Page 68 of Property of Tacoma

As we walk back to the house, he’s quiet, but it’s not an uncomfortable silence.

At the door, he pauses. “Thanks for being cool to Saylor. She really likes you.”

The simple statement catches me off guard. “I really like her too. And you.”

He gives me an awkward, one-armed hug, and my eyebrows hit my hairline.

Holy cow.

I can’t explain it, but I know in my heart of hearts that this is huge for him.

“Night, Cali.”

I wrap my arm around him and give a little squeeze. “Goodnight, Jagger,” I reply, fighting the unexpected tears as he heads inside and up to his room.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I’m never emotional.

Shaking off the flood of emotions, I head upstairs and find Tacoma already in Saylor’s room, sitting on the edge of her bed.

She’s already tucked in with Panda curled up beside her on the pillow.

Can they be any cuter?

“Cali!” she exclaims when she sees me. “Daddy’s gonna read me a story. Will you listen too?”

“Sure, sweetie,” I say, moving to sit on the other side of her bed.

Tacoma picks up a well-worn copy ofThe Paper Bag Princessand begins to read. His deep voice is soothing, and I watch as Saylor’s eyes grow heavy.

By the time he finishes the story, she’s fighting to keep her eyes open.

“Daddy?” she asks sleepily.

“Yes, princess?”

“Is Cali your girlfriend?”

Uhh... Eyes feeling like they’re going to pop out of my head, I bite my lip, completely caught off guard by the question.

Tacoma’s eyes meet mine, and he smirks before turning back to his baby girl.

“Yes, Say. Cali is my girlfriend.”

My heart somersaults in my chest.

It’s such a juvenile term—girlfriend—but hearing him say it out loud makes me feel all warm and gooey inside.

“Good,” Saylor mumbles, her eyes finally closing. “I like her.”

I close my eyes, fighting back another wave of tears that threaten to fall.

This little, beautiful nugget. She has no idea what that means to me.

“Me too, baby,” Tacoma says softly, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Sweet dreams.”

Opening my eyes, I find Tacoma staring at me.