CalvinMy presentation is over, and my college classes are officially complete for the week. I pull my cell phone from the side pocket of my backpack, turning it on as I walk through the hallway. I push through the heavy metal doors into the warm spring sun.Done.Finally.It’s time to pack up my stuff and move into the next phase of my life. But first, I’ll spend the evening with Sky. Since I didn’t convince Garret to let me have the girls’ apartment tonight, I’ve invited her to my place, promising to fix her a meal to die for. She’s begged me all week to tell her what’s on the menu, but I’ve kept that a secret, just like the big one I plan to reveal to her tonight. I’m nervous, yet ready.After tonight, she’ll know everything. With Sky in my home, there can be no more hiding Tyler. I think I’m finally ready for the secrets to stop.Finally awake, my cell phone vibrates several times, signaling a missed phone call, many social media updates, and two texts. Since there is no voicemail,
Calvin“Tyler’s my son.” I don’t know what else she needs to know.If he’s a game changer, I don’t want to waste my time telling our story.“Like I didn’t already figure that one out. He looks just like you.” Dallas looks fondly in his direction. “Why haven’t you shared this juicy tidbit with us?”“It’s a long story. I told Schuyler I had something to tell her at dinner tonight. I planned to introduce Tyler to her this evening.” I let out a long breath as I rub my hands down my face. “I tried to date twice when he was a baby. College girls weren’t interested in my baggage. It’s why I gave up dating for over three years. I needed to focus on what was best for him.” I attempt to smile at Dallas. “Why does he change everything?”“Schuyler’s kept a big secret from you, too.” Dallas can’t help but glance toward Tyler, smiling as she speaks. “The reason we are going to her wreck site is because the wreck took a big part of her life away from her. Every three months, she visits a doctor for a
CalvinThere it is.I’ve laid it all on the line for her.My heart is in the palm of her hand to do with as she pleases. She takes a moment to process my words. She turns toward me, wide-eyed, slack-jawed, unable to speak. I brush wet strands of her hair from her face. My thumbs caress her jawline as I stare deep into her caramel eyes, imploring her to love me, to accept my confession, and to allow us to move on together.She looks back toward the truck. She doesn’t crane her neck or stand for a better view. She stares for several long minutes. As she turns back to face me, I’m paralyzed. I can’t breathe. I can’t move.“You…” She gulps audibly. “What’s his name?” Her brow furrows as her eyes search mine for answers.“His name is Tyler. He’s four,” I repeat.“Tyler Calhoun?” she questions.I nod. This is not the reaction I expected. I thought she’d ask about his mother, how we hooked up, why she wasn’t in the picture, and where he goes while I’m in class. She doesn’t seem concerned wit
SchuylerMoments into the drive, I can no longer take the sound of the windshield wipers on the car window. I scramble for anything to discuss.“Can you tell me about Tyler’s mother?” I regret the words as soon as they spill from my mouth. “I mean, you don’t have to.”“I don’t mind.” Calvin peers over at me for a second before turning his attention back on the road. “I think it’s important for you to know. My second year of college, a girl I hooked up with one night the spring before showed up on my doorstep. Her name is Daniel, and she was a sophomore photography major.”Calvin shakes his head before continuing. “I was so freaked out about her tracking me down five months after our one-night-stand that I totally missed her pregnant stomach.”Now and then, Calvin looks toward me in the passenger seat to gauge my reaction before sharing more details. “She claimed the baby was her boyfriend’s, but he bailed as soon as she told him she was pregnant. Since she came from a large, very Catho
Schuyler“Hey,” Calvin whispers, peeking his head in the bedroom.I wave at him to shoo him out, and I tiptoe behind him, suddenly nervous about how the rest of this evening will play out.“I’ve prepared my bed for you,” he states, motioning me towards the back of the house.“I can’t kick you out of your bed,” I argue.“My couch is plenty big enough for me,” he promises.I walk into his room, finding the blankets pulled back and the bedside lamp on.“Let me know if you need anything,” he says, leaning against the door frame.I climb onto the mattress, pulling the blankets over me. I don’t want to be alone in his bed. I’m afraid his scent and my fantasies of him might keep me awake all night.“Can you lay beside me for a little bit?” I ask, patting the other side of his king-sized bed.He’s hesitant as he lies on top of the comforter, an arm’s length away from me.“Um...” I stutter. “Would you... could you hold me for a while?”Calvin doesn’t wait for a reason or argue. He scoots closer
SchuylerI mull over my statement. I can’t let Tyler be the reason I stay with Calvin.“No, you can’t,” Dallas agrees. “Calvin and you are together because you love each other. Calvin loves you; he loves all parts of you. He doesn’t want to lose you. Now that you know he has a son, and he knows about your hysterectomy, there’s no reason to hold back.”“I don’t know how it’ll work.” I slump back into the sofa cushion. “How will we date with Tyler around? What will that look like?”Dallas shakes her head at me. “It’s different, that’s for sure. The two of you will have normal dates, though. I’m sure you’ll occasionally hang out with both of them. You love kids, so this won’t be a problem for you.”“Can it be that easy?” I rub my hands down my face. It seems too good to be true.“Do you love Calvin?” Dallas asks firmly.I nod.She holds up one finger between us. “Do you love children?”Again, I nod, and she holds up a second finger.“Do you like Tyler?”I nod, fighting a smile as it attem
Schuyler“He’s officially asleep,” I sigh, flopping on the sofa near Dallas.“How many books did you end up reading?” she asks.“Three, but we had a brief discussion in between each one. He asked me questions about dating.” I smile at my friend. “He asked about Garret and you, along with Calvin and me.”“Like what?” “We talked about love, where we go on dates, kissing, whether Garret and you kiss, if you love Garret, who Tyler loves, and so on.” I love Dallas looks as uncomfortable about the topics as I was when he asked me the questions.“Did you answer all of his questions?” Dallas’s worried face causes me to smirk.“Yes. I think it’s important to be open and honest with him,” I explain. “I didn’t go into detail, and I asked him what he thought a few times. He’s a perceptive little guy. He likes to see the adults in his life smile and laugh. And he’s glad you make his Uncle Garret smile a lot.”“Wow. I’m definitely glad I don’t work with kids. There’s no way I could handle all the q
CalvinAs if they bugged the house, one by one, Schuyler’s three brothers all somehow happen to drop by. I don’t plan to share my news with them. I’d rather they learn of our engagement at the graduation party. Theo tries her best, but she can’t hide that she’s excited about something.“Mom, what’s up? You look like the cat that ate the canary.” Levi looks from his mother to his father, then at me with suspicion.Theo turns to me, zips her lips, and tosses the key over her left shoulder. Ya, like that won’t make them ask more questions. I feel I’m in front of a firing squad with all three brothers glaring in my direction.“You know, we can beat it out of you,” Levi threatens.“Levi Dawes,” Theo chides. “Where are your manners? That is no way to treat a guest in our house.”“Spill the beans,” Dan orders, pointing to his mom.Theo’s much too excited to keep it secret any longer. She buckles, an excited grin growing on her face. “Calvin’s going to ask Schuyler to marry him!” Six angry, b