Page 58 of Accidental Dad's Best Friend

Izzy

It’s a warm, cloudy Saturday and Jaxon and I are headed to the Denver Zoo. While I normally don’t spend money on big things like this, I mentioned it to Ethan in a text after Rosilyn asked if we wanted to go and he insisted we do. Apparently, he has mandatory fun time with my dad, aka golfing at the country club. Not only did he tell me it was a good idea, but he paid for a season pass for us.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a zoo. It’s not until we are inside, putting on sunscreen and filling up water bottles that I remember how much I actually enjoy zoos.

“I want to see the seals! Mommy, can you hear the seals?! They’re barking like dogs!” Jax is bouncing around so much I can hardly get the sunscreen on his wriggling body.

“I hear them,” I smile. “And we will see all the things.”

“Yes we will,” Rosilyn agrees.

“There’s lions too.” Luca crinkles his nose as his mom covers his face with lotion. “I saw them the last time I was here.”

“You’re lucky you get to go to the zoo so much,” Jax says, pulling free from me and grabbing the park map from my bag. “When we lived in Grand Junction there were no zoos.”

“No zoos?” Luca’s jaw drops like he can’t even imagine such a thing.

“Nope. No roller coasters or water parks or skyscrapers either.”

“What did you even do for fun?” Luca exclaims.

I almost frown at that. Staying in Denver might have been an option. If I had a normal life with normal circumstances and I wasn’t avoiding a crazy father and wasn’t worried about anyone trying to tear me and Jax apart. But I still think what I’ve given him up to this point is good. We never had luxury but I also don’t feel like he’s ever been in want or need of anything. I’ve worked hard to make sure of that.

“Alright so what’s first?” I ask, changing the subject before I overthink everything.

Both boys shout out at least five different animals. Rosilyn steps in with a smile.

“How about we start at the penguins over here and work our way around the park in a big circle.”

That answer seems to make everyone happy. The boys skip from animal to animal and Rosilyn and I follow. It’s a leisurely way to spend a Saturday. While five year olds are brimming with never ending energy, it’s much easier than the toddler years. As long as we keep their drink cups full, grab some popcorn, and hit the bathrooms enough times, they’re content. Honestly, it’s lovely.

It must be showing because at one point, while we watch the elephants, Rosilyn makes a comment. “You look happy.”

“I am,” I admit.

“Any more issues with the house?”

“No,” I shake my head, taking a sip from my water bottle. “It’s been quiet.”

“Good. I find it crazy that something like that would happen in our neighborhood. It’s usually so quiet.”

“Maybe it was just teenagers after all.”

“Maybe,” she agrees.

My phone buzzes and I pull it out of my bag. My lips curl in a smile. It’s a text from Ethan.

Ethan- How’s the zoo?

Izzy- Fun. I forgot how many animals there are.

Ethan- What’s your favorite?

Izzy- That’s hard. I like giraffes though.

“Special someone?” Rosilyn asks and I shove my phone in my bag.

“Just a friend.”

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