“As a family?” Tyler asked.
I could tell he immediately regretted it. His cheeks flushed pink and he returned his gaze to his plate. But the yearning in his voice was as clear as could be. He wanted this so badly.
“As the three musketeers,” I said, quickly.
“What is a musketeer anyway?” Tyler asked.
“Charming, dueling heroes with big hearts and even bigger loyalty,” I said. “Great in fiction.”
“Even better in real life,” Hunter said. “But do we have to wear cloaks?”
“You would rock a cloak,” Tyler said. “And tall boots. A sword. Next Halloween maybe?”
“I’ll take that under consideration,” Hunter said, laughing. “Regardless, I like the idea of the three of us as a team.”
“Me too,” Tyler said.
I didn’t say anything because I’d suddenly forgotten how to speak. Words, for once, could not describe how I felt in that moment. How it seemed to be falling into place and how terrifying it all was. Tyler and I were in deep already. What if this all fell apart and we’re left broken-hearted? I could handle it for me, but for my son? I just couldn’t bear it.
Be brave, Sugar Plum. Love can’t blossom without courage.
My dad. Speaking to me from the dead again, as bossy as ever.
I answered him back.
Fine. I’ll do it your way. But it doesn’t mean I’m not scared.
You were never afraid of anything your whole life. Don’t start now.
Dad again.
“Let’s do this. Buy three tickets,” I said. “For the three musketeers.”
“I’m on it, but I have to do it on the computer,” Tyler said. “I’ll be right back.” He sprinted out of the kitchen and up the stairs to his room.
When he was gone, Hunter snuck an arm around my waist and pulled me in for a kiss. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For bringing me back to life,” Hunter said. “For waking the muses. For sharing your son with me.”
“It’s the easiest thing I’ve done in a long while.”
He kissed me again and I kissed him right back.
Take that, Daddy.
Later,I pulled up our group chat.
Seraphina
Confession time. Hunter just left.
Gillian
And?
Seraphina
