Peter was nervous; the day had arrived to meet his father. They drove to the Panera in Biddeford. Megan left Abbie with Alice, because she knew she wouldn't ask questions. The twins were still in school.

They arrived early and took a booth in the back. Megan bought three cups of coffee. Peter wasn't sure he could drink it, but at least it gave him something to do with his hands. She took both his hands in hers to stop him from fidgeting with the sugar packets.

"You're more restless than Nick."

Her hands were sweaty, which meant she was nervous. Peter recognized him. He looked older than his fifty-five years, but healthy. Like the picture on Facebook, he didn't look like an emaciated drunk who was suffering from liver disease. That was what Peter had expected, a man who had lived on the fringe for over twenty years.

Peter stood, and Joe saw him and waved. As he approached Pete noticed he was taller than his father which was strange because in his memories, he seemed so big. Of course, Peter was big to Nick and Sophie.

Joe stretched out his hand. "Son."

Peter shook his hand and sat down. Joe slid in the booth across from them. Peter introduced Megan as his wife and felt Megan squeeze his hand under the table.

"I stopped being your son when you walked out without looking back. If you didn't want to be married anymore, then you could have left Ma, but not us."

"I spent too much time in the bar. I wasn't a good role model for anyone back then. I'm over five hundred days sober. I have a decent job and a woman who cares about me." Joe was very matter of fact.

"You have a wife who has worked two to three jobs to keep afloat since you left. Even then the bank foreclosed on the house. We lived in a ratty apartment. Ma's still there. We went to school hungry, I never had new clothes, but luckily we all grew up okay. If you googled me, you would know my escape from poverty was hard work and education." He was on a roll and he felt strength from Meg's hand in his. "We are all doing fine now. We have three kids. Liz is married with two, but you weren't around when she dated every loser she could find in high school. Becka was half mother to me when she was twelve. She's not married, but she is with a great guy. A guy whose wife left and who has raised his daughter on his own so I don't expect he would have much use for you."

"Working and having kids was a lot of pressure. Too much."

"I know about kids and pressure. Try having twin babies. You can quit a marriage, but you don't quit your kids. Your wife will never file for divorce, so if you want to get married again, you'll have to do it."

"Cheryl doesn't want to get married. She doesn't know I'm not divorced."

"Does she know you're a horrible father?"

"Actually, she has a son and we get along great." Joe studied the table.

"Rather than seeking my forgiveness, tell the truth to the people in your life now. Sounds like your relationship is based on lies."

"I knew this would be hard for you, son."

"I am not your son. The man that has earned the right to call me son has been doing so since I was seventeen. He taught me how to drive and he left work early to see my games."

"Your mother has someone then."

"No, the man I'm speaking of is my father-in-law. He has been there for me through every up and down." Peter felt better saying his piece. He hoped Ed knew how much he valued him.

"I'm sorry. I have no excuse, but poor judgement. Can you forgive me?"

"I can forgive you, but I can't say what you did was right. I will forgive you, so I can move forward with my life without you. I don't see any reason to bring you into my life. I hope you stay sober and have a good life." Peter turned to Megan. "Ready?"

They both slid out of the booth and left. Pete handed her the car keys. He was too worked up to drive. She drove further down the parking lot and parked the car. She reached over to him and held him as best she could across the center console.

"I'm here it's alright. You were remarkable. I was ready to jump in, but you said all that needed to be said."

"I think I'm in shock. I can't figure out if I feel better or worse."

He felt numb except for love for Meg as she comforted him. He kissed her. It was a soul searching kiss which was raw and extremely carnal. Finally he broke away breathless. "Let's go home."