"Stop." He crosses to me, cupping my face. "Don't take it back. Don't apologize for how you feel."
"But it's crazy. We barely know each other."
"Sometimes you just know. Sometimes the right person walks into your life and everything clicks into place." His eyes search mine. "I'm falling in love with you too."
My breath catches. "Really?"
"Really. I know it's fast. I know it doesn't make logical sense. But I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
"What do we do now?"
"Now? We eat pancakes. We go to work. We keep getting to know each other." He presses a kiss to my forehead. "And we let ourselves fall. Together."
"I can do that."
"Good. Now sit. Breakfast is ready."
He serves me pancakes with fresh berries and syrup, with a side of crispy bacon, and I take a photo to send to the group chat.
Chloe: He stayed over (just sleeping!) and made me breakfast.
The responses are immediate.
Madison: KEEPER. Marry him immediately.
Lily: This is so sweet I might cry.
Holly: Justin never makes breakfast. I'm jealous.
Emily: I'm so happy for you, babe.
Amber: Living vicariously through you right now.
Maya: When's the wedding?
I show Tyler the messages. "They're invested."
"They're happy for me. We all root for each other."
"That's nice. Having people who care like that." He takes a bite of pancake. "My team is close, too. We have each other's backs in combat, and we support each other like brothers emotionally."
"Do you have friends outside the military?"
"Not really. I've moved around too much. Lost touch with people from before I enlisted." He's quiet for a moment. "You're the first person in a long time who I’ve trusted outside of my men."
"Tyler—"
“I'm thinking about the future. What comes next, after the Army. And for the first time, that future includes someone else."
My chest feels tight. "I'm scared of how much I want this. Want you."
"Me too. But I think the best things are worth being scared for."
After breakfast, Tyler has to leave for PT, but he kisses me thoroughly before going.
"Text me when you get to the shop," he says. "Let me know you got there safely."
"Yes, Daddy."
