Before Mike, It Was Just the Two of Us
For most of my daughter Vivian’s childhood, it was just her and me.
Her biological father drifted in and out before disappearing for good.
I promised myself I’d never let another man bring instability into her life.
So when Mike came along, I took my time.
Two and a half years of dating before he proposed.
Vivian was five then.
Mike was patient. Kind. Steady.
He showed up to every school event.
Built her a treehouse.
Knew whether she wanted pancakes or eggs before she asked.
