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I rest ainst his cheek and lean in for one final kiss “What do we do now?” I ask, not wanting to let the real world back in, but knowing that I have to do it all the sa my hair, he simply smiles

“Don’t worry I have a plan”

98

Lance

When you love so love someone, there are no limits to what you'll do for that person And now that I love two people—Jocelyn and my unborn child, my heart feels like it's ready to explode Back at the Plaza, where happiness floodedto be a father, I s her across the roo the love ofready to pack my entire life into a suitcase with a one-way ticket to Europe—it was like first being in a roo all around you—and then the nextit all back and so much more, my entire e happier I pro, and now I'm ready to execute it

I walk into my dad's house I still have a spare key so there was no need to knock When I enter, I don't see or hear anyone, but I know he has to be home He's always home at this time And when I called his office, I was told he wasn't there So I decide to walk to his study—slowly, carefully—I don't knohy I' to be so quiet Once I walk down the hall toward his door, I see that sure enough, the light is on I hear hi a conversation on the phone and I wait until he ends the call I don't want to interrupt I need his undivided attention Now's my chance I take a deep breath, turn the knob, push the door, and enter my father's st

udy The rooar s around it's tip in lazy half circles Since when did he pick up sars in his study, sipping a glass of scotch His study was always off limits That was his personal, private zone and everyone knew better than to breach it But I thought the so He must be stressed It was always a nervous habit of his

These days, it see and either buried in e everything he's got into this caive it away He looks up at me, momentarily annoyed that I've broken his concentration

"What is it?" he asks

"I need to talk to you"

"Lance, can't this wait? I'm in the middle of an important project"

"What's new? You're always busy The n is that family has never come first for you Please tell me that irony isn't lost on you?" I say

"If you were planning on telling me hoful of a father I've been to you over the course of your life, spare me the sob story"

"Look, this can't wait It's urgent"

The word 'urgent' catches him by surprise I now have his full attention, so I take my hands out of my pockets and sit down, and I steady my nerves and continue, "I have a confession"