"All right." Tristan put a hand on Jeff's shoulder. "Thanks, for inviting me and everything." He smiled a sincere smile. Gloria never had to know he knew the kids would be there. "I'm sure I'll talk to you, see you Saturday, if nothing else."
After Jeff and Ava made their exit, Braeden became more clingy, hovering around their legs. Tristan expressed concern that Gloria would take off, she assured him the wasn't the case. He wasn't sure he believed her.
"What do you need, Victoria?" Gloria asked, noticing Victoria and a couple of her friends standing nearby, looking at them. Tristan smiled and the girls giggled.
"Is my dad coming to spend Christmas with us?" Victoria asked after a moment.
"I..." Gloria started.
"I'd like that," Tristan said, before Gloria could come up with a rebuttal.
"Me too."
"And me!" Braeden chimed in.
They had a long road ahead of them, but it was a start.