Invisible String

18

"Actually, can you go run and grab tampons? Or maybe ask Tree if she has any? I only have a few in my purse," I said, already dreading the discomfort ahead.

Travis gave me a quick nod and hurried out the door. I popped some painkillers and tried to settle in. Lily was still sleeping in, giving me a little extra time, but Mira was starting to stir in the travel bassinet next to me.

I began feeding Mira, hoping it would soothe her-and maybe me too-but almost immediately the cramps worsened. Damn. Feeding was a no-go.

Thank goodness I'd been pumping at night. I reached for the bottle and handed it to Mira. She took it eagerly, and I leaned back, scrolling through my phone while waiting for Travis to get back with some relief.

The quiet moment was brief, but it was something. I just needed to get through the day-and hopefully get some peace soon.

After a few minutes, I heard the door click open and Travis walked in, holding a small bag and a relieved smile.

"I got them," he said, setting the bag down on the counter. "Tree had some extras, so I grabbed a couple from her too."

"Thank God," I sighed, thankful for the backup. The cramps were already starting to dull, but I still felt exhausted.

Travis gently took Mira from me, bouncing her softly. "You need to rest. I've got this."

I nodded gratefully, leaning back on the hotel bed while Travis soothed Mira. The little moments like this-the way he stepped up without hesitation-were what kept me going.

Lily eventually woke up, rubbing her eyes and climbing onto the bed beside me. She looked at me with sleepy concern. "Mama, you okay?"

I smiled weakly and stroked her hair. "I'm okay, baby. Just a little tired."

She cuddled close, and for a moment, all the chaos outside felt far away.

"Let's get through today," I whispered to myself. Travis kissed my forehead and we both knew the hardest part was yet to come-the court finalization. But right now, this small family moment was everything.

I pulled the last dress from my suitcase-a simple, elegant white dress. Immediately, a wave of anxiety washed over me. With my period finally back after months of breastfeeding, I was terrified of leaking. White was beautiful, but it was unforgiving. What if I stained it? What if I had a sudden, embarrassing moment right here, before court?

I set the dress carefully on the dresser, my fingers trembling slightly. "I really hope I don't leak," I whispered, more to myself than anyone else.

Travis looked up from his coffee, concern flickering in his eyes. "You okay?"

I bit my lip, swallowing hard. "It's just... my period's back, and with Mira still nursing and all the pumping, I'm worried about leaks. This dress is white, Travis. What if I can't control it?"

He crossed the room and pulled me into a gentle hug. "Hey, it's okay. We'll be prepared. You can wear pads, change as needed. You're not alone in this."

I sighed, grateful for his calm, but the knot in my stomach didn't loosen. "I just don't want to feel embarrassed or distracted today. There's so much riding on this."

Travis kissed my temple softly. "You're going to get through it. And if something happens, it's no big deal. We're a team."

I nodded slowly, trying to focus on that. I folded the dress carefully back onto the hanger and made a mental note to pack extra supplies. Today was important - I couldn't let anything stop me, even if that meant facing a little mess along the way.