Grant returned that afternoon.

Miles saw him first.

We were standing inside the secure facility when the elevator opened.

Grant stepped out.

He had stitches above his eyebrow.

His clothes had been changed.

He looked exhausted.

Miles ran.

Grant barely had time to brace himself.

They collided.

This time I didn't turn away.

Grant held his son with both arms.

Miles buried his face against his chest.

“You came back.”

Grant closed his eyes.

“I said I would.”

Miles pulled away.

“You were gone three years the first time.”

Grant flinched.

Miles didn't soften the truth.

“So I'm going to need you to come back a lot before I believe you every time.”

Grant nodded.

“That's fair.”

It was probably the most important promise he made.

Not that everything would be normal.

Not that the past could be erased.

Only that he would keep showing up.

Grant approached me after Miles left with Rachel.

We stood alone.

“Vale is in federal custody.”

“I heard.”

“Owen is cooperating.”

“I heard.”

“The evidence is out.”

“I heard that too.”

Grant looked nervous.

His fingers moved toward his ring finger.

He stopped himself.

“What happens now?”

I studied him.

“What do you want to happen?”

“I want to go home.”

The words hurt.

“You don't know if that's your home anymore.”

“I know.”

He almost smiled at himself.

“Sorry.”

I looked away.

Grant continued.

“I don't expect you to forgive me.”

“Good.”

“I don't expect the marriage to go back to what it was.”

“It can't.”

“I don't expect Miles to trust me immediately.”

“He won't.”

Grant nodded.

“But I want the chance to earn whatever comes next.”

I looked at the man in front of me.

Grant Harper.

Evan Cole.

Daniel.

A husband.

A stranger.

A father.

A liar.

A survivor.

Maybe all of those things could be true at the same time.

“You'll get an apartment.”

Grant nodded.

“Okay.”

“Near us.”

His eyes lifted.

“For Miles.”

“Of course.”

“You don't come into the house without telling me.”

“I won't.”

“You don't disappear.”

“I won't.”

“If someone threatens us, you tell me.”

“Yes.”

“All of it.”

“Yes.”

“No deciding for me what I can handle.”

Grant's eyes filled.

“Yes.”

I stepped closer.

“And if I ask a question, you answer.”

“Always.”

I shook my head.

“Don't promise always.”

He understood.

“Then I'll answer tomorrow.”

I looked at him.

“And the day after that.”

He nodded.

“As many days as you give me.”

For the first time since the plane, I believed something he said without needing proof.