He set his hat on the rounded arm of the couch and sipped from his cup. “This is good.”

“You didn’t come all the way over here to check out whether or not I could brew coffee.”

He winced. “Nope.”

“Didn’t think so.” She waited and he studied the dark liquid in his cup as if he couldn’t find the right words to say what was on his mind. As if she didn’t know.

“You know I’m getting married Sunday.”

“I’d have to be a hermit not to know.”

“You got the invitation?”

“Yes.”

He shifted from one foot to the other and she noticed how old he looked. Tired and worn. Like a scuffed, sagging cowboy boot whose heel had worn to nothing. Don’t do this, Tiffany. Don’t feel sorry for him. He left you for thirty-three years. All of your life. Until now. When he wants something.

“I was hoping you and the kids would attend,” he said in a voice that was barely audible.

“I, uh, I don’t think I can do that.”

He swallowed hard and closed his eyes for a second. “I don’t blame you. I know I’ve been a pitiful excuse for a father to you, but—”

“No father, John,” she said as her throat began to close and tears threatened. “You’ve been no father to me.” This was ridiculous; she couldn’t be crying for this man who had done nothing in all his life for her or her children.

“All that’s gonna change.”

“It is?” She couldn’t believe her ears. “Just like that?” She snapped her fingers.

“If you’d just give me a chance.”

“Oh, please—”

His lips compressed. “Look, Tiffany, this isn’t easy for me,” he said, his voice firmer. “I’m not the kind of man who likes to admit to his mistakes. Hell, I know I fouled up with your ma. With you. I don’t blame you for hating me, but I’m here because deep down, whether you want to admit it or not, we’re family.”

“Family isn’t about blood ties,” she retorted, standing as she blinked against the hot tears filling her eyes. “It’s about love, sharing, commitment. It’s about being around when you’re needed, about sharing the good and the bad, helping bear the pain. Family isn’t just about being together at weddings and births and funerals, it’s about supporting each other every day of your life.”