I thought about the baby I’d once held.

I thought about twenty years of believing my marriage was safe.

Finally, I nodded.

“Okay. Saturday. Two o’clock.”

Clark smiled.

For the first time since the divorce, hope quietly returned.

I had no idea my children were planning something of their own.

Or that one small gift box would change everything.

—

Music floated across the backyard while children splashed in the pool and guests laughed around the patio.

Clark stayed comfortably beside me.

He played his role naturally.

Almost too naturally.

I kept glancing toward the gate.

Ethan suddenly appeared holding a neatly wrapped gift.

He looked at Clark seriously.

“When Dad gets here, can you give this to him? It’s from us kids.”

Clark glanced toward me before accepting it.

“Sure, Ethan. Whatever you need.”

I almost asked what was inside.

But Ethan disappeared before I could.