Hal turned, his nostrils flaring. ‘I need to ask your forgiveness, Papa.’
Noah gasped. ‘No you don’t. Not at all. I shocked you and you had every right to do as you did.’
‘But I didn’t. I behaved in just the way I accused you of. You told me the truth and I walked away. So, I ask you again. Can you forgive me for it?’
Noah smiled and shook his head. ‘Forgiven, dearest lad. I love you. You’re my son. But can you forgive me for … well, for what I am, I suppose? The shameful thing that I am.’
Hal grasped his shoulders. ‘Papa. Don’t you know how much I’ve always worshiped you. I prayed I might grow up to be just like you … well not that, obviously.’
They both laughed a little.
‘No.’ Noah said. ‘Not that. Who would?’ Sam’s plight now was a pretty illustration of just why not. ‘You went ba
