"Perfect. That's what we're going for." He plates pancakes and bacon. "Sit. Eat. We're going to talk about prevention strategies."
Over breakfast, we establish new rules. Alarms on my phone to remind me to eat. A mandatory fifteen-minute lunch break, no exceptions.
"And if you start to feel overwhelmed?" he prompts.
"I text you immediately. Before it gets bad."
"Exactly. I can't help, if I don't know you're struggling."
"I know. I'll do better."
"I know you will. And if you slip up again, we'll handle it. Together." His hand covers mine. "But hopefully with better communication, we can prevent it from getting to that point."
After breakfast, Tyler has to go to base for a training exercise.
"I'll be gone most of the day," he says. "But I want you to text me. Let me know how you're doing. What you're eating. How you're feeling."
"Yes, Daddy."
"And Chloe?" He tilts my chin up. "I'm proud of you. For handling yesterday so well. For being brave enough to trust me with your correction."
"Thank you, Daddy."
He kisses me thoroughly, and I'm breathless when we part.
"I'll see you tonight. I love you."
"I love you too."
After he leaves, I text the book club.
Chloe: So... Tyler spanked me yesterday. For real. As discipline.
The chat explodes.
Madison: FINALLY. How was it?
Lily: Are you okay? How do you feel?
Holly: Details. We need ALL the details.
Emily: Did it help?
Chloe: It helped so much. I feel lighter. Like I can breathe again.
Madison: That's exactly how it should feel. Ty says discipline is about closure, not punishment.
Lily: Ethan says the same thing. It's about correction and moving forward.
Holly: Did he take care of you after? Aftercare is so important.
Chloe: He was amazing. I've never felt so cared for in my life.
Emily: I'm so happy for you, babe. You found your Daddy.
Chloe: I really did. I can't believe this is my life.
Madison: Believe it. You deserve this. All of it.
