20

“Are you really doubting your parenting right now?” I lifted my coffee, wrapping my hands around it. “You’re the best father I know.”

I took a quick glance at the photo on my desk of Everly and me. It was about six months ago when I’d taken her to Disneyland. She was still so little, but we’d had the best time, her face lighting up whenever she saw a character, her little jaw dropping when the fireworks went off.

“You don’t know what it’s like, being responsible for someone and being their everything.”

“You’re right; I don’t, but what I do know is that you do a hell of a job at it. I know how good you are to her. I know how much she loves and admires her daddy.”

He leaned forward, crossing his hands between his legs, his head hanging low.

“You’re doing the best you can, Ford. You should be proud of that. I know I’m proud of you.”

He finally lifted his head. “How can I be when something like this happens?” He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a piece of paper,