer “Nobody ever begrudged your anger over the years you missed out on with Sam”

I’ve appreciated the understanding on their part—their willingness to let h those turbulent emotions “My ability to handle fear is a lot different based on nizant of the fact Leighton has a separate set of experiences and environment which she operates in, so I can’t hold her to my standard I’ve co a parent has s a bit differently”

Mike chuckles, clapping ood for each other Knew you’d find a way back onto coround You can’t quiet a love like that”

I jolt at his procla my head in denial “It’s not like that”

Not for hton ht she never moved on from me, so maybe she’s there Should I be? Am I in a place I shouldn’t be?

I can tell by the skepticislike that You say what you want, but so that thing you used to do when you were younger”

My brow furrows “What thing?”

“Co silently” Mike chuckles “Used to drive me batshit crazy With just a look, you two could pass entire conversations back and forth You’ll never knohat that does to a father—knowing his daughter has that deep of a connection with another ain, so you can’t tellthere”

I grababout, old man”

Mike doesn’t reply, ly

Sullenly, I brood overhowstubborn and refusing to ads?