There was an awkward silence in the dining room as everyone watched in astonishment at the exchange.
“I missed you too,” Luke whispered in Lia’s ear. It came out in such a low tone that only she heard him.
As sudden as he had embraced her, he gently pushed her away and cleared his throat.
“Isn’t this food too much for one breakfast seating?” Luke said.
“He is baaack!” Dawn laughed and everyone joined her.
Lia smiled, although her father was trying hard to ignore the showing of his weakness and affection, she knew that the tension between her dad and herself now felt as light as a breeze.
Everyone who had been walking on eggshells around them seemed to also feel it and was relieved.
As she walked over to reclaim her seat, she caught sight of Brian, who winked at her, and she mouthed a silent, “Thank you.”
“Are you okay?” Ryan asked when she sat down.
“I am great!” Lia responded.