Callahan has never known about my home,” Rebecca requested in a clear voice.

Clarence turned his head slightly toward her, his expression filled with confusion and lingering regret.

“My three children have referred to him as Grandpa Clarence for nearly a whole year now,” Rebecca revealed with a soft, watery smile.

“They never dared to say the words out loud to his face because they worried that an elderly gentleman might find it improper or silly.”

A faint, trembling smile touched the corners of Clarence’s mouth, softening the deep lines that exhaustion had carved into his face.