“What about Abby?”
Now all three sets of eyes look to me for an explanation.
“Jay, Tyler already is Abby’s father.”
I can tell Jay doesn’t understand so I pause to think through the best way to explain. But then Abby speaks up.
“Mom and Dad lost touch before she had me. They didn’t have a way to find each other again until recently.” My first thought is she explained it far better than I could have, judging by how Jay accepts it with a shrug and takes a drink of his Dr. Pepper. My second thought is she called him Dad. Beside me, Tyler has gone preternaturally still, looking at Abby.
Abby smiles shyly across the table at Tyler. “Hope it’s fine that I just said that.”
Tyler exhales a stunned laugh. “Abs, of course it’s fine.”
Jay, not to be left out, says, “Well, if Abby gets to call you Dad, I want to, too,” just as our food arrives. Jackson’s eyes cut to mine because of course he heard.
I mime zipping my lips, and his eyes are lit up with mischief but he nods.
“You can both call me Dad, Jay.”
We dig into our breakfast, telling them all the plans for our wedding, and how we’ll celebrate all these changes. I look around the table, first at my kids, then at Tyler, and my heart feels like it’s finally,finallyin one piece.
It’s official.
I send a selfie, holding up my left finger.
Lisa
I had a feeling I’d be seeing this text after you came and got Jay this morning. Congrats, to you and Tyler. You deserve all the happiness in the world.
Cassie
YESSS! That ring is gorgeous, girl.
Penny sends a selfie of herself sobbing. My sweet Penny girl and all those pregnancy hormones. I heart her selfie.
Penny
Also, did you spend the night with him last night?
Sure did.
And to mess with Cassie, I add:
He tied me up and blindfolded me.
Cassie
And I’m out.
I answer all their questions about how he proposed, but I have to cut the chat short because Tyler and I are turning into Morningside. We’ve dropped both kids back off, but this is one conversation we still need to have. I’ve already called the nurse to check on Mawmaw’s condition and they said it’s a good day.
I’ve signed Tyler and myself in, introduced him to the staff, and now we’re walking hand in hand to Mawmaw’s room. She’ssitting at her table when we enter, reading the newspaper. She’s kept her subscription, even though I’d hazard a guess that she struggles to remember anything she’s read. She looks up in surprise when she spots Tyler. But her face quickly morphs to a smile.
“Mawmaw, I want you to meet someone.”
Tyler and I cross her room and take a seat across from her.
“This is Tyler.”
