"So…so you're my dad." It was all I could honestly think of to say. Most of the time, I have some sort of smart remark. I was always the person who knew exactly what to say. Apparently not this time.
He nodded, pulling up a chair and sitting across from me.
"And my mom?"
A look of hurt crossed his face for a second, but then it was gone. "Her name was Claire. She was killed in the 9/11 bombings."
I kept my gaze away form his. His eyes were way too intense. "I'm sorry."
"No, Morgan. I am."
I finally got up the courage to look at him, and he was looking right at me. I felt frozen. I didn't know this man at all, and suddenly he's my father? And I thought I was having a hard time adjusting to the fact that the cops brought to in to ask me a few questions.
"I'm sorry that you ever had to live like you have been. That I wasn't there to be your father. I just need to say that, whether you need me or not, I'm here for you now." He reached across the table and took my hand firmly in his.
I felt my nose close up and the breath stop in my chest. Great, now I was going to cry. I sniffed as one tear leaked from the corner of my eye, still not breaking eye contact with Mac. His look had turned from apologetic to hurt, and he released my hand quickly.
"I…" He started to say something, but then stopped. He was the one who looked down first as he got up and headed for the door.
"Wait," I said, startling even myself. I stood from my chair and went over to Mac, still trying to read what his face was saying. He looked a little confused as to what I was doing…but then again, so was I. We stood there for a second, staring at each other, before I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around Mac. At first, I felt his muscles tense up (and I was probably right about the military thing – even for being 40-something, this guy was solid), but after a moment, they relaxed and he returned the hug. Now the tears were falling freely down my face and onto Mac's suit (whoops…). I felt his breathing pattern shudder, and his arms tightened around me.
"I'm so sorry, Morgan."
