Angel didn’t realize she was holding her breath until her father spoke again.
“I didn’t think you’d call,” he said quietly, his voice rough with emotion.
Neither did I, she almost replied.
Instead, she swallowed and said, “I wasn’t sure I would.”
Dean’s hand tightened gently around hers, a silent reminder that she wasn’t facing this alone.
“I’m glad you did,” her father said. “I’ve… I’ve been hoping.”
Angel looked down at their joined hands. The room felt very still, like the world itself was waiting to hear what she would say next.
“I don’t have a lot of time,” she began carefully. “And I don’t know what this is yet. But I wanted to hear your voice again.”
There was a pause on the other end.
“I understand,” he said softly. “I don’t expect forgiveness, Angel. I know I don’t deserv
