I watch them together.
They already look like a unit.
That should scare me.
Instead, it settles something.
***
By late afternoon, we’re back at the house after stopping at Natalie's to help her load her car.
She pulls into the driveway behind me. Her car is packed but not overflowing. A suitcase. A garment bag. A couple boxes. Daisy bouncing in the passenger seat.
When Natalie opens the door, Daisy launches out like she’s been drafted into a new team.
She runs straight toward me.
“Hi, girl,” I say as she nearly knocks me over.
“She likes you,” Natalie says, amused.
“I’ve been chosen,” I reply solemnly.
Maddie runs up behind me. “Daisy! We’re married now!”
Daisy wags harder.
“She looks happy to be here,” I say, watching her take in the yard like she’s already claimed it.
Maddie gasps. “Daisy! Come on! I have to give you a tour!” She grabs Daisy’s leash and marches toward the front door like a tiny real estate agent. “This is your new house! I’ll show you where everything is!”
Inside, the house looks exactly the same.
That’s the strange part.
This morning I left as a single dad.
I come back married.
The couch hasn’t moved.
The pictures are still straight.
But everything feels different.
Natalie wheels her suitcase in carefully.
Not claiming.
Not rearranging.
Just stepping into space that isn’t hers yet.
“Welcome to our home,” I say instead, the words feeling bigger than I expected. I hold her gaze for a second longer than necessary. “You know your way around,” I add quietly, “you’ve babysat Maddie enough times. But this is different.” I nod toward the staircase. “Come on. I’ll show you your room.”
She studies me for a moment, something softening in her expression. “Yeah,” she says quietly. “It is.”
“I’ll grab that,” I say, reaching for her suitcase before she can protest. “After you.”
