It’s the day before school starts back, and with everyone back in town, Lisa and Greg invited us over for dinner. I invited Tyler, and this will be the first time I’ve seen him since we were nearly caught by Abby.
We’ve talked almost constantly, though. Hisgood morningmessages are the first thing I see and what I look forward to most when I open my eyes. The first night Tyler indulged me with a text conversation that stretched well past midnight, but the next night my phone lit up with a call. That’s been our routine each night since. We exchange a treasure trove of memories: the stories of our childhood, the songs that shaped us, the foods we crave the most. I throw in funny memories about Penny, Liam, and me, just to hear his rumble of a laugh. Eventually though, my words slur from sleepiness and I drift off with his voice still in my ear.
Now, I’m buzzing with a giddy kind of anticipation, knowingany minute Tyler will walk through the front door. He’s been at the studio all day with Austin and Liam, and us girls got here early to catch up. My kids disappeared to Lisa and Greg’s game room, so we have complete privacy.
“All of this happened while we were out of town?” Penny asks, her eyes the size of the dinner plates stacked in front of us.
“Yep,” I say, glancing around at each of my friends. “I think I like my daughter’s dad.”
Cassie lifts a brow. “Like? You’re kinda glowing, babe.”
“Maybe more?” I squeak out. “But all I keep thinking is, this is too good to be true. Surely, it can’t be this perfect, right?”
Lisa hasn’t said a word yet, taking in the conversation. Being the wise motherly figure of our group, my eyes drift to hers, searching for something, reassurance maybe?
She reaches over, taking my hand in hers. “Josie, it might not always be perfect. No relationship is. It takes hard work and a lifetime of choosing each other. Take Greg and me, for example. We’ve had our fair share of fights and frustrations. But we talk and we listen. We’re always communicating. And every day, we choose each other again.”
Lisa’s words settle over me. Communication with Tyler hasn’t been my strong suit these last few weeks, but still, I’m filled with hope. When he first arrived, I’d never have entertained the possibility that someone would rise each morning, choosing me, day after day. But his steady presence makes me believe maybe he could.
While I sit with my complicated feelings, Penny and Cassie give updates on Austin and Cassie’s mom. Apparently, when she was visiting over Thanksgiving, Henry took a liking to her and they’ve been emailing with the occasional phone call. Their mom is in no condition for a relationship yet, not after years of abuse from Austin and Cassie’s dad, but I find myself smiling at the idea that she might finally have a good man around.
I’m pulled from my thoughts by the front door burstingopen. Austin barrels in and immediately wraps an arm around Penny.
“You ready to tell them, Penn?”
Cupping a hand around her mouth, Penny yells into the den for Greg and Liam. As soon as they’ve joined us in the kitchen, she tilts her head to look up at Austin, smiling, and from behind his back Austin produces an ultrasound picture.
Cassie and Lisa jump to their feet to hug Penny, eyes shining while Greg and Liam clap Austin on the back, congratulating him. I join the group hug, but my attention snags on the doorway where Tyler stands, hanging back, hands in his pockets. He’s been so open and talkative with me, I’d nearly forgotten he’s usually quiet and reserved. His eyes instantly find mine with that quiet steadiness I’ve come to crave, and for a second I forget how to breathe.
Separating from the group, my pulse quickens with every step I take and the rest of the room disappears when I reach him. This is the man who knows the sound of my sleepy voice and the late night stories I never meant to share.
“Hey, you,” I say softly.
“Hey, love,” Tyler murmurs, folding me into a hug.
Suddenly, the room falls dead silent, and I realize everyone heard him call me love. Biting my bottom lip, I look at each of them and shrug, threading my fingers with Tyler’s to pull him further into the room.
The evening goes by with entirely too much food and plenty of laughs. Tyler nearly does a spit take when Penny tells him about me chasing the paparazzi with a broom last summer. No way was I letting them snap photos of Penny and Austin, though. I protect my people.
The men all drift to the den where a basketball game plays on the TV. Something in my chest pulls tight when Jay joins them, plopping onto the couch right next to Tyler. Abby joins the ladies in the kitchen, so we have to keep our conversation tame foryoung ears, which proves to be pretty difficult for my friend group.
Lisa stands to clear the table and I jump up to help her. As we quietly wash dishes, she leans and brushes her shoulder against mine.
“You’re happy,” she says quietly.
I nod, lips curving before I can stop them. “I think I am.”
Liam is king of the Irish goodbye, and like we’re all too stupid to know what’s going on, Cassie calls it a night exactly five minutes later. Austin and Penny follow soon after, and Jay and Abby head out to my car. Abby loves cranking it, so on her way out, I toss her my keys to get the heat going. This leaves Tyler and me alone in the kitchen. He’s standing across from me, leaning against the edge of the counter.
“You alright?” I ask, stepping into his space.
His gaze softens. “I am now.”
I lace our fingers together and rest my cheek against his chest. “I’ve missed you,” I whisper. “Can we FaceTime tonight so I can see your face?”
Tyler’s eyebrows cinch, but then his features smooth. “Sure, love.” He gives me a soft kiss and after telling Greg and Lisa goodbyes, we head outside to our cars.
We’re only on the road for less than a minute when Abby shifts in her seat to face me.
