Mike began sobbing.
“Emma, I am so sorry. I don’t deserve your forgiveness tonight.”
My father suddenly handed Mike his cane.
“Hold this.”
Then he turned toward Emma.
“Sweetheart, I’d walk a thousand miles for you. But there’s another man here who needs to learn what being a father really means.”
Emma looked at Mike.
“I don’t want him walking with me just because everyone’s watching.”
Dad nodded.
“Then let him ask. The decision is yours.”
Mike dropped to one knee.
“Emma, I can’t undo what I said. But if you’ll let me, I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that you’re my daughter, not because of blood, but because I love you.”
Emma stared at him.
“And tomorrow, when nobody’s watching, will you still be my dad?”
Mike’s voice broke.
“Tomorrow, next year, and every day after that.”
