Where Did We Go

Chapter Five

Max eventually got tired of playing and walked over to sit in your lap, making himself comfortable on your shoulder. Tyler, still panting, sat down across from you and grabbed his beer, taking a long drink.

"I still can't believe how big he's gotten," he said. "I know I was only gone for a month, but I feel like he doubled in height."

"I know. It's like you blink and a year has passed."

Tyler quietly took a sip of his beer. You leaned back further in your chair, shifting Max so you could sit a little more comfortably. The rhythmic tapping of his hand on your stomach indicated that he was still awake, but you could tell by his steady breathing that he was getting close to falling asleep. It had been a big day for him.

"Tell me if you need a break from holding him, ok?" Tyler said. "I don't mind."

"I will. I'm just looking forward to when Carter and Marenna come to get him so we can finally dance."

Tyler smiled, "Me too."

*     *     *

Your opportunity finally came an hour or so later. After a brief conversation with Carter and Marenna, they finally took a sleeping Max off your hands so that you and Tyler had an opportunity to have some fun for a little while. Tyler was also a little tipsier than he had been earlier in the night, meaning that his confidence was double its normal levels.

Your hand was held tightly in Tyler's as he led you towards the dance floor where most of your family members were currently dancing. They hardly paid any attention to you as you made your way into the crowd and found some space for yourself. Tyler wasted no time in beginning to dance, swinging his hips wildly and flailing his arms about the place.

"Come on, why aren't you dancing?" he smiled.

You started to swing your hips a little, but Tyler obviously wasn't pleased with this level of movement. He reached forward and laced his fingers with yours so that he could move your arms for you. It was impossible not to giggle as Tyler moved your arms all over the place, despite the fact that your hips were still barely moving.

"I've seen you dance before, Y/N, you're not fooling me."

"Yeah, at home where nobody else is watching."

"Nobody is watching right now! Look around."

As much as you hated to admit it, Tyler was right. Everyone was too wrapped up in dancing with their own friends to pay attention to you. Even Carter, who usually liked to poke fun at you, was too busy dancing with Max and Marenna to pay attention.

"Fine, fine, I'll dance a little more."

Tyler began to smile widely as soon as you started to move your hips, quickly forgetting about all the people around you and focusing only on him. You kept your fingers interlaced as you moved around together, both of you giggling and smiling like idiots.

The music eventually slowed down and people who didn't have dance partners began to filter themselves off the floor. Tyler brought your dancing to a stop and put on the most serious expression that he could muster.

"Y/N," he started. "Love of my life."

"Yes, Tyler?"

"Will you dance with me?"

"Of course."

Tyler pulled you closer to him and found a comfortable place on your hip for him to rest his hand. Once your hand was on his shoulder and your fingers were interlaced, Tyler began to sway the two of you slowly. His focus was on you, and you only, as he stared deeply into your eyes.

"What are you doing?" you smiled, already feeling your cheeks get hot.

"Just admiring my beautiful girlfriend."

"Oh? Where is she?" you asked, dramatically looking around the room.

Tyler reached up and caught your chin with his hand, gently tilting it up towards him.

"Right here." He pressed a kiss to your lips, but didn't linger for long. You were still surrounded by your family members, after all.

"Smooth," you giggled.

He leaned forward so that he could whisper in your ear, "The alcohol helps a lot."

"Oh, shut up."

Tyler smiled and pressed another kiss to your cheek. "You know, I've had a lot of fun today with you. It was much needed."

"I had fun too. Thank you for coming along as my date."

"I'll never turn down an opportunity to spend time with you."

You smiled at Tyler, taking this opportunity to admire all the little things you loved about him. It was hard to believe that you had been lucky enough to have him next to you for ten years, even if your relationship had been rocky from time to time. He was everything you could have asked for in a life partner, and then some.

"Now who's staring?" Tyler grinned.

"If you get to stare, then I do too."

"Ok, ok, point taken."

"I love you, Tyler."

"Oh, I get the full name today?"

You shook your head, "Just say it back, doofus."

"I love you too."

Yep, this was the guy you were head over heels in love with.