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Marissa’s lips quiver. Trying hard not to smile, she forces her mouth in a straight line as she says, “Well, he still has a lot to prove to me.”
Nora smiles. “Then I’m not worried. He’ll show you he’s not a silly boy anymore.”
That cracks her. Marissa starts to laugh and our eyes meet across the table. Mine say, ‘Game on.’ Hers say, ‘Get lost, I hate you.’ I cute frown. Marissa shakes her head and looks away.
“Can I have your maple syrup now, Dad?” Nora asks.
“Sure.” I hand her the small paper cup filled with syrup and turn to Marissa again. “I’m really glad you came. I know it’s not easy for you, but it means a lot to me.”
Nora speaks before Marissa can. “That’s a little corny, Dad.”
Marissa cracks up again, at least until I say, “It’s true though, sweetie.”
My daughter grins. “I know, Dad.” She leans over the table to give me a quick kiss on the cheek.
Marissa’s eyes become so big I pretend like I’m not aware of her staring at me, but at the last second wink at her.
As Nora scoots back on her side of the table, she announces, “I need the restroom.”
“You need help?”
“I’m six, Dad, not three.” She scowls at me and leaves in search of the restroom.
Marissa stirs a bite of pancake in the syrup. “Getting your kid to do your dirty work like that. I should report you for child exploitation.”
I ignore the jab. “When is your first ultrasound appointment?”
“Dr. Townsend told me to call if the test was positive. He wants to do a blood test to confirm the result and if it’s positive, he’ll see me in two weeks.”
“I want to be there.”
“You didn’t tell Nora about…”
“No.” I smirk. “In case you haven’t noticed, she has a big mouth. I want you to tell people on your own terms.”
Marissa stares at me for a long time before saying a simple, “Thank you.”
“I can’t wait to see them,” I say.
“Who?”
“Our baby.”
The surrounding air becomes heavy and a little… electric?
Marissa takes a sip of juice. “According to all the pregnancy apps he or she is still only a poppy seed.”
“Wait until you hear the heartbeat. The first time is special.”
Marissa’s eyes are huge again.
I’m about to reach for her hand across the table when Nora makes her grand return. “That toilet stank.”
Way to kill the mood, kiddo.
“Did you wash your hands?”
“Yes, Dad.”
