Page 91 of Until the Day You're Mine

He’s shaking his head looking at Bran going for his favorite apple cinnamon crackers, completely ignoring the chocolate biscuits and the small pack of banana pudding. He’s chosen the one packet he can’t open by himself, and Rian watches him with great amusement, as he tugs at the small bag with intense concentration. Sure enough, the plastic doesn’t yield because his little hands are not strong enough yet. He turns to his dadda pouting, pointing to the insubordinate pack of crackers.

Rian chuckles. He leans into his space giving him a kiss on his forehead and opens the snack for him. They settle for the flight. The seat next to him is still empty, and he is wondering why the hell they had to be separated anyway if the other passenger hasn’t shown up yet. His fingers are itching to press the button for assistance, calling on his inner Rick again and demanding hishusbandbe seated next to him.

He is profoundly grateful when the stewardess finds him moments later with Ty in tow and gives them this pleased look – she is clearly very happy to have helped reunite them.

Ty’s beaming down at him. “Gena here, got the passenger who was supposed to sit next to you convinced to take my seat instead. Isn’t that great, babe? We get to sit together.”

Gena smiles and Ri murmurs, taken aback by her thoughtful gesture, “Thank you so much. I was already missing this big guy.”

“You’re welcome. I always try to put families together. It’s no fun traveling alone. Besides, your husband told me it’s your anniversary tomorrow. I hope you guys enjoy your celebratory vacation.” Gena smiles at them sweetly. She waves to Bran, who rewards her with a happy grin, and then she walks back to the front of the plane.

Anniversary.

Rian turns to Tayida, thoroughly amused at how ruthlessly creative he’s willing to be, so they wouldn’t be apart. “And how long have we been together,honey?”

Ty chuckles taking his place next to Rian. “I’m sorry. I was improvising. I didn’t want you to be alone. I may have been a tat too convincing. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get champagne or a greeting from the pilot,” he says with a cocky smirk.

Rian looks up to the galley, and sure enough, Gena is animatedly whispering something to one of the pilots who has just boarded the plane. They make eye contact with Rian and the man waves at him, mouthinghappy anniversary.

She really thinks they are together. They look like a real couple. Rian feels so giddy. It’s silly. He knows that. Okay? But still. People look at them and see a family. How is he supposed to pretend that’s not all he’s ever wanted?

Bran crawls over to Ty and settles on his thick thighs, looking perfectly pleased with himself. He has decided to show off his skills and open the banana pudding by himself, sticking a chubby finger straight in the middle and presenting a sample of his treat to Ty. Tayida leans forward and accepts the offering without hesitation. They proceed to have a ridiculously cute discussion on the merits of banana pudding and apple cinnamon crackers in a mixture of actual words and semblance of baby babble. It’s fucking adorable. Their instant easy connection is mindboggling. Ri could watch them interact all day. Ty is like a gentle giant around his son.

Rian has to focus. He knows that.

This isn’t real. Snap out of it.

There is so much to say. There are so many questions to be answered.

Ri leans back in his seat. Ty’s wide shoulders are pleasantly invading his space. Rian’s head lulls to his side and he snuggles closer to Tayida without overthinking it.

Ty relaxes next to him, and his chin brushes the top of Ri’s head briefly.

Rian knows he should get his shit together and stop pretending like everything is perfectly fine. Like Harris won’t go after them. Like he isn’t on their trail already.

He glances at his son, making himself comfortable in Ty’s arms.

We’ve surrounded him. He’s our personal squish.

The moment is too sweet, too lovely to be poisoned by fear. Rian can’t be bothered to yank himself out of this pretend play they are immersing themselves into. He makes a choice.

For now, they are two goofy idiots crazy in love with each other. They are two people, celebrating their anniversary, going on a family vacation with their adorable son.

CHAPTERTWENTY

Tayida – Ty – Beloved One

SEPTEMBER 2022

“Are you okay?” Ty murmurs quietly as they prepare for landing.

Rian looks up startled. He has been worrying his lip, chewing on it for some time. The closer they get to their final destination, the more thoughtful and concerned he looks. It is clear he is holding back, trying to be strong and keeping his worries to himself, but he doesn’t have to. Rian never has to hold back his emotions ever again. They can be honest and open with each other. Ty can’t wait to reassure him of that.

Tayida wants to kiss Ri’s worries away. The sight of Rian is so inviting - his gorgeous mouth, those full strawberry lips, and especially the tiny beauty spot over his cupid’s bow. Rian is breathtaking.

No matter how much Tayida tries to calm the fuck down and focus on their situation, he can’t help but drink Rian in. They’ve been traveling for nearly twenty-four hours. They are both tired and rumpled, hungry and sore, stressed out beyond reason.

Yet, some-freaking-how, Rian looks as angelic as ever. His hair is tied loosely at the nape of his neck. Ty wants to free it and run his fingers through the soft strands.

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