Invisible String

38

Getting ready to leave your kids — even for two days — should’ve come with its own Olympic event category.

I was trying to zip my suitcase with one hand while Mira hung off my hip and Lily pouted dramatically in the doorway.

“But why can’t we come?” Lily asked for the fifth time.

“Because it’s Mommy and Daddy’s special trip,” I said gently, grabbing a pair of sunglasses and tossing them in last-minute. “We’ll be back before you even miss us.”

“I already miss you,” she sulked.

Travis emerged from the bathroom with a dopp kit and a toothbrush in his mouth. He gave Lily a playful wink and bumped her gently with his hip as he passed. “You’re staying with Aunt Tree. You guys are gonna eat snacks and watch movies and probably not go to bed on time.”

Lily’s face lit up at that. “Really?”

Tree, who had Mira on her lap now, chimed in from the rocking chair. “Oh yeah. Popcorn. Couch fort. Maybe even a little Taylor Swift dance party.”

Lily gasped, scandalized and delighted. “Without Mommy?!”

“I’m honored,” I said flatly, zipping up the suitcase with finality. “Betrayal in my own home.”

Travis slid behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Almost ready?”

“Everything’s packed,” I said, turning slightly to look up at him. “Except my sanity.”

He chuckled and kissed my cheek. “You’ll find it on the plane.”

I leaned into him for just a second longer than I meant to. I knew the kids were in good hands. Tree was the best. But there was still that tug in my chest every time I left them — Mira’s drooly smile, Lily’s endless chatter, the smell of their shampoo clinging to my sweatshirt.

“I’m excited,” I said softly. “I really am.”

He nodded against my temple. “Me too.”

Downstairs, Tree started calling Lily to help pack her “very important stuffed animals” into a tote bag. Mira was babbling to herself and chewing on a plastic spoon. Everything felt okay.

Travis grabbed both suitcases and headed toward the door. I followed, glancing back one last time. Lily was hugging Tree’s leg while Mira rolled onto her belly and gave me a sleepy grin.

“Bye babies,” I said, heart clenching just a little. “Be good for Aunt Tree.”

“We will!” Lily called.

Mira just waved her spoon.

Travis opened the door and looked back at me. “Ready?”

I smiled, even through the lump in my throat. “Yeah. Let’s go make out somewhere that isn’t our couch.”

He laughed and reached for my hand. “Now that’s the energy I’m looking for.”

And just like that, the door closed behind us — and the anniversary trip officially began.

The hotel room smelled like eucalyptus and expensive linen — which, after years of spit-up and marker stains, might as well have been heaven.

I kicked off my boots and stepped onto the plush rug like it was sacred ground. “Okay, I’m never leaving.”

Travis followed behind me, dropping our bags at the foot of the massive bed and whistling low. “Wow… this place is insane.”

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the skyline. A bottle of chilled champagne sat waiting in a silver bucket near a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries, courtesy of the concierge. I was already eyeing the deep soaking tub tucked behind frosted glass.