Chapter 50
Tyler
Hours later, we’re lying in bed, sated while Indy rests on her head on my chest. I love feeling her hand wander along my chest, savoring that zap of energy that coasts along my skin as we connect.
“Ty, do you ever think about having kids?” She moves to rest her chin on my chest and looks at me.
I move her hair from her face. “Yeah, of course I do.”
“So, the way your parents were never pushed you to not want them?” she asks, and my mind wanders to my horrible upbringing and how I would never impose that on my own children, including Noah.
“No. I mean, there may have been a time I was concerned I’d be like them, but I don’t worry about it anymore.”
She smiles brightly up at me.
“I take it that’s what you wanted to hear?” I smile back.
“Well, yeah. My ovaries might be relieved to hear that.” She returns her cheek back down on my chest.
I can’t help the chuckle that escapes. “I’ve always liked the name Jonas.”
“Um, veto,” she says almost immediately.
“Why?” I protest.
“Indiana and Jonas? Think about it.” A long silence stretches out.
“Let me spell it out for you. It’s too close to our names being linked to Indiana Jones—no thanks. Again, veto.”
I look at her for an extra moment then start laughing. “Okay. I hadn’t thought about it, but yeah, I guess that wouldn’t be good.”
She keeps staring at me, not amused. “Imagine River with those names together. We’d never hear the end of it. No thanks.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Okay, okay.” I run my hands down her naked back.
She’s almost asleep when I speak again.
“Indiana?”
“Yeah?”
“Happy anniversary, baby,” I tell her.
She looks over at the clock, realizing that today marks the day that we got married eleven years ago.
It’s sort of serendipitous Noah was born so close to our wedding anniversary.
This tiny little family of ours coming together, making our hearts whole again, something neither of us could have seen coming after years being apart.
“Happy anniversary, Tyler.” She pulls my body closer to her, sealing my lips to hers.
“If I’ve done one thing right in my life, it was being at that dam all those years ago.
Maybe things haven’t always aligned in many ways, but in that moment, they sure as hell did.
I love you so damn much. Thank you for taking me back.
” I kiss her again, softly. We’re savoring each other as we lay here together.
So many little moments brought us together, yet also broke us apart. I’m forever grateful those fractures of life found a way to heal themselves because I would be missing this beauty in life.
I’m working outside of Indiana’s townhouse. It’s got a great view, so it makes for a perfect backdrop. Noah’s at the neighbor’s house and Indy’s still at work. She should be home soon, but I thought with sunset approaching I would record some content on a livestream today.
I’m finishing up when I catch some movement from my side. I look over and see Indy walking in. She knows the drill by now when I’m filming content and stays on the sidelines. She’s never shown her face in any of my videos. The only one she’s been in she had her helmet on.
“Hey, everyone. I thought today was as good as any to introduce you to someone special.”
I see Indy’s eyes go wide. She probably thinks I’m going to out our marriage to the world, but I’d never do that without her consent.
We had the conversation off camera regarding if I ever wanted to introduce her.
This is just me showing the world that I’m taken by the most beautiful girl in the world.
“You see, my heart has been captured by a certain someone. I think everyone probably knows by my last video that someone remarkable has come into my life. Well, I wanted you to officially meet her.” I reach my hand out for Indiana to grab it. She shakes her head, smiling shyly.
She knew I was going to do something more official for my followers, but probably never fully thought through the reality of being shown on camera.
“Come on, baby. Say “Hi” to everyone. They want to see your beautiful face,” I encourage her.
Indiana finally relents, coming into view for everyone to see. The moment she does, her smile is shy and her face is red like a tomato.
“Isn’t she just gorgeous? This is the love of my life, everyone!” I kiss her cheek. “It’s official. I’m off the market—well, forever.” I look at her and she looks stunned.
I bring her lips to mine, my body sweaty and she doesn’t seem to care.
I see hearts and comments moving along the screen, then I end the live stream.
“I can’t believe you just did that.” She doesn’t look mad, just shocked.
“Well, it needed to be done. I didn’t tell them we’re married, but I don’t want anyone thinking they should shoot their shot.” I give her a quirked brow, then kiss her shoulder. “How was work?”
“Good. I’m tired though. I just want to change out of these clothes and curl up on the couch.”
“Sounds like a nice plan. Let’s grab Noah and I can make something for dinner.” I smack her ass.
“I like that. Are you dessert?” She winks.
The next week, I’ve got a whole spread of breakfast out for Noah. Indiana had to head into work early, so I offered to take him to school.
I know how picky kindergartners can be and Indiana has told me he always changes his preferences up, so I wanted to be prepared this morning. Looking around, I’m realizing I may have overdone it. It’s too late now, as I hear his hurried footsteps moving along the stairs.
“Hey, Hunter. Wow! That’s a lot of food.” Noah’s eyes look over at all the food I’ve laid out on the counter. Yeah, I’ve definitely overdone it. He’s only six and I made enough food to feed the crew at the firehouse.
“Good morning, bud. You hungry?” I walk over to the kitchen table and pour some orange juice. “What do you want to eat? I made a few options.”
Grabbing a plate, he walks around the kitchen island, assessing all his choices. “French toast, please.” He points at the piece he wants, and I place it on his plate.
Once he’s seated, I load some scrambled eggs on my own plate and sit opposite him. We sit silently for a few minutes, until Noah looks up at me.
“Hunter, are you living here now?” I’m mid-bite and I’m grateful I wasn’t in the middle of swallowing my food. I would have needed the Heimlich after that question.
I chew my food for a long while, then finally answer, “No. Why do you think that?”
“Well, you’re here a lot. And we hang out with you all the time.
I like having you around. Darth likes you, too.
So, I just thought you lived with us. And you cooked me breakfast today and you’re taking me to school.
Sometimes you sleepover.” He keeps eating his breakfast like his question didn’t throw me off course.
Of course, Indy isn’t here to help me maneuver this.
“How would you feel if I did live here?” I hope Indy doesn’t hate me for having this conversation with him, although he was the one to bring it up.
“I think it would be awesome. We could watch Star Wars and you’re a way better cook than my mom.” He sets his fork down and leans in as if he’s going to tell me a secret. Damn, this kid is too much.
“Don’t tell my mom this, but she burns one side of my toast sometimes. I don’t like telling her because I think it would hurt her feelings.” Fuck, my heart may have just exploded.
“Your secret is safe with me.” I wink at him.
He goes on eating his breakfast with a little smile on his face until every last bite is consumed.
“I take it you liked it?” I ask him once he’s cleared his plate from the table.
“Yes.” He smiles up at me. “Thanks, Hunter.”
“No problem, Noah. Why don’t you go grab your backpack and we’ll head out. I have your lunch right here.” I hold up his lunch bag in my hand.
“Alright.” He runs off, but pokes his head back in the kitchen as I’m loading a few dishes in the dishwasher.
“Hunter?” he says.
“Yeah, buddy?”
“I do think it would be fun to have you living here. You make my mom happy. And you make me happy too.”
Before I can even answer, he runs off to get his things and I swear, I stand completely stunned in place. Forget my heart exploding. It may have simply walked off into the other room because a little boy just took hold of it.