My cheeks heat like someone just lit them on fire. And Isaac doesn't miss it. His eyes tell me everything his mouth doesn'tsay.
As hard as it is, I tear my eyes from his. “Claire, what was your favorite part oftoday?”
“When the orangutan tried to kiss Mommy.” She giggles, pink streaks of ice cream on either side of hermouth.
“What was that about?” Isaac asks. “In a past life, were you queen of theprimates?”
I shake my head, confounded, and swallow the massive amount of sugar in my mouth. “He walked up to where I was standing, put his hands on the glass, and blew me a kiss.” I laugh, remembering the big puckered lips. “It was shocking. To say theleast.”
“It was hilarious. I wish I’d been faster with my phone. Your face waspriceless.”
“I wish I’d thought to return the kiss.” I pretend to blow a kiss atClaire.
“Ewww, Mommy. You can't kiss amonkey.”
I shrug and take another bite of icecream.
“What are your plans this week?” Isaac asksme.
“Typical week. Work. Claire will go to school.You?”
“Appointments. Surgeries. Typical week.” He looks so nonchalant when he says it. Like surgery is no big deal. “I was wondering if I can tag along some time when you take Claire to school.” He leans back in his seat and smiles atClaire.
“Yeah yeah yeah! Daddy can take me toschool.”
Claire's spoon goes right back into her bowl as if she hadn’t said what she justsaid.
My mouth drops open. Isaac stares at Claire,dazed.
“Daddy?” His whisper is so low I barely hearhim.
My loaded spoon drops back into the bowl. I’ve lost my desire for it. “She called you Daddy this morning too. Right before we left to meetyou.”
His eyes are shiny. “You guys have to move in with me. I need to be a dad, full-time.” He swallows hard. “I can't be a part-time dad. I justcan’t.”
“Isaac, it's toosoon.”
“Please think about it.” He's looking at Claire, but his words are forme.
I nod. “Iwill.”
Isaac is quiet while Claire finishes. I don't try to talk to him. Maybe he needs tothink.
When she's done, he walks us to mycar.
“Monday morning,” he says, opening up the back door and swinging Claire into the air. She squeals. He sets her in her car seat and, after a few seconds studying the straps, buckles her in. I'm impressed. Five-point harnesses baffle mostpeople.
“You want to come to school with us Monday morning?” I ask after he says goodbye to Claire and closes herdoor.
“Is that OK? I don't have patients untilnine.”
“I drop her off at 8:30. I have to be at work by ninetoo.”
A small, ironic smile slips out the side of hismouth.
“What's sofunny?”
“I still find it funny you’re anunderwriter.”
