Sandra shook her head, a soft chuckle escaping. "Toby."
Pride bloomed across his face. "Yeah, Toby. And before you wonder why we weren't more careful… Patricia couldn't take the pill, and honestly, we weren't... intimate very often."
He helped Sandra up the wooden steps to the pier, waiting as she brushed sand from her feet and slipped her shoes back on. They settled on one of the benches facing the spectacular sunset.
"I think discovering she was pregnant again was the final nail. After Toby was born, our family became the kids and me, with Patricia floating in and out when her schedule allowed."
The words came easier now, as if Sandra's presence had unlocked something inside him.
"Left the DEA, took a position with the Virginia Beach Drug Task Force. Thought since Patricia was based there, it'd work for everyone."
“Marines… DEA… DTF… you’re a real-life hero, Terry.”
His gaze drifted across the water. "Most of the time, I feel like I’m winging it. Not much of a hero.”
They were quiet for a moment, then he continued. “One Sunday morning, when Emma was six and Toby was going to start kindergarten the next year, the kids were outside playing. Patricia sits down and says she's done. Tired of turning down career opportunities because of being a wife and mother."
He looked at Sandra, trying to read her expression. "Wish I could say I was surprised, but I wasn't. To be honest? I was relieved."
Sandra turned to face him fully, taking both his hands in hers. "I don't blame you at all, Terry. Sounds like you were carrying everything already."
Her words settled something restless inside him. "What I was doing wasn't different from what women have done for generations. Hold down a job, take care of kids and house. Don't want to complain because I love being a dad." He squeezed her hands. "I haven’t done it all on my own. Patricia and I are friendly, if not friends. Divorce was amicable. I got full custody. She sees them one weekend a month and a week in the summer. I stay flexible, though. Birthdays, Christmas—whatever works. I want the kids to know their mom."
“You know, Terry. What you’ve just said proves to me that you are a real-life hero. So many people stay in bad marriages and make their children miserable. Sounds like you found the best way."
"Strange as it sounds, probably better that neither of us was in love. Made divorcing easier." Terry shrugged, always pragmatic. "I know she's dated some. As long as any guy's respectful around the kids, that's fine."
Sandra's voice was soft. "You once said she wouldn't mind if she knew about me."
"Absolutely. No jealousy involved. Patricia's actually grateful the kids are with me full-time. She's even said she hopes I find love."
As the sun dipped into the bay, the sky exploded in brilliant colors. Blue deepened to indigo while orange blazed into red, painting the water in shimmering reflections.
Terry pulled Sandra closer, comfortable silence wrapping around them. "Remember the first time I was in your office? The Johnson case?"
Sandra's face transformed as a smile curved her lips. "Of course. I remember everything about that conversation. And I remember one of the first things you told me was that you were a single dad."
"Hope now you understand how important that was."
Sandra's smile widened, her eyes sparkling. "Here's a secret, Terry. I understoodthenhow important that was to you."
He chuckled, pulling her tighter. "Good. Having been in one relationship that wasn't what I hoped for, even though it gave me two beautiful kids, I have no interest in wasting time with someone who can't fit into my life the way I hope to fit into theirs."
"And am I?" The question was barely a whisper.
"Oh yeah, Sandra." He heard the rough emotion in his voice. "But you need to realize I'm not just asking you to be involved with me, but with my children too. Help maintain the relationship they have with their mom. That's a lot to ask."
Sandra nodded slowly. Her careful consideration, one of the things he loved about her, now made nerves crawl up his spine.
She reached up and cupped his face, her palm warm against his skin. For several seconds, he closed his eyes and leaned into her touch, unable to remember the last time a woman had offered him such tender comfort.
"If you're wondering whether your story has frightened me away, it hasn't." Her voice was steady and certain. "I like your children and want to know them better. Meeting Patricia doesn't frighten me. And when it comes to us? I want to keep building what we have."
Terry's heart pounded as his gaze moved over her features, illuminated by the last golden light of sunset. What he'd thoughthe might never have was now in his arms, looking at him with trust and something deeper shining in her eyes.
He leaned forward, sealing all the emotions swirling between them with a kiss that tasted of promise and new beginnings.
25
