The air hung heavier than usual when Lily’s words tumbled out: “Mommy, can I invite my real daddy to dinner on Father’s Day?” I froze, gripping the steering wheel as if it anchored my heart. “Real daddy”? My mind raced, emotions fraying.
Thinking fast, I masked panic with a playful tone: “That sounds like an exciting secret mission. How about we invite him as part of a game? But it’s just between us.” Lily’s face lit up—game, secrets, surprises. Thank goodness.
Sunday arrived, and the weight of what I might uncover pressed on me. My wife had an engagement shoot by the lake—on Father’s Day. Odd, but I let it slide for now. I spent the day making pancakes, choosing sunflowers for the table, prepping a dinner I’d hoped was just for us.
At the door, a knock. I opened it—my heart pounding. But in that moment of truth, all I saw was love waiting to be returned.
