Chapter 9 #2
"So I was thinking, maybe I could tell them about you this weekend? Prepare them for meeting you next time?"
My chest warms. "You want them to meet me?"
"Of course I do. You're a huge part of my life. They need to know about you." He sits on the edge of the bed. "But only if you're comfortable with that. I know meeting kids is a big step."
"I'd love to meet them. Whenever you think they're ready."
"Thank you." He pulls me into his arms. "You're amazing, you know that?"
"You might have mentioned it once or twice."
We spend the rest of the day wrapped up in each other, and by the time Monday morning rolls around, I'm more relaxed than I've been in months.
At the shop, Jess immediately notices.
"You're glowing," she observes. "Like, aggressively glowing. What happened?"
Heat floods my face. "Nothing."
"Liar. You spent your day off having sex."
"Jess!"
"What? I'm right, aren't I?" She grins. "Good for you."
"Can we not discuss my sex life in the middle of the coffee shop?"
"Fine. But I expect details later."
The day flies by, and Tyler texts me throughout, checking in and making sure I'm eating and resting.
Tyler: How's your day?
Chloe: Good. Busy but good. How's yours?
Tyler: Long. Missing you.
Chloe: Missing you too. What time do you get off?
Tyler: Five. Want me to bring dinner to your place?
Chloe: Always.
Tyler: Good. I'll see you tonight, baby girl.
By the time I close the shop, I'm tired but happy.
Tyler shows up exactly on time with dinner and that smile that makes my knees weak.
"Hey, sweetheart."
"Hey, Daddy." I kiss him. "I missed you."
"Missed you too. Come on. Let's get you fed and off your feet."
We settle at my apartment, eating on the couch while Mochi curls up between us.
"On my way home tonight, I realized something. I’m happier than I've been in years." Tyler tells me when we’re done eating and pulls me close. "You've changed everything for me, Chloe. Given me something to look forward to beyond work and deployments."
"You've changed everything for me too."
Wednesday afternoon, I'm restocking cups when my phone buzzes.
Emily: Need advice. Found an amazing gym equipment set on marketplace. Guy selling it lives in Grand Ridge.
Chloe: That's like 3 hours away.
Emily: I know but it's EXACTLY what I need for the studio and he's selling everything for $500. That's a steal.
Chloe: When are you thinking of going?
Emily: This weekend before someone else buys it. Does Tyler know anyone in Grand Ridge? It's a small mountain town, mostly vets from what I’m reading.
Chloe: I'll ask him tonight.
I'm wiping down tables when Tyler walks in at his usual time. He's in his uniform, hair damp from what I assume was a post-workout shower.
"Hey, beautiful."
"Hey, yourself." I lean across the counter for a kiss. "Emily's asking if you know anyone in Grand Ridge, Colorado. She's thinking of driving up there this weekend to buy gym equipment."
Tyler's expression shifts. "Grand Ridge? Yeah, I know several people there. My cousin Phantom lives in a community called Valhalla. It's a gated veterans-only development. My former team leader, Rampage, also lives there."
"Small world."
"It's a tight community. Mostly military guys who wanted somewhere quiet after getting out.
Good people." He pulls out his phone. "Want me to text Rampage?
He's Road Captain for The Watchmen MC. They keep an eye on things in Grand Ridge.
I can ask him to make sure Emily's safe while she's up there. "
"That's sweet, but I think she'll be okay."
"Humor me. Grand Ridge is safe, but a woman traveling alone buying equipment from a stranger on the internet..." He's already typing. "Just want to make sure someone local knows she's coming."
I watch him text, warmth spreading through my chest. He's protective of people he doesn't even know just because they're important to me.
"You're a good man, Tyler Reid."
"Just taking care of what matters." He pockets his phone. "Speaking of taking care of things, have you eaten lunch?"
"Yes, Daddy. Turkey wrap and an orange."
"Good girl." His approval makes me glow. "I'll pick you up after work.”
After he leaves, I pull out my phone.
Chloe: Tyler's texting a friend in Grand Ridge to make sure you're safe this weekend.
Emily: He doesn't even know me that well and he's looking out for me? Marry him immediately.
Chloe: Pretty sure that's the plan eventually.
Emily: EVENTUALLY?! Chloe, that man is GONE for you.
Chloe: I know. It's still surreal.
Emily: Enjoy the surreal. You deserve it. Now tell me about this weekend with his kids.
Chloe: They're 8 and 6. Emma and Jackson. Coming Friday through Sunday.
Emily: And you're meeting them?
Chloe: Not this weekend. Tyler wants to prepare them first. But maybe next time.
Emily: Smart. Gives everyone time to adjust. What's Tyler saying about it?
