He lifted Liam with a tenderness that surprised everyone who saw it. Liam rested his head against Mike’s chest and let out a soft sigh.
“You smell like my dad,” he murmured.
“He was,” I said quietly.
Around us, nurses paused, doctors slowed their steps, and even strangers took in the sight of a rugged man holding a small boy with the gentleness of someone who understood exactly what was needed.
When I thanked him, Mike shook his head lightly. “If my child ever needed comfort from someone else, I’d want someone to say yes.”
I asked why he was visiting the hospital.
“My daughter’s having a baby today,” he said, his face brightening. “It’s a big day for us.” Then, in a gentler tone, he added, “I’m sorry it’s a hard one for you.”
“In its own way,” I told him, “it’s still a meaningful one. We’re bringing him home. He wants his own bed tonight.”
Mike nodded with understanding. “There’s nothing like home at the end of a long road.”
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