Earl sees he's got him thinking and for a moment, he believes that maybe he's getting him to see his point. Maybe he's said something to him to get him to shake himself from the absurd notion that what they're doing makes sense.

Tony's thoughts finally come to rest, and he prepares to respond. As Earl hears what he thinks is victory, in hearing the beginning of Tony's reply. His ears perk up. Tony looks at him and says, "You're right. You're absolutely right. White privilege is real, and having a baby under these circumstances isn't ideal. It's ultimately insane. But, this is the hand we've been dealt. And we believe what is ideal, is creating a loving and supportive environment for that child to thrive. Which myself and Kerry, along with our friends and family will undoubtedly provide for our child. So with all due respect Earl, that's what needs to be the focus here."

Earl sighs as he replies, "I'm not saying the child won't be cared for; but there's a bigger picture to consider. You can't deny how badly this will affect Kerry verses you publicly when this get's out." Tony nods as he says, "I agree, the blow back from this could be substantially damaging to Kerry. Which is why we have talked about this at length Earl."

He responds, "You have? Tony replies, "Yes. We have. Your daughter has the same concerns you do about her career and her image. Which is why we're opting to handle things in a rather non-conventional and private manner."

Seeing her father again is in thought; he again takes the opportunity to finish what he's wanted to say to him from the start. He says, "Earl, I want you to understand that I completely understand your view here. Kerry's your daughter and you want the best for her. As parents that's what we all want for our kids. And we want them to be happy. I want you to know that the relationship Kerry and I have is battle tested. This isn't something new, I'm just trying out. In the past, I've tried to walk away from Kerry, at her request. And she's done the same. You don't know how hard we've both tried, for her sake. To be apart and leave our feelings behind, for the betterment of her life. Initially, I agreed to it because I didn't want to hurt her. But by being apart, all we did was hurt one another."

Looking him in the eye squarely, as he stands before him. Tony continues as he says, "Please know that I have loved your daughter with all that I am for the last decade, and if I had it my way. I'd tell the world that I am in love with an incredible woman. And her name is Kerry Marissa Washington. But because I love her so much, and I understand the sensitivity of this situation; I am willing to keep that a secret.

So understand, this isn't about me, or white privilege, or even about whether I love your daughter or not. There's no question she is the love of my life; whom I've waited for, and will continue to wait for. Until she allows me to claim her before one and all. Which will happen when she's ready, and not a moment before. Because as long as I have her love, and she's with me even in private. I am counting my blessings that I have that. Whatever time she gives me; I consider a true gift. A gift that I will treasure forever."

Earl stands in amazement of what he hears. He had no idea that Kerry and Tony had been together so long. He underestimated their history, and the depth of their connection. But it's all making much more sense to him now. Tony realizes in the moment, he's said more than he intended. But he knows it's out there now.

Unsure of what is going to happen next; he waits to hear Earl's response. As he looks at him, he sees what he thinks may be a sign of some relenting on his part. And he hopes they've finally turned the corner in their discussion. But his silence is eerie.

Finally Earl says, "My little girl is everything to me. From the moment she was born, everything changed. It changed because she is special, and I didn't know how special she was until she grew up to become such an amazing person, who happens to still be my little girl. And the one thing I know about her, is that nothing she does is without a plan. I should've known she was behind the idea of keeping this situation under wraps."

Tony hears the love in his voice as he speaks about Kerry, and he understands his draw to his daughter. He feels the same way about his own daughters. And feels a shift in the conversation he was hoping for, with regard to the level of intensity. Since he's now seeing how involved Kerry was in how their situation is being handled.

Tony nods as he says, "I know it's a lot to take in Earl. But we both just ask that you give us a chance to make this right. Because we are more than a fleeting thought, or an attempt at love. We are forever, you have my word on that. I wouldn't dare be standing before you. Asking for your blessing, and your support. If I wasn't all in. I'm all in, committed, whatever word or phrase you want to use. Father to father, given the chance I will do right by your little girl."

Tony's words are spoken so eloquently Earl can't refute the passion, sincerity, and love felt in his words when he speaks about his daughter. Tony sees more relenting in his eyes, as the men look at one another. The frustration is passing, as they both begin to see past their emotions, and look at the reality of the situation.

After thinking for a moment, Earl says, "You've said repeatedly that you love my daughter. But tell me. How are you going to take care of her? How does she fit into this complicated life of yours?" Tony replies, "She fits in because she's my heart. She's my reason for breathing, and realizing how great life is."

Appreciating his unyielding love for his daughter. But still a little more curious about the basis of their relationship. Earl says, "While I believe you love her Tony. And I can appreciate you not wanting to discuss the details of your divorce. I have to ask, did you divorce your wife because of my daughter?"

Tony replies, "No. Like I said before, we grew apart long before I met Kerry. We got to a point where neither one of us wanted the marriage anymore. But we were still friends. So we capitalized on that being the case, which allowed us to create a secure union for the kids. But after a while, even they saw it for what it was."

Earl replies, "Kids are smarter than we give them credit for." Tony nods as he says, "Yeah. I figured that out the hard way. Anyway, once I realized the pretending wasn't fair to any of us. We had the papers drawn up. And we were legally divorced. We just never publicized it; because it wasn't something we wanted to be public knowledge."

Earl says, "So all these years you've kept this secret going?" Tony replies, "Yes. And while I know it's not standard procedure. It's how we chose to live our lives for a long time. Which I have regretted from the moment I met Kerry." Earl asks, "So she was the game changer huh?"