By the time I close the shop, I'm tired but happy.
Tyler shows up exactly on time with dinner and that smile that makes my knees weak.
"Hey, sweetheart."
"Hey, Daddy." I kiss him. "I missed you."
"Missed you too. Come on. Let's get you fed and off your feet."
We settle at my apartment, eating on the couch while Mochi curls up between us.
"On my way home tonight, I realized something. I’m happier than I've been in years." Tyler tells me when we’re done eating and pulls me close. "You've changed everything for me, Chloe. Given me something to look forward to beyond work and deployments."
"You've changed everything for me too."
Wednesday afternoon, I'm restocking cups when my phone buzzes.
Emily: Need advice. Found an amazing gym equipment set on marketplace. Guy selling it lives in Grand Ridge.
Chloe: That's like 3 hours away.
Emily: I know but it's EXACTLY what I need for the studio and he's selling everything for $500. That's a steal.
Chloe: When are you thinking of going?
Emily: This weekend before someone else buys it. Does Tyler know anyone in Grand Ridge? It's a small mountain town, mostly vets from what I’m reading.
Chloe: I'll ask him tonight.
I'm wiping down tables when Tyler walks in at his usual time. He's in his uniform, hair damp from what I assume was a post-workout shower.
"Hey, beautiful."
"Hey, yourself." I lean across the counter for a kiss. "Emily's asking if you know anyone in Grand Ridge, Colorado. She's thinking of driving up there this weekend to buy gym equipment."
Tyler's expression shifts. "Grand Ridge? Yeah, I know several people there. My cousin Phantom lives in a community called Valhalla. It's a gated veterans-only development. My former team leader, Rampage, also lives there."
"Small world."
"It's a tight community. Mostly military guys who wanted somewhere quiet after getting out. Good people." He pulls out his phone. "Want me to text Rampage? He's Road Captain forThe Watchmen MC. They keep an eye on things in Grand Ridge. I can ask him to make sure Emily's safe while she's up there."
"That's sweet, but I think she'll be okay."
"Humor me. Grand Ridge is safe, but a woman traveling alone buying equipment from a stranger on the internet..." He's already typing. "Just want to make sure someone local knows she's coming."
I watch him text, warmth spreading through my chest. He's protective of people he doesn't even know just because they're important to me.
"You're a good man, Tyler Reid."
"Just taking care of what matters." He pockets his phone. "Speaking of taking care of things, have you eaten lunch?"
"Yes, Daddy. Turkey wrap and an orange."
"Good girl." His approval makes me glow. "I'll pick you up after work.”
After he leaves, I pull out my phone.
Chloe: Tyler's texting a friend in Grand Ridge to make sure you're safe this weekend.
