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The two of us went to the counter and I set out her plate, showing the pancake with a chocolate chip design.

“It’s my name!” she said happily.

I kissed the top of her head, then said, “The best for the best.”

She began pouring syrup on her plate, and then I made my own plate with eggs and pancakes before sitting beside her.

A few minutes later, Fletcher returned from Graham’s potty break and ate with us. Once we were done with our food, he said, “Why don’t we open your presents here before we set up for the party?”

Maya grinned. “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Maya and I got comfortable in the living room while Fletcher retrieved the stack of wrapped presents from his closet. She eagerly tore through the paper, getting a specially designed collar and leash for Graham, a few new outfits for school, and a smartwatch that would count her steps for the day and let Fletcher digitally assign and track her chores.

“Thank you, Daddy!” she said. “Everyone in my class has one of these watches!”

Fletcher and I exchanged a glance. Back when we were kids, Tamagotchis were the cool new tech. Life had changed so much since then.

“Let me get my gifts for you,” I said, rising from the couch and walking to my room. I found the wrapped boxes in the back of my closet and brought them out.

She carefully peeled away the white bow and gold wrapping paper on the biggest box before opening it. When she pulled back the cardboard lid, she screamed. “The boots from the store!” She immediately put them on her bare feet.

I laughed, delighting in her joy, how she could so wholly love something so simple.

“They look great on you,” Fletcher said.

“A true cowgirl,” I added with a smile. “They should match that hat I gave you too.”

She ran back to her bedroom, getting my old cowgirl hat, and walked out swinging her hips. She looked adorable in her nightgown and the cowgirl getup.

“I love it,” I said. “Just one more gift.” I grabbed the two small boxes from the top of the pile. “These technically are for you and your dad. I figured this is Maya’s birthday, but it’s also the day you became a dad.”

Fletcher tilted his head, his brown eyes weighing on me as I handed both of them a box.

They peeled back the paper at the same time and opened the items. Maya got to her gift first. The silver necklace caught the light as she pulled the chain from dark blue velvet.

“A heart necklace,” she said, staring at it.

“A locket,” I replied. “Open it.”

She studied it closer, finding the clasp, and then split it in two. On one side, a photo of her dad, the other a picture of her mom.

“Mommy and Daddy,” she breathed. “But where are you?”

My throat felt tight with emotion. “I’m in the heart. Every time you look at it, I want you to remember that I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.”

Fletcher blinked quickly as he rubbed my back. “That’s great of you, Liv.” He opened his box next, taking out the silver bracelet matching the design on her locket.

“It’s to match Maya’s,” I explained.

“I love it,” he said. He put it on and then pulled me into a hug.

I leaned into his arms, letting him embrace me and trying to enjoy this moment with the man I adored and the girl we both loved so much. I knew, deep in my heart, it would be one of the last.

60

Fletcher

Hayes and Knox came over to pick up Maya and take her to the diner for milkshakes before her party. Liv left soon after to set up the food, drinks, and dessert where we’d be ending the float. And I stayed in Maya’s room, packing her bag for a weekend with her mom and dreading the moment Regina would arrive with her boyfriend. My old friend.