Madison: I love Tyler. Can we keep him?
Holly: He's definitely a keeper.
I show Tyler the messages. "Emily says thank you by the way."
"Tell her Rampage will check in with her. He's good people.”
"Tell me more about this motorcycle club he’s in?"
"Not the criminal kind. The Watchmen MC is a veteran support group that happens to ride bikes. They do charity work, help vets transition to civilian life, keep the town safe." He pulls up a photo on his phone. "This is Rampage."
The man in the photo is huge. But his eyes are kind.
"He looks intense."
"He is. But he's also got a big heart. His club does a lot of good work." Tyler types out another message. "I'm adding him and Phantom to a group text. That way Valhalla and Watchmen can look out for Emily. They keep a close pulse on the town."
"You really don't have to?—"
"I want to. She's your best friend. That makes her important to me too."
I kiss him. "Have I mentioned I love you?"
"Once or twice. But I never get tired of hearing it."
We finish dinner and Tyler turns to me with a serious expression.
"Okay. Let's make a plan for this weekend. I want to make sure we're both comfortable with expectations."
"Very Daddy of you."
"That's because I am your Daddy. Now pay attention." He's smiling but his tone is firm. "Friday evening, I'm picking the kids up from the airport, their flight lands around four. We'll probably grab dinner on the way home, so I'll be back here around seven."
"Okay."
"Saturday, we're doing kids stuff and I’m taking them to Garden of The Gods. I'll text you updates throughout the day."
"You don't have to text me while you're spending time with them."
"I want to. I want you to know I'm thinking about you even when I'm with them." He makes a note. "Saturday night, after they're asleep, can I call you? Just to check in?"
"Of course, Daddy."
"Good. Sunday morning is pancakes and cartoons. Then I'm driving them back to Denver to the airport. I'll be home by six." He looks up. "Can you come over Sunday night? I'm going to need you after saying goodbye to them."
My chest tightens. "Always. I'll be here."
"Thank you."Now, I need to talk to you about something."
"That sounds serious."
"It's not bad. Just important." He takes both my hands. "I want to be honest with them about who you are to me."
"Okay."
"Which means I need to know how you want me to describe us. Girlfriend feels too casual. Partner is accurate but vague. What do you want?"
I think about it. "What do you want to call me?"
