Part 33
Josh watched as his father walked down the steps. Studying him, he seemed to Josh to have aged more than his mother. While he could see no real evidence of his recent illness he looked older than his years. As his mother said the continual work had taken its toll.
Watching the older man come towards them Grace could finally see a family resemblance. Josh was very like his father in both build and looks and as she said hello to Margaret Grace watched the two men meet.
Standing in front of his son Robert Joshua looked closely at him taking in the changes fourteen years had brought. He was older certainly but there were other changes visible too. Where his oldest son was once quick to joke and smile, the man standing before him now had the air of a very intense character, not much given to humour. It saddened Robert to realise that he was partly responsible for that change. That if he had handled things better his son would not have had to go through half his life alone and may still feel able to use the name they gave him when he was born. But instead his selfishness had lead to over fourteen years of separation and untold damage to one of the two people who mean the most to him.
Looking at his father Josh waited to see his reaction. Despite his mother’s assertion that he didn’t hold Josh responsible for the accident that killed Gavin, Josh had no idea what his attitude would be.
Knowing it was up to him to make the first move, Robert put out his hand and said with hesitation “Josh.”
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