"Okay, stop," Ray requested quietly, stepping in front of Asher and turning to face him. He could still see the kids in the background and he watched for a moment before moving his gaze to Asher. His hands had reached out of their own accord but he held them back a few inches from the other man.

"It's not about me. It was never about me. I shouldn't have made it about me and I'm sorry." He hoped Asher could hear the sincerity in his voice. He didn't have an excuse this time. "I should've helped when you needed me. I really regret walking away."