Kylee's heart clenched.
She crouched beside him and took the towel from his hands.
“Why do you think that?”
“He said he’d try. That’s what he says when he already knows he can’t. It’s what he said last time. And the time before that.”
Kylee swallowed, brushing a damp curl off his forehead. “I know it hurts. And I’m so sorry you feel that way.”
He met her eyes, blinking hard. “It’s okay. I just wish he didn’t lie about it.”
That word lie hit harder than it should have. Kylee felt it sink into her stomach like a stone.
“He loves you, Jakey,” she said softly. “But I know it’s not always easy to see it when he’s busy.”
“Do you think work is more important than me?”
“No,” she said immediately, her voice firm. “Nothing is more important than you. But sometimes... adults forget how much showing up matters. Even the good ones.”
He nodded slowly. “Are you coming?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said, pulling him in for a hug.
His arms wrapped around her middle, squeezing tight.
“You’re the real MVP, Mom.”
Kylee smiled against the top of his head, tears threatening behind her eyes. “Don’t you forget it.”
The house had finally gone still. Kayla was asleep in her bassinet. Macy had only gotten up once asking for water. And Jake Jr. had passed out halfway through watching old game footage on his tablet, already dreaming of touchdowns and cheers.
Kylee stood in the master bathroom brushing her teeth, her silk robe tied loosely at the waist. Her hair was clipped up in a messy knot, steam from the shower slowly fogging the mirror.
The door creaked open behind her.
Jake stepped in, already unbuttoning his shirt. His expression was softer now the sharp edges of the day worn down.
“You’re still up,” he said.
She shrugged. “Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d rinse off. Long day.”
He moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. The move caught her off guard. His cologne still clung to his skin, woodsy and clean.
“Jake’s excited about tomorrow,” she said carefully, watching his reflection.
“I know,” he murmured. “I’m going to try. I told him.”
“He doesn’t believe you.”
Jake exhaled, letting his forehead rest against the side of her neck. “I deserve that.”
“You just… forget how much it matters to him. To show up.”
“I don’t forget,” he said, his voice quieter now. “I just misplace priorities sometimes.”
Kylee didn't respond. She wasn’t sure if she believed that.
There was a long pause before he added, “You’re incredible with them. With all three of them. That’s what I always think about, you know?”
