The words hit like a hammer. Guilt pooled deep in Grant’s stomach.
He prided himself on being a provider, on building a future so Lucas would never want for anything. But had he forgotten the one thing his son wanted most?
Grant stepped forward, setting down the suitcase. “Lucas, buddy. Daddy’s home.” He opened his arms.
But Lucas shook his head, clutching Naomi tighter. His little voice cracked. “You’re just going to leave again. Miss Naomi stays. She doesn’t leave.”
Grant froze. Every carefully rehearsed fatherly greeting, every warm smile—none of it mattered. His son’s words cut sharper than any business rival ever had.
Naomi’s tears slid silently now. She rubbed Lucas’s back, whispering gently. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Your daddy’s here now.”
Her voice was tender, soothing. The kind of tone Grant hadn’t used in too long.
“Lucas,” Grant said softly, forcing calm into his tone. “I promise—I didn’t come home just to leave again. I came because I wanted to see you. I wanted to surprise you.”
