Page 55 of Finding Redemption

He extends his arm, holding it out to me. “Your father.”

I swallow hard, taking it in my hand. “I don’t think I can.”

“You can. Honestly, you need to. Not for him but for you. You deserve to hear it all from him,” Alden tells me.

I squeeze my eyes shut and hit answer. “Hello?” I squeak.

“Reese?” A deep baritone comes clearly through the receiver.

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“It’s your dad, Jeffrey. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”

I chew on my nail. “I’m not busy. How can I help you?”

“Oh, all right. I was hoping we could catch up,” he mutters.

“I’m not sure I have that much time. It’s been what? Twenty years?” I snap, knowing it’s unwarranted.

His breath comes over the line, heavy and labored. “I suppose you’re right. Maybe we can change that. Grab some coffee or something one day soon?”

“I’ll check my schedule. I stay pretty busy these days.”

“I’m sure you do. Not that it’s worth anything, but I’m proud of you and what you’ve done with your life,” he murmurs across the miles through the phone, and tears form from my disbelief.

“Yeah, Mom did the best she could. Worked many jobs and raised me good.”

“I know she did. Danielle is a fine woman, a great mother.”

I bite the side of my jaw to keep from screaming at him. “What can I do for you?”

“I didn’t just call for you to help me. I want to get to know you,” he explains.

“I’m sure you do, good added bonus that I can help you,” I huff.

“No, it’s not. I hate the fact I have to ask.” He pauses. “But I have nowhere else I can go.”

“What about Angie? How does she feel about you getting my help?”

His voice grows raspy, his breathing ragged as he speaks about his wife. “We lost her a few years ago.”

I gasp. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“No need to apologize, honey. Had I stayed in touch, you would’ve known.” He struggles with each word.

“That’s a two-way street, you know?”

“I’m the parent and I should’ve set a better example. I haven’t been the person you needed me to be.”

My heart flutters at his words. “How can I help?”

“I was thinking we could meet, discuss the legalities of the situation.” His voice lifts with hopefulness.

“Call me next week, during the day so I can check my appointments. We’ll work something out.”

“Thank you, Reese. I’m grateful for your time.”

I continue to chew my fingers. “Don’t thank me. I didn’t promise I could help. I’ll take a look and see what I can do.”