"Hey, what's up?... This weekend? I know it's short notice, but I'd love to see them... Are you sure? I don't want to disrupt their plans... Okay. I'll drive to DIA on Friday... Thanks. I really appreciate this... Tell them I love them... You too. Bye."
He returns looking both happy and nervous.
"Everything okay?" I ask.
"More than okay. Sarah's sending me the kids for the weekend. They'll be here Friday through Sunday."
"Tyler, that's wonderful!"
"It is. But it's also..." He runs a hand through his hair. "They don't know about you yet. About us. And I don't want to spring you on them without preparation."
"That makes sense."
"So I was thinking, maybe I could tell them about you this weekend? Prepare them for meeting you next time?"
My chest warms. "You want them to meet me?"
"Of course I do. You're a huge part of my life. They need to know about you." He sits on the edge of the bed. "But only if you're comfortable with that. I know meeting kids is a big step."
"I'd love to meet them. Whenever you think they're ready."
"Thank you." He pulls me into his arms. "You're amazing, you know that?"
"You might have mentioned it once or twice."
We spend the rest of the day wrapped up in each other, and by the time Monday morning rolls around, I'm more relaxed than I've been in months.
At the shop, Jess immediately notices.
"You're glowing," she observes. "Like, aggressively glowing. What happened?"
Heat floods my face. "Nothing."
"Liar. You spent your day off having sex."
"Jess!"
"What? I'm right, aren't I?" She grins. "Good for you."
"Can we not discuss my sex life in the middle of the coffee shop?"
"Fine. But I expect details later."
The day flies by, and Tyler texts me throughout, checking in and making sure I'm eating and resting.
Tyler: How's your day?
Chloe: Good. Busy but good. How's yours?
Tyler: Long. Missing you.
Chloe: Missing you too. What time do you get off?
Tyler: Five. Want me to bring dinner to your place?
Chloe: Always.
Tyler: Good. I'll see you tonight, baby girl.
