Page 68 of Changing Lanes

“It was hard when I came back home, a truck is last on the list.” He glances over at me.

Reaching over, I take his hand, squeezing it tightly. “Well, with a baby, school, and the farm, I think you’ve done amazing.”

“Thank you. Hey, ladies. We are here.” We both cheer at his announcement.

The exhibits are great; Andi is in heaven, and we even get to feed the stingrays. Taking our time to enjoy our day, we eat lunch and even get ice cream. Somewhere near the shark tank, something happens that still has me smitten.

“Dad, I need the restroom.” Brannon stands, looking around for a minute before he spots the facilities.

Reaching for her hand. “Come on, it’s this way.” She looks appalled.

“Dad. Torrie can take me.” She juts her thumb in my direction.

He shakes his head before we can even discuss it. “Oh, no. We don’t want to bother her, she’s our guest.”

“I can do it. Come on, Andi.” Standing, I take her by the hand.

“Really, you don’t have to, we have a system.” He says as a matter of fact.

“A system? For the restroom?” Rolling my eyes at his ridiculousness. “We’re fine, I could go also.”

“Ahh, alright. I’m here if you need me,” he shouts as we walk toward the restroom.

Glancing over at her, I have to ask. “Is he always this weird about the restroom?”

She nods. “Yes! He thinks someone might kidnap me.” Oh. Yeah, that’s scary.

Just in case something comes up, I think I need to know the system. So I ask. “What’s ‘the system’?”

“It’s when we’re out and I need the restroom. He stands with his foot in the door, talking to me until I come out.” Alright, not bad. Brannon has tried to think of everything.

“That’s a great idea. What do you and your mom do?” I ask as we wait in line.

“Nothing,” she says flatly.

Her answer surprises me. “Nothing?”

“She never goes anywhere with us. I don’t see her very much. Dad says it’s because she has important things to do. I’ve never told him that I know the truth.” She shrugs.

“Truth?” Pinching my face together, she has me worried.

“Yes, the truth. Ava never wanted to be a mom, she just wanted my dad but got me instead. It’s okay, my dad is awesome.” She smiles brightly at me.

I hold the door for her. “That he is. You go first.”

On the walk back to Brannon, I can’t help but think of what Andi just told me. Where would she get the idea that her mom didn’t want her? That she only got her because she wanted Brannon? It may be wrong of me but I have to ask.

“Andi, can I ask you something?” Looking up at me, she nods. “Where did you hear that your mom wanted your dad and not you?” She comes to a stop, swinging my hand as she holds it.

“Are you gonna tell my dad?” she asks as she twists her foot.

“I’m not sure, is it something your dad needs to know or is it something he’s already talked to you about?” Her face is drawn in as she wrinkles her nose. Damn it. “Maybe, I can’t promise.”

Andi chews on her nail as she explains what happened. “Mom picked me up from school one day, and we stopped for ice cream. I heard her talking to her friend.”

Taking the hand she’s biting, I place it over my heart, covering it with my hand. “It’s okay, baby. Sometimes, mommies and daddies say things they don’t mean. Andi, I promise you, I’ll love you just as much as your dad does. I may not always be here in body, but I’ll always be here.”

“If it’s okay with my dad, will you be my mom? I mean, when Ava isn’t here?” Tears flood my eyes, I shake my head.