When Travis texted me later in the day, my mood lifted. When I saw it was just about Leighton, that moment of excitement flew away just as quickly as it had come. I tried to text about us, but he shut that down real quick. As I read his words, saying it would take time, I couldn’t help but feel the pang in my chest.
He’s taking us to dinner tonight. I’m hoping he’s not going to bust out and tell Leighton he’s his father, but since we left on such bad terms, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did.
We decided to meet at the pizza place, so we’d be on neutral ground. I can’t help but think if this morning had ended differently, then we would have driven together. It’s something I’ve been obsessing about all day, and now that it’s time to leave, my fears are getting the best of me.
On our way there, I look in the rearview mirror at Leighton. “So, baby, you remember Dr. Rivers, right?”
“Yeah, Mommy. Why?”
“He’s going to join us for dinner tonight. Is that okay with you?”
“Will he play games with me?”
I laugh. “Not sure. You can ask him though.”
“Okay. I hope he does.”
Me too, baby. Me too.
We pull up to the restaurant and see he’s already inside, seated at a booth in the window.
Leighton unhooks his own straps on the car seat and hops out of the car before I can get to his side. I follow behind him as he runs to the front, swinging the glass door open. I hold it, so it doesn’t fall on his small frame.
When my eyes meet with Travis, a mixture of excitement, fear, and nervousness courses through me, but I tamp it down and head toward him with a smile on my face.
“Hey, little man. High five,” Travis says, holding up his hand to Leighton.
Leighton slaps it and then starts in on his question. “Will you play games with me?”
Travis chuckles as he stands up, holding his arm out to Leighton. “Only if you’ll play the basketball one.”
“Of course, duh,” Leighton says, grabbing his hand and leading him to the playroom.
Travis turns to me as Leighton yanks him away. “I already ordered pizza, and the cups there are for you guys.”
“Okay, thank you.” I smile and wave.
He looks at Leighton and then back to me. “No, thank you.”
I sit back and watch through the windows that line the playroom as Leighton and Travis play so many rounds of the game that I’m sure Travis has spent over twenty dollars by now.
Seeing them together makes my eyes tear up. Pretty soon, I’ll be the crazy woman, bawling while sitting alone. I wondered if Leighton would ever have a father figure in his life. Never in a million years did I think I’d find his father.
Our pizza arrives, and I wipe my eyes for the tenth time before standing to get Travis’s attention. He brings Leighton back to the table after they headed to the restroom first to wash their hands.
Leighton dives into the cheese pizza Travis bought just for him. His eyes are definitely bigger than his stomach, and though he’s excited, I know he’ll only finish two slices, maybe three max.
“Cheers,” Travis says, holding up his slice to Leighton.
They bump their food together before each taking a bite.
“Mom, you should have seen Dr. Rivers. He was making so many shots!”
Travis laughs as he wipes his mouth with a napkin. “You can call me Travis, buddy. Or …” His eyes meet mine, and my expression must match the emotions that just raced through me. Please don’t just blurt it out loud like this.
Thankfully, Travis takes a bite and doesn’t finish that sentence.
“Dr. Rivers, hello,” a woman says as she walks by our table with her daughter. She takes one look at Leighton, and a grin spreads across her face. “I had no idea you had a son of your own! I’m surprised I’ve never seen pictures at your office. Man, he is your twin for sure!”
Travis covers his mouth with his napkin as he finishes his bite. He raises his eyebrows to me, and I close my eyes as I take a deep breath.
“Megan, this is Leighton and his mother, Michelle,” he says, dodging the ball for sure.
“It’s so nice to meet you. We sure do love Dr. Rivers here. My poor baby hasn’t had the best of luck health-wise, and he’s been a dream to work with.”
I smile sweetly. “I’m glad to hear he’s helped you so much.”
“Well, I’ll let you guys get back to your dinner. It’s nice to meet you, Michelle.”
“Nice to meet you too.” I wave as I prepare my next bite.
“It’s pretty cool that you and I look so much alike,” Travis says to Leighton, making my heart pound harder.
Leighton nods nonchalantly, paying more attention to his food than the words being said.
“I think that means we’re supposed to be friends. Are you okay with that?” Travis asks.
Leighton nods his tiny head. “Will you take me to play real basketball?”
I laugh, realizing how easy life is to a five-year-old. He doesn’t fully understand the situation. He doesn’t understand what having his father in his life will be like.
I sit back and let out a breath that feels like a huge weight being lifted. Yes, we haven’t told him yet, but if it’s as simple as playing basketball, maybe I’m thinking too much into this.
“Have you never played for real?” Travis asks.
Leighton glares over at me. “She only lets me play here.”
I laugh out loud and hold up my hands. “Hey, don’t look at me like that. The hoops at the park are really tall, and there are always people playing. I don’t want you to get trampled.”
“You know, your mom has a good point.” Travis points his pizza at me. “It’s a good thing I have a basketball hoop at my house.”
“You do?” Leighton bounces in his seat.
“Do you want to come over tomorrow to play?” Travis asks.
“Can we, Mom? Can we? Can we? Please?” He holds his hands under his chin, sticking out his bottom lip.
Travis chokes on his food as he laughs. “Yeah, Mom. Please?” He mimics Leighton’s pose.
I shake my head, smiling at the two twins staring back at me with the same expression. “Yeah, we can do that.”
“Yes!” They high-five over the table before diving back into the food.
After dinner, Travis walks us to my car. I buckle Leighton in and step back for Travis to say good-bye.
“You and me tomorrow, okay?” Travis asks and then leans in. “I guess we’ll invite your mom, too, but I bet she plays like a girl.”
“Hey, I heard that,” I shout over his shoulder.
“Nah, my mom’s probably pretty good. She can throw a baseball at least,” Leighton replies.
“Aw, thanks, kiddo,” I say with a grin.
“See you tomorrow.” Travis stands and shuts the door. We walk to the trunk of the car and stop. “So, you play catch with him?”
“Of course I do. The boy loves every ball he can find.”
Travis leans against the car, crossing his arms. “You’ve done a good job with him.”
I shrug, nerves taking over. “He’s my son. I’d do anything for him.”