"So," said Joe as Graham closed the office door behind him. "Congratulations."
"What for?" Graham asked.
"Being a father." Joe handed him a glass of scotch.
"I shouldn't really..." Graham looked at the drink.
"Just the one, to celebrate."
"It's hardly something to celebrate," Graham said stiffly.
"Having a daughter?" Joe raised his eyebrows.
"You don't mind then, Millie not being a Tate?"
"Hey, I'm not that attached to Uncle Jamie's side of the family." Joe spread his arms. "I'm happy for you."
"We don't know for sure if Millie is mine."
"Come on, you only have to look at her."
"How can I be a father to her?" Graham massaged his temples as he sipped the whisky.
"You already are her father, thanks to the delectable Andrea." Joe smiled. "You really didn't suspect?"
"No." Graham avoided Joe's gaze. "I didn't let myself consider it."
"Because of..." Joe prompted gently.
"I had my chance at fatherhood." Graham closed his eyes as the memories intruded.
"And this is your second chance. Take it."
"I don't deserve it." Graham swallowed some more alcohol.
"It's not about what you deserve. You simply are Millie's father. What are you going to do about it?" Joe demanded.
"Millie loves Jamie. He's her daddy."
"And he can still be her daddy, but you can be in her life too. She doesn't have to choose."
"Kim would never forgive me."
"Well, that's true." Joe raised his eyes heavenward. "She's not really the forgiving type."
"What am I supposed to tell her?"
"The truth, maybe." Joe looked over Graham's shoulder as the door opened behind him. Graham quickly put the glass down behind a framed photo of Millie, out of sight.
"Are you alright?" Kim frowned at Graham's jittery behaviour.
"Fine." Graham attempted a smile.
"Who are you talking to?"
Graham glanced at the photo frame. He longed to finish his drink. "No one."