Chloe: That they want him to be happy and I make him happy so they'll like me.
Emily: He's right. Kids are perceptive. They'll see how he looks at you and know you're good for him.
Chloe: I hope so.
Emily: Trust the process. And text me if you need pep talks.
Chloe: Always
The rest of the afternoon drags. By the time Tyler shows up at six, I'm exhausted from a long day on my feet.
We drive to his apartment in comfortable silence.
Once inside, Tyler orders dinner while I change into comfortable clothes, leggings and one of his t-shirts that I've basically claimed as mine.
"So," he says once we're settled on the couch with food. "This weekend. The kids and I will do our thing. You'll do yours. And we'll check in throughout the weekend."
"What if they ask about me?"
"I’m planning on telling them about you on the drive from the airport.
I’ll tell them that you're kind and funny and you own a coffee shop.
That you make me happy." His hand finds mine.
"I'm not hiding you from them, Chloe. You're a part of my life.
They need to know that." He squeezes my hand.
"Emma's been asking when I'm going to have a girlfriend.
Jackson just wants to make sure whoever I date likes Legos. I think we're good."
I laugh despite myself. "I do like Legos."
"See? Already winning points."
My phone buzzes with a group text.
Madison: Book club Friday night. My place. 7pm. Who's in?
Lily: I'll be there.
Holly: Justin and I have plans but I'll try to sneak out for an hour.
Amber: I'm in.
Maya: Me too.
Emily: Can't. Driving to Grand Ridge to pick up equipment.
Madison: By yourself?
Emily: Yeah. It's fine. Three-hour drive, pick up the stuff, drive back.
Chloe: Tyler has a friend up there who's going to keep an eye out for you.
Madison: I love Tyler. Can we keep him?
Holly: He's definitely a keeper.
I show Tyler the messages. "Emily says thank you by the way."
"Tell her Rampage will check in with her. He's good people.”
"Tell me more about this motorcycle club he’s in?"
"Not the criminal kind. The Watchmen MC is a veteran support group that happens to ride bikes. They do charity work, help vets transition to civilian life, keep the town safe." He pulls up a photo on his phone. "This is Rampage."
The man in the photo is huge. But his eyes are kind.
"He looks intense."
"He is. But he's also got a big heart. His club does a lot of good work." Tyler types out another message. "I'm adding him and Phantom to a group text. That way Valhalla and Watchmen can look out for Emily. They keep a close pulse on the town."
"You really don't have to—"
"I want to. She's your best friend. That makes her important to me too."
I kiss him. "Have I mentioned I love you?"
"Once or twice. But I never get tired of hearing it."
We finish dinner and Tyler turns to me with a serious expression.
"Okay. Let's make a plan for this weekend. I want to make sure we're both comfortable with expectations."
"Very Daddy of you."
"That's because I am your Daddy. Now pay attention." He's smiling but his tone is firm. "Friday evening, I'm picking the kids up from the airport, their flight lands around four. We'll probably grab dinner on the way home, so I'll be back here around seven."
"Okay."
"Saturday, we're doing kids stuff and I’m taking them to Garden of The Gods. I'll text you updates throughout the day."
"You don't have to text me while you're spending time with them."
"I want to. I want you to know I'm thinking about you even when I'm with them." He makes a note. "Saturday night, after they're asleep, can I call you? Just to check in?"
"Of course, Daddy."
"Good. Sunday morning is pancakes and cartoons. Then I'm driving them back to Denver to the airport. I'll be home by six." He looks up. "Can you come over Sunday night? I'm going to need you after saying goodbye to them."
My chest tightens. "Always. I'll be here."
"Thank you."Now, I need to talk to you about something."
"That sounds serious."
"It's not bad. Just important." He takes both my hands. "I want to be honest with them about who you are to me."
"Okay."
"Which means I need to know how you want me to describe us. Girlfriend feels too casual. Partner is accurate but vague. What do you want?"
I think about it. "What do you want to call me?"
"Mine. My person. The woman I'm building a life with." His eyes are steady on mine. "But I know that might be intense for eight- and six-year-olds to process."
"What if you just say I'm someone really special to you? Someone who makes you happy? Keep it simple for now."
"I can do that." He pulls me onto his lap. "You're really okay with all this? With me having kids and an ex-wife and a complicated custody situation?"
"Tyler, those kids are part of you. I want to know them. I want to be part of their lives if they'll let me." I cup his face. "I'm not scared of complicated. I'm scared of losing you."
"You're not going to lose me. Ever." He kisses me softly. "You're stuck with me, baby girl. Kids, chaos, and all."
"Good. Because I'm not going anywhere either."