Page 57 of The Callahan Effect

I considered the question honestly.

"I don't know."

His eyebrows lifted.

"I don't know if anybody's ever completely ready for a conversation like this." I looked down at our joined hands. "I just know I don't want another day to pass without them knowing about you."

Then tell them about us. The rest will take care of itself.

"You're right."

Might be an idea to put on clothes and move to the couch.

We climbed from the bed and pulled on t-shirts and sweats. Jack borrowed one of my T-shirts and a pair of sweats instead of changing back into his jeans and button-down shirt.

We settled on the couch and taking a slow breath, I opened my contacts, found Emma's name, and pressed the video call button before I could lose my nerve.

The screen rang twice before Emma answered.

"Well, look who finally remembered he has a family."

"I've called Mom and Dad four times. Not my fault you weren't there."

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"What's that look for?"

"What look?"

"The one that says you've got something to tell us."

"Am I really that obvious?"

"Always." She glanced over her shoulder. "Hang on, I was making coffee. Mom and Dad are in the living room."

Emma flopped onto the couch between our parents.

"There." She grinned. "You've got all three of us."

Mom smiled warmly.

"There's my boy."

Dad lifted a hand in greeting.

"How are classes?"

"Good. I'm going to be busy."

"You'll manage."

"I know."

Mom studied me closely.

"What did you want to tell us?"

Emma folded her arms.