Chapter 46

Things I didn't plan to do today: confess what happened with Frederick to my sisters—in the middle of a hockey game. Having to face my brother who is planning his ex-friend's demise. And of course, now my entire family knows exactly what happened when I was eighteen.

"I'm sorry," Ty says as we drive toward my house.

"I wish I could say that I don't understand your actions or that I'm angry about it, but . . ." My voice trails with uncertainty because I don't know how to finish that sentence. "I was just afraid you'd do something you'd regret and jeopardize your career because of me."

Does that make me a bad person? I enjoyed seeing the fear in Frederick's eyes when Ty had his jersey in one hand and was about to punch him hard in the face.

Ty grasps my hand, his calloused thumb caressing my knuckles in a tender gesture. "I would do anything for you, babe. But you're right, I shouldn't have lost control like that. Now I have to attend anger management classes and pay a fine to the team."

"The league fined you too?" I ask, brows furrowing. "Those fights happen often and it stopped before it got too out of hand."

"No, that was your brother's doing—to set an example," Ty grumbles, a muscle twitching along his stubbled jaw. "Though behind closed doors, he told me he appreciated me defending his little sister. However, he and the Quads are taking charge of the situation, whatever that means."

Gabe, Jude, our cousin Seth, and Piper are known as the Decker Quads. I honestly don't know what to expect, but probably a visit to Frederick to scare him shitless. Who knows with those four.

"I ruined today," Ty says remorsefully as we approach my house.

"You didn't," I assure him, squeezing his hand.

"I had plans for us. To take you up in a helicopter to Luna Harbor for a romantic overnight getaway—no worries, just the two of us. I wanted it to be perfect."

I sense his self-recrimination and gently ask, "Why can't we still do that?"

"Your brother mentioned they don't have enough staff to cover for me," he mutters. "I want to show you that I'm not a violent thug, but I understand why you'd think that after today."

And I think what happened earlier might've scared him more than me—or anyone in my family. I unbuckle my seat belt and slide onto his lap, cradling his rugged face in my hands. "Ty, I know you. How caring you are and how you would never hurt me—not even by accident."

I meet his uncertain gaze. "Was I frazzled after the fight?" I nod. "Of course, but mostly because you were too angry and I was afraid of what you could do to him. You're still Tyberius Brynes. The man who held my hand—virtually—while I finally faced my fears and found myself. You're an amazing father and the man I love with all my heart."

"I love you so fucking much, Indie," he rasps, the rawness in his voice squeezing my chest.

Unable to resist the magnetic pull between us, I press my lips to his in a tender, reassuring kiss.

"Would it be too soon to ask you to marry me, darling?" His green eyes search mine hopefully.

"Probably," I reply with an apologetic smile, affectionately stroking his scruffy jaw.

"How about moving in with us then?" He lifts my hand, brushing his lips over my knuckles in a featherlight caress that makes my pulse leap.

"I'd love that, as long as we can make that big house feel like ours," I propose, joy blossoming in my heart at the thought of our lives intertwining.

We spend Saturday and Sunday morning arranging the primary room and moving some of my stuff so I can move in with Ty. When we pick up Myra, I show her everything that we've done and she smiles. "Finally. Are you going to be my mom too?"

I glance at Ty, because we agreed that until he talks to her about their real relationship I'm not going to step into any role.

"She knows already. That's a surprise we had for you," he states. "We talked last week with Dr. Lindt about it, didn't we, pumpkin?"

"Yeah. He's like Uncle Gabe and Aunt Ameline to Cora, my best friend. I'm so special that instead of being his niece I'm his daughter—he chose me." Then she gives me a hopeful look. "Will you choose me?"

I open my arms and hug her. "As long as you choose me too, I will. Love you so much, Myra."

"Can I call you mom?"

"I'd be honored," I say, and I can't help but cry.

Ty joins us in the family hug and I'm not sure how this will look in the future, but right now I'm happy to have them, to be with them—hopefully forever.