Page 27 of A Constant Reminder

“Really, Mr. Wendell, it’s okay.”

“Please, call me Theo.”

Tyler spoke again. “Dad, we are going to get ready to head out. I’m sure you understand.”

His father patted him on the shoulder. “Of course.”

Tyler exited the kitchen, but I asked Theo to wait a moment.

“I just wanted to say thank you for coming to the hospital and for all you did for my family and myself.”

He smiled that warm smile of his…the same smile he had handed down to Tyler. “You’re welcome, but you’re family now. It comes with the territory. If you need anything, you know where to find me. Now, go home and snuggle that new puppy! I’ll come down soon and see the little guy.”

Being a part of the Wendell family absolutely terrified me, but Theo made it seem warm and welcoming…the exact opposite of his wife. I would be eternally grateful for that.

Ten minutes later, we were back in Tyler’s SUV headed home to Boston. He held my hand while stroking my fingers with his thumb.

“I’m sorry about my mom,” he finally said.

“Listen to me, I love you, and you love me. Doesn’t mean your mom and I have to get along. She’ll just have to get used to me. I’m not going anywhere.”

His smile lit up the whole car as visible relief washed over him. I guess sometimes, he needed a little reassurance too.

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