Page 36 of True Blue

“Other conversations?” Teddy asks, frowning. “What do you mean?”

“About the household.”

Teddy looks at me blankly.

“Like family dynamics,” I blurt, ripping the bandage off. “Would you want one like yours, or would you be fine with me being the breadwinner and you taking care of the house? Or would that make you feel… emasculated?”

Teddy frowns, tilting his head. I sit up, turning to face him, and he sits up as well.

“I want to make this clear, Teddy, because I’ve worked so hard and I’ve spent an ungodly amount of money. This career—this life—requires sacrifice. I need my partner to understand that my career takes precedence,” I say, though I’m quick to add, because I don’t want him to think he’s less important than a job. “Not over our relationship, but in the decisions about… our location, and childcare, and who needs to take off if one of them is sick, and⁠—”

“Indie, breathe, honey,” Teddy soothes, and I realize how out of breath I became with my ranting rambles. I feel embarrassed that I let it all spill out of me.

Teddy pulls me into his arms, and I settle into his lap. For the first time in maybe ever, I feel small and dainty and cared for.

And I really like it.

Teddy gently rocks back and forth, and then his next words knock all the air from my lungs.

“I think being a stay-at-home dad would be pretty cool.”

I look at him sharply. “Really?”

“Hell yeah,” he nods. “I love kids, I think it would be fun.”

“And you could work on your art!” I say, feeling excitement thrum through my veins. My mind is already working through the logistics of our potential future fantasy. “You could practice with the kids, you could even go to art school if you wanted.”

“Yeah…” Teddy breathes, cradling my face in his hands. “You really believe in me with my art.”

“Teddy, I think it’s your calling,” I say, before cringing. “As corny as that sounds.”

“It’s not corny, Indie,” he says, shaking his head, leaning in to kiss me. Just as our lips touch, he murmurs. “It’s wonderful. You’re wonderful.”

We don’t say anything else, we just kiss and kiss and kiss, enjoying each other, enjoying the peace.

But as we kiss, my mind replays one thought.

Please don’t break my heart, Teddy.

Please.

7

INDIE

ONE YEAR LATER

“How long do we have?”

A familiar rumbling voice sounds behind me, and strong arms tighten around my waist. I crack open one eye and check the bedside clock—relieved, we still have time.

“Forty-three minutes,” I yawn, burrowing back deeper into his arms.

We’re still naked, Teddy’s warm chest pressed against my back like he’s my own personal space heater. I hum in pleasure as Teddy’s lips press soft kisses at the back of my neck, his beard tickling my skin and making me smile.

“Good,” Teddy rasps, his scratchy, sleep-heavy voice still making my stomach flip. We’ve been together over a year now. It feels like both a second and a lifetime. This is the longest relationship either of us has ever had, and I want more.

The fairy tale happy ending and all that.