We arrived home very late last night after the game. The postgame traffic was certifiably over the top. A drive that should’ve taken under two hours topped out near four. It doesn’t matter I’ll need a bucket of coffee to get through today due to lack of sleep, the sheer excitement on Ellie’s face was priceless.
When I roll over in bed, Tommy’s side is cold. I’m not surprised; he’s dedicated to his workouts. I tug on a hoodie and pad to the kitchen for my first cup of the day. As I pass Ellie’s room, I peek in. The girls are still sound asleep.
With coffee in hand, I tiptoe down the stairs into the basement. I don’t intend to interrupt, but he isn’t there. I slip on his slides near the back door and wander out to his workshop.
He finishes sliding a piece of wood along the guide of the table saw, removing a two-inch piece on the edge. “Morning, Sunshine.” Tommy’s shirt is covered with sawdust, and there are shavings on the tops of his shoes.
“Morning. Need to talk about something?”
“Nope. I’m fine. I’m better than fine. I haven’t been this happy… ever before, and I owe it to you.”
“I feel the same way about you and Ellie.” I move beside him and wrap my arms around him, knowing I’ll be covered in sawdust too.
He lifts me onto the saw table and kisses me boneless. Sex with Tommy is… the best I’ve ever had. Yet making out is equally as fulfilling on most days. I would want to spend time with him even if those things weren’t on the table. He’s my biggest supporter, willing to handle my crazy family, and like me, is fine with movie nights at home.
The telltale sound of the sliding door has me righting his shirt and Tommy setting me back on the floor.
“What are you working on?” I ask.
“A new desk for you.”
The workshop door creaks open.
“Morning, Dad. Frankie.”
“Morning, Ellie,” we reply together.
“We’re starving. Can we cook breakfast?” Ellie asks.
“Sure, I’ll be right in to get started,” I answer her.
Ellie takes off back to the house.
“You’re building me a desk?”
“Sort of. I’m adding to the one already in the office.”
Oh this man. “There’s nothing wrong with the desk.”
He looks over at me. “You need more space. You have papers hanging on boards, papers piled for the next two projects on the floor beside the desk, and even more stacked on the built-in bookcase on the back wall.” He isn’t wrong.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. When I’m finished, you’ll be able to fold it down when you don’t need as much space. It’ll be a while though since you’re working on plans for ten hotels.”
I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s an amazing man and an even better father. I’ll thank Talia each morning for selecting the right name for my coffee cup. “Are we still going to family dinner?”
“Yeah, we are going to drop off Kylie on the way.”
I lean forward and kiss him softly. “I’ll start breakfast with the girls. Thank you for knowing I need something before I do.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll be in as soon as I finish this piece and clean up a bit.”
I nod and walk toward the house. After a small breakfast of French toast and sausage, the girls hurry away to hang out a bit longer before we need to bring Kylie home.
We pull up in front of his parents’ home. It’s a sprawling colonial with a lush, green lawn to die for.
“I’m afraid to ask, but who does your parents’ lawn?”
Tommy and Ellie laugh. “I planted it, but Tim maintains it.”
“I’m impressed.”
Tommy smiles sheepishly. “Thank you. It’s a huge compliment coming from you.”
Ellie hurries out of the car once her grandparents step onto the wrap-around porch. Once tight hugs finish, Ellie rushes inside. We follow her after greeting Gloria and Thomas on the porch.
“It’s great to see you again so soon!” Gloria speaks first.
“I agree. Come in, come in,” Thomas urges us.
We’re greeted by the rest of his siblings, who are assembled in the living room. Each greets us and continues talking with Ellie and one another. It strikes me Ellie is the first and only grandchild.
“Is there anything I can help with, Gloria?”
A look of surprise crosses her face. “I knew you were different the moment Ellie shared you were there for her when Tess wasn’t at home. Those real smiles have been missing for quite some time. Thank you for loving my son and granddaughter so well.”
“Thank you for sharing them with me.”
Gloria hugs me and sends me into the living room with the rest of the family. When I step into the room, I hear Ellie recounting the game and meeting Marco.
“Then I walked onto the field with Marco and stood for the national anthem. It was so freakin’ amazing! I will never forget it. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me he’s family.”
“I didn’t know he was your favorite player of all time until I suggested going to a game. So I think it’s partially your fault.”
“Oooh, Ellie. I think she got you there,” Toby states and high-fives me.
“Thanks, Toby.”
“Merely stating the truth, Frankie.”
“Fine. Frankie, are there any other celebrities who you’re related to by blood?”
“Maybe. Depends on how you define ‘celebrity.’ Marco’s sister was a model when she was younger.”
“Frankie, do you know any other celebrities in real life?”
“Yes.”
Ellie’s eyes go wide. “Who?”
“Do you remember Kelly from So Elegant?”
“Of course. She was awesome.”
“Her husband is a celebrity, and Kelly is too but more in a behind-the-scenes kind of way,” I respond.
“Wow! I’m going to need details upon details.”
Everyone laughs. Thankfully, I’m saved by Gloria calling us to the table. We dine on wonderful food and share a few laughs. Being here with Tommy’s family is strikingly similar to mine. They are honest with one another and genuinely seem to care how the rest of the bunch is doing. I’m crazy grateful for Jimmy Delano right now. If I hadn’t flattened him in Tal’s defense, I may not be here and found my forever person and his beautiful daughter.