“I’ve got a big meeting tomorrow afternoon, but I’ll come get you right after it’s over.”

“Okay, Dad. I will.”

The line went quiet for a moment.

Michael heard a wooden cabinet door click shut over the phone.

“Can Travis teach me how to use the lawn mower tomorrow?” Noah asked.

Michael tightened his grip on the wooden spoon.

The sudden picture of Travis pushing those heavy spinning blades with Noah running around anywhere near made him stop.

“You’re a little young for the mower, buddy,” Michael said.