You watched your kid play in the backyard. Today was exactly the anniversary of the day you left Texas. The day you left him behind. The day you won custody and left town to never turn back.

You heard the engine of a car outside. You stood by the window as he parked on the driveway. You'd recognize that man anywhere. The love of your life. Or so you had thought.

"I'll get clean. I swear, I'm gonna get clean." Were the last words you heard from him three years ago.

You took a deep breath before you walked out of the house to greet him. It was the first time you were gonna see him.

When he saw you, a smile formed on his lips. Those same lips that used to press against your skin, against your baby's head before bed. The same lips that called you names and insults when he was drunk or high or both. You shook the thoughts away.

He changed, right?

"I'm glad you accepted." Frankie's voice said softly, as if he was being careful of his words.

You looked at him in the eyes. Your eyes scanning his soft and brown ones. There were no dark circles under his eyes. No redness in his eyes or a shake to his hands or voice. Maybe he did change. You hoped he did.

"I... I brought her a gift... Is that okay?" He asked carefully, holding a gift bag in his hand.