Years pass. She graduates, apologizes for her teenage rebellion, and thanks him for never giving up. When she marries, her speech honors him as the father who chose to stay—“the one who showed up and never left.” Mike realizes he never needed the title “Dad” to live its meaning.
Time moves on. She builds her life, then calls from a hospital: she’s in labor early and needs him there. He arrives in time to hold his granddaughter first. She names the baby Ava and says she wants her child to know what it’s like to be loved by someone like him.
Mike reflects that love is built not on titles but constancy. Showing up, staying, and loving quietly are what make family—and one day, love answers back.
