Beside him, Skye chattered and pointed out every bird that she saw fly through the sky. He found her excitement adorable and couldn’t wait to see her reaction to the actual zoo animals. They passed by the marsh area first.
A half dozen glass-enclosed posters telling about the different ducks were screwed to the wooden fence. Luna read each one out loud until the girls lost interest in listening. They’d spotted another visitor put a quarter into a machine and get feed in return.
Carl made eye contact with Luna for permission, then withdrew a quarter from his pocket. “Who wants to feed the ducks?”
“Me, me.” Skye jumped up and down.
He inserted the quarter and spun the dial. Cupping one hand under the machine, he lifted the flap. Dozens of corn pieces fell into his hand.
“Here, Skye.” He showed her how to toss it into the pond.
Her first one didn’t make it past the fence, and she sulked.
“It’s okay, try again,” he prompted.
The second didn’t go much further.
He picked her up and held her facing forward. “Try from up here. Bring your arm back and put all your power into it, like you’re throwing a tennis ball to Hope.”
Skye followed his instructions. This time, the corn made it into the water. “I did it.”
“Good job, honey.” Luna clapped Skye’s shoulder. “Look, here comes one of the ducks.”
The girls squealed with delight as they watched a wood duck with an emerald-green crown dip its beak into the water. Others flocked around as they realized food came their way.
“Throw another one.” Carl held his hand opened wide and let Skye throw as many she wanted.
Luna grabbed a few and gave them one at a time to Mercy. She mimicked the action he’d shown Skye, but the corn didn’t go far. Mercy didn’t care. She was happy to be included in the fun, and she giggled with glee.
When the feed ran out, Carl put another quarter in to replenish the supply. Two dollars later, the girls’ arms wore out, and they remembered the otters. They moved along the path and came to the enormous pool created specifically for the otters.
At first, the otters hid. Skye’s bottom lip protruded in a near pout until a streak of brown flashed through the water. Another followed shortly after, and then a third. The otters chased each other in and out of water, performing a show as they played.
Mercy’s gaze remained transfixed. The girl loved all things water, and Carl wouldn’t be surprised if she grew up to be a marine biologist. She watched the otter’s movements carefully and seemed to know where they’d go next.
Luna nudged him. “This is how she acted at the aquarium that day. She adores marine life.”
He pushed the stroller closer to the panel for Mercy to have a better view. Skye pressed her nose against the glass, as enraptured as her sister. Carl took the opportunity to slide his arm around Luna’s waist. With both girls needing constant attention, it limited his contact with Luna, and he missed it.
So did she, if her leaning into him was any indication. She looked up at him with a contented smile. “This was a good idea.”
He agreed, though he suspected they spoke on two different ideas.
The girls would have watched the otters for hours, but a large group arrived. Luna coaxed her daughters away from the exhibit with the promise of a petting zoo. After they saw cows, chicken goats, and pigs, they stopped at the food court.
A long line had already formed. Many families had taken advantage of the nice weather and come to the zoo. Carl and Luna scanned the menu, and she gave him the order for her and the girls. He waited in line while she took Skye and Luna to a table.
The conversations around him gave him a small clue of what it would be like to be a father. Sure, there were negatives—whining, tired toddlers and kids asking for all the food on the menu after they’d already been told no—but there was a different side. There were heartwarming moments of laughter shared, and quiet gratitude, and looks of admiration.
He wouldn’t fool himself. These small glimpses didn’t begin to encompass parenthood, but it was enough to plant the longing in him. If he were honest, they’d started long before he met Luna and her daughters, but he’d never met anyone with whom he saw a future. He refused to settle because he knew what it was like to grow up without a dad, and he’d never willingly put a child through that.
His turn to order came. He moved his thoughts of fatherhood aside to place an order for three hot dogs, two fries to share, two apple juices, and two fountain sodas. The total made him flinch—he could have enjoyed a gourmet meal for that price—but it was worth the time spent with Luna, Skye, and Mercy.
Once he had the food, he carried the tray to the condiment table and loaded up on ketchup and mustard packets. And lots of napkins. He’d learned quickly that one can never have too many napkins when it came to toddlers and eating.
Luna cut Skye’s hot dog into bite sized pieces while he kept Mercy occupied with a french fry. Her chubby hands wrapped a fist about the potato string, and she nibbled at it in small bites.
“No, Skye,” Luna called out.
