Lauren had suggested we spend Christmas morning together so Mason wouldn’t feel that he had to choose between two homes on a day that mattered so much to him.

We had agreed on breakfast at her house, followed by a visit to my place to work on a project.

There was no pretense that our marriage had magically returned.

We were two parents choosing a peaceful arrangement for our son.

When I reached the door, Mason opened it before I could knock.

“Dad! You’re early!”

“Only by four minutes.”

“That’s still early.