about whose name appears on a birth certificate. It’s about showing up.”
Kaylee’s eyes filled with tears.
Travis continued.
“And when you asked me to show up for you, I failed.”
He lowered the microphone.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then Dad gently touched Kaylee’s shoulder.
“Go on, honey.”
But Kaylee shook her head.
“No, Grandpa. You were the one who said yes.”
Those words struck harder than any accusation.
Travis looked down.
Then, unexpectedly, Kaylee extended her free hand.
“You can walk with us
need to know. He visited me Wednesday morning.”
I stopped breathing.
Wednesday?
Dad continued.
“He told me why he couldn’t walk with Kaylee. I promised not to tell
special request.”
Everyone turned.
Travis stood near the scorer’s table, holding a microphone.
“Kaylee,” he began, his voice unsteady, “there’s something I should have told you Tuesday night.”
My daughter froze.
I wanted to disappear.
“Nine years ago, I married your mother. And somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that being your stepfather meant I should never pretend
yes.”
Those words struck harder than any accusation.
Travis looked down.
Then, unexpectedly, Kaylee extended her free hand.
“You can walk with us back, Travis.”
He approached slowly.
Dad placed Kaylee’s hand into his.
For the first time, the three walked together.
I was crying when Mason suddenly tugged my sleeve.
“Mom, Grandpa gave me something before the ceremony.”
He handed me a folded envelope.
My name was written across it in Dad’s familiar handwriting.
Inside was a letter.
“Sweetheart, there’s something about Travis you need to know. He
