She hugs him

Tears well up in Kim's eyes as she is overwhelmed by nerves and emotions. Quickly moving to embrace her long lost Father she wraps her arms around Ed and squeezes him right.

The man freezes for a moment before relaxing into the hug and returning the embrace.

"Is so wonderful to see you. You have grown into a beautiful young woman."

Kim can't find the words as tears well up in her eyes as she enjoys her first hug with her father.

The two have talked most of the afternoon away. Ed had fixed a large meal for them as he drilled Kim for her entire life story. Likewise Kim had her own questions for her biological father.

"So why here? I know why mom says you left but I want to hear your side."

He sighs, sounding as it he knew this question would come up.

"Had I known what I know now, well, things would have been so different. I never wanted to leave you or your mother, but at the time I thought I had **** . . ." He pauses, as if there is more he wants to say. A earsplitting beeping sounds in the kitchen. "Shit the bread!" Making a quick dart to the oven he opens it up, smoke billowing out from it. Kim can't help but giggle as she watches her father dash around the kitchen, attempting to save his prepared meal.

The two enjoy dinner together catching up best they could on years lost. Kim tells Ed about her best friends, boyfriends from the past, and her future plans. She smiles, the warm glow of his attention all on her as he seems to hang on every word.

He pops in with a suggestion when she finishes talking about t possible colleges.

"Well if you want I could speak to a guy at work. His wife is on the board of admissions of a local university. If you wanted to live here for a while" as soon as the words leave his mouth, embarrassed regret immediately follows.

"H-here?" Kim hadn't even considered it. Ed was her father but she barely knew him.

"I-if you wanted . . . I'm sorry forget I said anything"

She can't help but smile "no it's fine, I'm happy to have another option. Who knows, maybe after this month I'll never want to leave"

Her smile seems to reassure him as they finish up dinner. Ed walks her to the door once they finish and realize the time.

"Thank you so much for coming all the way Kimberly. You don't know what it means to me to see you all grown up."

He looks down at her, his eye full of love and happiness at seeing his long lost daughter.