“I guess only time will tell.”
“You need to have the conversation.”
“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”
“Of course I am. I grew up with these guys, and I’m married to one of them. I know first-hand how they operate. He assumes you’re his while you are standing here wondering if he’s yours. Talk to him.”
She nods. I don’t know if she’s going to take my advice, but I wish she would. I have a feeling she’s going to be surprised when he tells her he’s all in. I’ve known Mark my entire life, and I’ve never seen him act with anyone else like he does with Dawn.
Epilogue Tyler
Tyler
* * *
“Hey, baby,” I say, sneaking up behind Reagan and wrapping my arms around her waist.
“Hey.” She leans into me.
“And I’m out.” Dawn laughs as she walks away.
“You two looked awfully serious over here.”
“You know, just girl talk,” she says evasively.
I flatten my hand on her belly. “We could disappear downstairs and try a repeat of our anniversary dinner. See if we can’t make it happen this time?” I offer. I was hoping that our slip up would have resulted in another baby, but no such luck. We’ve decided we’re not actively trying, but we’re also not preventing it. The doctors told her it would be hard for her to get pregnant, but it happened so fast with the boys, we were hopeful. I want more kids, but if it’s not in the cards for us, then it’s not.
“We can’t do that.” She laughs. “This is Everly’s day.”
“Fine, but tonight. After the boys are in bed….” I let my voice trail off. She knows exactly what I’m saying.
“Deal.”
“What’s going on with those two anyway?” I motion toward Dawn and Mark.
“They’re not talking about it. They choose to pretend all is good. She wants more, and I think he thinks they’re already more. You have any insight?”
“No, but I’ll see what I can find out,” I say, kissing her neck. “Looks like everyone is paired up but Kent.”
“What? You think Seth and Amelia are paired up?” she asks.
“You don’t think they are?” I counter.
“No. Not at all. They’re not being flirty, just friendly. You know how close you all were growing up.”
“Things change,” I say, kissing her neck.
“Just because we changed doesn’t mean they did.”
“To be honest, I’ve always had a thing for you, so I guess I didn’t change all that much.”
“I thought I was the only one.” She laughs. “I love you,” she says, turning in my arms and kissing me.
“I love you more.”
“Hey now, enough of that.” Seth comes walking toward us. “You know this is a kids’ party. You two should be ashamed of yourselves,” he says, looking highly amused.
“So that means you’re willing to watch the boys while I disappear with my wife?”
“Anytime, brother.” He holds his fist out for me.
“We appreciate that,” Reagan tells him. “But it won’t be today. You boys behave.” She kisses my cheek and goes to help Kendall wrangle the kids.
“You’re a lucky man.”
“Don’t I know it.” I do. I don’t need him or anyone else to tell me how lucky I am. I have the most beautiful, loving wife, and we created two tiny humans who are the best part of both of us.
Life has thrown me some curve balls, and there have been times when the unexpected changes have knocked me on my ass. I had to learn to live one breath, one second, one minute, one hour, one day at a time. I’ve learned that the best things in life are worth fighting for. I’ve embraced it and learned to live with our unexpected fight.
Thank you