ETHAN'S POV
I stared at him, unable to process the tears streaming down his face. In twenty-three years, I had never seen my father cry—not even at Mom’s funeral.
“Ethan,” he said, his voice shaking. “I came to apologize.”
I stayed rooted to the spot, unsure how to respond. This man, who had always been so composed, so in control, looked completely broken.
“For what exactly?” I asked, crossing my arms. “Threatening Tori’s scholarship? Pulling me from the championship? Or blaming me for Mom’s death for three years?”
He flinched at each accusation, then took a deep breath. “All of it. I’ve been... wrong. So wrong.”
“That’s it? You’ve been wrong?” I could feel my anger rising again.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve put me through?”
“I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” he said, wiping his eyes. “But after what you said today... about your mother’s panic attack... I pulled her medical records.”
That stopped me cold. “You what?”
“You were right. The EMT report showed she was conscious after the accident. The heart attack happened in the ambulance.” His voice broke. “I’ve spent three years blaming you when it wasn’t your fault. It was mine. I should have been there for her more.”
I didn’t know what to say. For years, I had dreamed of hearing him admit this, but now that it was happening, I didn’t know how to feel.
“Say something, son,” he pleaded.
“What do you want me to say? That it’s fine? That you didn’t mess me up?” I shook my head. “It’s not that simple.”
“I know.” He stepped toward me. “I know I don’t deserve it, but I’m asking for another chance. To be your father. To do better.”
When I didn’t respond, he actually dropped to his knees in front of me.
“Please…forgive me.”
My father, Richard Harrington, on his knees.
“Dad, get up,” I said quickly, uncomfortable with the sight. “I... I accept your apology.”
He stood, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Thank you.” After a moment, he added, “I’ve told Matt you’re back on the championship team. It was wrong of me to interfere.”
I nodded, still processing everything.
“And the girl—Victoria,” he continued. “I’ll make sure her scholarship is secure. She seemed... important to you.”
“She is,” I said firmly.
Without another word, he squeezed my shoulder once and walked out, leaving me alone in my apartment with my thoughts.
I sank into a chair, emotionally drained. After a few minutes, I pulled out my phone and texted him:
“I’m sorry I lashed out at you. You’re my father and you’ll always be. I love how much you loved your wife, and I loved her as much as you did. I forgive you, Dad, and I love you.”
As soon as I set my phone down, it rang with an unknown number. I answered cautiously.
“Hello?”
“Hey.”
I sat up straight, instantly recognizing Tori’s voice. “How did you get my contact?”
“I had my ways,” she said mysteriously, and I could hear the smile in her voice.
“Oh really? Should I be worried about your stalking tendencies?”
I teased, feeling lighter already just hearing her voice.
She laughed. “Please. You’re the one who parked outside my apartment for an hour, remember?”
“Touché.”
“So,” she said, her tone softening. “How were you feeling? Better?”
“Yeah, actually. You wouldn’t believe what just happened.”
“What?”
“My dad showed up, and he apologized for everything—blaming me for Mom, threatening your scholarship, pulling me from the team.”
“Seriously?” She sounded genuinely surprised. “Ethan, that’s amazing!”
“You were right.” I smiled, remembering her words from earlier. “He did come around.”
“Told you,” she said, a hint of smugness in her voice. “Fathers always do.”
Before I could respond, my other phone started ringing. I glanced at it and saw Matt’s name on the screen.
“Tori, I’ve got to take this call. It’s my coach. Can I call you back in five?”
“Sure. Use this number.”
I quickly saved her contact as “MY HEART ❤️” before answering Coach’s call.
“Hey, Coach.”
“Ethan,” he said, sounding nervous. “I’m sorry about earlier. Would you still be interested in the championship?”
“My dad gave you the go-ahead?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.
“No, yes, no, I’m truly sorry. I know how it sounds, but—”
“I get it,” I cut him off. “Next time, hold your stance. He had no say over this game. You’re the coach, Matt.”
“Yeah,” he sighed. “So... are you in?”
I decided to make him sweat a little. “I’m sure the boys will win without me.”
“No, no, no, Ethan!” His voice rose in panic. “You had to be up for the championship. You knew how important you were to the team.”
I grinned to myself. “It’s fine, I’m in.”
He let out what could only be described as a squeal of relief before I disconnected the call.
I immediately called Tori back, eager to tell her about the championship.
“That was quick,” she answered.
“Coach wanted me back on the championship team,” I said excitedly. “Could you believe it? Everything’s working out, just like you said it would.”
I expected her to share my excitement, but she was strangely quiet.
“Tori? Were you okay? Did something happen?”
“No, I—” She paused, and I heard her take a deep breath. When she spoke again, her voice was thick with emotion. “I knew I should have said this earlier, Ethan. I was sorry I didn’t.”
“Said what?”
She didn’t answer right away and I was losing my mind.
“Tori, talk to me. What happened?”
I heard her sigh, “It’s hard to believe this Ethan, but…I loved you too.”