I fell in love with a Daddy of Two!

CHAPTER 7: The Business Trip

[It was a rainy afternoon when Mr. Thompson, their boss, called the team into the conference room. The steady patter of rain against the windows filled the room with a low hum as everyone took their seats.]

Mr. Thompson: Alright, listen up, (Mr. Thompson began, glancing around the room) We've got a big opportunity on our hands. I need Brandon and Tina to head to New York tomorrow to pitch our project to a high-profile client.

[There was a moment of surprise. Brandon looked over at Tina, and she met his gaze with a mix of nerves and excitement. This could be a huge break for them, but there was also a lot riding on it.]

Tina: Well, looks like we're in this together. (a small smile tugging at her lips)

Brandon: (Nodded, his own excitement evident) Yeah, I guess so. It'll be good to finally present this project ourselves.

[The next morning, they set off for the airport, the rain still drumming down on the car roof. As they drove, the conversation turned more casual.]

Tina: So, Brandon, who's taking care of your kids while you're away?(She asked, glancing over at him)

Brandon: (smiled warmly) My sister Lisa. She's great with them. Ade is such a good boy; he's always looking out for his little sister. And Maye, well, she's this bubbly, sweet little girl who can brighten up anyone's day.

[Tina could see the fondness in his eyes as he spoke about them.]

Tina: Sounds like you've got a couple of amazing kids there.

Brandon: Yeah, they're my world. Ade, he's always been the quiet, thoughtful type. Loves his books and is always asking questions about how things work. And Maye-she's full of energy, always running around, making up stories, singing songs. She's got this way of making everyone around her smile.

Tina: (smiled, noticing the pride in his voice.) It must be hard, balancing work and being a dad.

Brandon: It is but it's worth it. I mean, when you come home and see them waiting for you, all the stress just melts away.

Tina: I bet, (she said softly) And it sounds like they're in good hands with Lisa.

Brandon: (chuckled) Oh, definitely. She's the cool aunt. Ade and Maye adore her. And she's got this magic touch with them-can somehow get them to bed on time, which I can never manage.

Tina: (laughed, imagining the scene) I think it's the uncle or aunt thing. My nieces are like that with my brother too.

[They continued talking, the car's interior becoming warmer with their laughter and stories. As they approached the airport, Tina realized how much Brandon loved his kids. It wasn't just the way he spoke about them; it was in his eyes, his smile, and the way he leaned back with that peaceful look when he talked about them.She turned to him and said]

Tina: You know, it's really nice to see how much you care about your family. It makes me feel like we're going to be okay on this trip.

Brandon: (glanced at her, his smile widening.)Thanks, Tina. And yeah, I think we're going to do just fine.

[With that, they stepped out into the rain, ready to take on the challenge ahead, carrying with them not just the weight of their project, but also the warmth of newfound understanding.]

___________________________________

[As the plane soared above the clouds, Brandon and Tina found themselves deep in conversation. The hum of the engines and the gentle turbulence didn't seem to bother them. They had been talking since they boarded, and neither showed any signs of stopping.]

Tina: So, after that, I decided never to bring my cat to a client meeting again.

Brandon: I bet that was quite the scene. I can just imagine the chaos. (He said laughing)

Tina: It was! (Tina chuckled) But, you know, you live and learn.

[There was a comfortable silence for a moment, and then Brandon's expression changed slightly. He looked out of the window, his face contemplative.]

Brandon: You know, Tina... I don't know why, but I feel like I can talk to you about things.

Tina: (looked at him curiously and said) I'm glad you feel that way. What's on your mind?

Brandon: (hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath) It's about my ex-wife, Maria.

Tina: (nodded, sensing the weight in his words) Go on, (she encouraged gently)

Brandon: When we were still married, Maria... she wasn't exactly the most present mother. (Brandon began slowly) She had this habit of disappearing for days-two, three days at a time. She'd go out with her friends, leaving Ade and Maye at home with me. It was like that for over eight years.

Tina: (with her eyes widened in shock) "Eight years? That sounds really hard, Brandon.

Brandon: (He nodded, a bitter smile tugging at his lips) Yeah, it was. I tried to keep things together, for the kids. But two years ago, things took a turn. We were having a family day at the park- me watching May who was playing on the slide, when Maria take Ade to buy some ice cream. She seemed distracted, checking her phone more often and looking around the park as if searching for something. I didn't pay it much since I was focused on playing with the kids.
I thought it was a good day, you know? Then when May was asking for her mommy and wanting some ice cream, we only saw Ade with his ice cream. When I ask him his mom he just told me that she told him to go ahead she'll just use the restroom. We went home that day without her. I thought it was just her normal 2-3 days vanishing act. We waited and waited... but she never came back.

Tina: (Tina's heart sank) She just left?

Brandon: Yeah,( he said, his voice heavy) She was gone for a month without a single word. No call, no text-nothing. And then after a month she return home, we were at Lisa's by that time. I always believed in second chances. When Maria returned after being gone for a month, full of apologies and promises to change, I decided to give her one more chance. The kids needed their mother, and deep down, I still wanted to believe in the woman I once loved. But it didn't take long for Maria to prove me wrong again. She stayed for a few weeks, only to vanish once more, leaving no explanation, no note-nothing.

Tina: (placed a comforting hand on his arm) I'm so sorry, Brandon. That must have been awful, especially for the kids.

Brandon: It was. ( Brandon admitted) For that last time, I had enough. I don't want her to come back and disrupt our lives over and over again. I made up his mind: I filled for divorce and taking full custody of Ade and Maye. Maria wasn't a responsible mother, and I couldn't let her keep hurting our kids. Ade asked about her every day at first, and Maye kept waiting for her to come back. It broke my heart. But eventually, they stopped asking. We had to move on. Lisa, helped a lot. She stepped in when I needed support the most.

Tina: (gave him a warm, understanding smile) You're strong, you know that? Not many people could handle that kind of situation with such grace. And Ade and Maye-they're lucky to have you. And you are lucky to have a sister like Lisa as well

Brandon: (looked at her, his eyes softening) Thanks, Tina. I'm just trying to be the best father I can be. I didn't want them to feel abandoned, like I did.

Tina: (nodded, squeezing his arm gently) And you're doing great. I see how much love you have for them. It's clear they mean the world to you.

Brandon: (smiled, his shoulders relaxing a little) They do. They really do. And I think... sharing this, it feels like a bit of weight has lifted off me. So, thanks for listening.

Tina: Anytime, Brandon, (she said softly) We've all got our stories, and I'm glad you felt like you could share yours with me.

[As they continued their flight, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the connection between them had deepened. They both knew this trip was about more than just a business pitch-it was about understanding, support, and finding unexpected comfort in each other's company.]