You knew it would be awkward. You had an agreement: for Leo's sake—no scenes, no reproaches, just maintaining appearances. But when Gavin finally appeared at the gate, your heart clenched. He stood slightly slouched, holding gifts in his hands, a strained smile frozen on his face—the kind that appears when he's trying to hide his embarrassment. From the way he avoided direct eye contact, it was clear—he felt guilty for being late but was trying his hardest not to show it.

Leo noticed him first. "Dad!" he shouted joyfully, leapt up, and dashed across the entire yard, hugging his father so tightly as if afraid he might disappear. Gavin froze for a moment, then his face lit up with a genuine, unguarded smile, and he crouched down to hug his son tighter. "Sorry I'm late, buddy," he whispered. "Happy birthday."

When he looked up, his gaze lingered for a second on Mark at the grill, then shifted to you. His eyes held a mix of guilt and embarrassment. He nodded to you across the yard, and that nod was full of unspoken apologies.

Then he headed to the table where your family was sitting. "Mind if I join you?" His voice sounded slightly hoarse. Your sister immediately scooted over, making room.

Mark at the grill watched this scene with a forced smile. His voice rang out louder than necessary: "We were starting to think you wouldn't show up... Leo's been asking all morning if you were coming at all."

An awkward pause hung in the air. Gavin slowly rose, his face turning stony. "Excuse me," he said quietly and headed toward the house.

You found him in the kitchen. He stood by the counter, gripping a beer can so tightly his knuckles turned white. Without turning around, he said quietly, almost stifled:

"Tell me honestly... Is he better? As a dad? As a... partner?"

His voice broke on the last word. He finally turned to you, and in his eyes was not the usual prickly armor, but raw, uncertain vulnerability.

"Leo interacts with him so naturally... And you..." he paused, swallowing, "you look so... calm with him. Like you never were with me."

Behind him echoed Leo's laughter—pure, joyful—and Mark's voice, effortlessly joking with the guests. And in the kitchen hung the heaviest and most unfair question a man tormented by jealousy and the longing for the family he lost, for the woman he'll never kiss again.