Having to let go a little didn’t seem so bad when his arms went around her. Then, he was laughing, and while it had been far too long since she’d heard that sound, it was just as she remembered it, and it was more reassurance that her father was well and in her reach. Being lifted and squeezed close was familiar, and while it couldn’t ever completely satisfy her yearning to be close to him, it went a fair way to making her feel just as loved as she always had in his presence.
“I would have looked for you! I should have, even though I didn’t think….I only hoped you’d show up soon….as so many others seem to.”
A happy sigh escaped her when he kissed her. Pretty soon, she’d want to know all about where he’d been and what he’d seen, but for the moment, that was still in the future. “It has been. I’ll take your word that I haven’t changed…you haven’t. I knew it was you. Even when you were demanding a replacement coffee.” With some amusement, Iris looked down at the mess she’d caused on the pavement.
“I can make you something much better than that. Let me make you lunch. Or an early supper….or both?” There was no question that Iris was going to catch up with her father , and as soon as possible, but she would allow him some choice. Not much, but some. “I hope you don’t have anything that’s going to keep you away?”