The figure stepped out into the light.
Liam straightened up.
His breath hitched. His eyes widened. His whole body went tense with surprise.
"Dad?"
The word came out as just a whisper.
Charles paused at the door. He looked older than the pictures showed—gray hair at the sides, lines around his eyes—but it was definitely him.
"Liam," Charles said, his voice thick with emotion.
And that was all it took.
Liam rushed across the warehouse floor to his dad, wrapping him in a tight hug.
Charles held him back, instinctively wrapping his arms around his son and squeezing him tight.
"Dad," Liam said again, his face pressed against Charles's shoulder. "I can't believe— I'm really glad you're here—"
"I get it," Charles murmured. "I know, son. It's so good to see you too."
They stood there for a moment, father and son, just holding on to each other.
Everyone else was frozen in place behind them.
