Dane
That tone on his father—like he was being patient, like it was a struggle for him, almost sent Dane over the edge. He clenched his hands to fists. "I haven't been pretending anything to you about my feelings for her," he snarled. "They're why I'm here. You know that. But you'll forgive me if I also don't want to discuss them."
His father nodded. "Yes, I will forgive you," he said. "I'm not without an awareness of love, son. An appreciation for it—and the frustrations that come with it. You know that. The past ten years have been very hard for me. There has been a lack because of your absence. I didn't like it. I am very glad that you're here."