Mr. Harris walked quietly with Chloe until they reached the entrance to the building. He turned to her and stood for a moment looking over her shoulder before finally talking.
"He was my boy, and I loved him probably best of them all, but you have always been good to me, and I hope to keep you as a daughter after this if you let me." He was still looking over her shoulder. He cleared his throat and looked into her eyes before finishing. "I'm sorry for how he has treated you even in death."
"Thank you." Chloe looked into her father-in-law's eyes and saw the conflict and sorrow that ate at him. "I'm not sure how I feel about all this, but I loved him since I was fourteen and even before. He has been an important part of my life, however, imperfect it turned out. I will honor the good times and move on from here with my life. Jerrod, you are the only father I have left."
