Delete messages.
Create an explanation.
I needed to see him.
I needed to know the truth with my own eyes.
So I smiled at my daughter.
It was probably the most painful smile I had ever forced.
“Wow,” I said. “That’s a big surprise.”
Lily giggled.
I leaned closer.
“Hey, do you want to play a game?”
Her eyes lit up.
“What game?”
“A secret Father’s Day game.”
“Okay!”
“Invite your other daddy to dinner on Sunday.”
She clapped her hands.
“But don’t tell Mommy.”
Her smile disappeared slightly.
“Why?”
“Because it’s a surprise.”
Lily loved surprises.
That was all I needed to say.
“And don’t tell him I’ll be home,” I added. “Okay?”
She nodded seriously.
“Our little secret?”
“Our little secret,” she whispered.
At that exact moment, I heard footsteps on the stairs.
Melissa entered the kitchen.
She was wearing her blue work dress and fixing an earring.
