Daniel looked at his son, his expression softening into something raw and determined.

“Yes, buddy,” Daniel said, pulling Owen into his lap. “I’m staying right here.”

The phone on the table lit up again, the ringtone loud and demanding in the quiet room.

I reached out and touched his arm.

My fingers brushed the sleeve of his heavy wool suit.

“Daniel, please,” I whispered.

“The board will not forgive this.”

He did not look at the phone.

Instead, he reached out and slid the power button on the side of the device.

The screen went black.

The ringing stopped, leaving only the hum of the hospital ventilation system.

“Let them do what they want,” Daniel said.

His voice was quiet, but it had a weight I had never heard in it before.

Lucas snuggled closer to his side, his thumb tucked into his mouth.

Owen looked up at his father, his eyes reflecting the pale light from the window.

“Are you going to stay for lunch, Daddy?” Owen asked.

“Yes,” Daniel said, smoothing Owen’s messy hair.

“I am staying for lunch.”