mended vs settLed (a FOURTRIS love story)

by FourTrisHEA

Tobias is devastated when Tris dies. One year passes as Tobias develops a close friendship with Tris's best friend, Christina. She pushes him to move on, and live his life. They begin a romantic relationship. This story will begin as one couple is just beginning and then a true love is discovered to still be alive. The difficulties all face as they move forward.

37. Chapter 35: Lunch Date

CH 35: Lunch Date

Date: September +o+ Baby is 11 months old

^^ The Next Day ^^

**Tris POV**

It is late morning in downtown Chicago as I trail behind Sherri and Josh. Our team started the workday at an early morning offsite meeting. We already stopped at our favorite coffee shop during our walk back to the office; Charles gave us his order and enough money to pay for all of our drinks to bring back. He is a really good boss: calm, fair, and approachable. He also likes to see things done right the first time. He prefers we ask for help, and he insists that the people on his team have a good understanding of teamwork.

I can honestly say that I love my job. As much as I miss both Andy and Tobias during the day, I enjoy my time at the office. I like the projects I'm working on, and I'm starting to have really close relationships with my peers.

"Tris, is Baby-Cheeks at the daycare center by now? He was at his dad's place last night, right?" Sherri uses her nickname for Andy as she asks, while also smiling to thank Josh who is holding the building door open for us.

"Yes, I was just about to peek in on him." I smile as I make a beeline for the daycare center hallway. I notice that Josh and Sherri are still walking with me. I'm glad, because we can then return together to our offices. I won't be the last one back.

My mind wanders to Tobias — his late night call concerned me. At least I could hear in his voice that he was okay by the time we got off the phone. He was so upset from his nightmare when he first called. I can't wait to see him for lunch today.

It has been one of these odd weeks where he and I had work commitments that forced us to split time with Andy and cover for each other. I hate that I haven't seen Tobias in three days. I had Andy two nights ago, and dropped him off at daycare yesterday morning. And when Tobias picked him up from daycare for the evening, I was in the middle of a meeting and couldn't run down to at least say hello.

"Oh my goodness, he is getting so big! Look at him eating his little snack with his girlfriends," Sherri exclaims with a laugh, interrupting my thoughts.

Josh and I curiously glance in to see what Sherri means. Andy does look adorable eating his crackers. He is flanked by two sweet little girls. Moments like these confirm that having my son in daycare to socialize with other kids his age is a positive thing for him.

My return to work is a good thing for us both.

As we get on the elevator, I'm still thinking about Andy. My baby is less than a month away from turning one year old, which is so bittersweet. Andy gets more and more engaging every day, and the laughter and joy he brings us is immeasurable. Which reminds me, when I see Tobias at lunch today, I want to discuss how we will celebrate.

I glance at my phone to check for any new messages. Tobias will text me when his manager's review should be over so we can have our lunch date. I smile at seeing a text that asks me to meet him at his apartment at one p.m., and for me to let myself in.

The last two weeks have been an emotional roller coaster. The day Tobias found out about the trust fund and Matthew, I saw in his face how much my secrets hurt him. I saw how much I had hurt him. In that moment, I knew that I had to be honest with him and pray he would accept the insecurities that have shadowed my decisions. I also realized that if things were to end between us, I would always love Tobias Eaton. Even if he didn't want to be with me anymore, my love for him would still be there.

I've given him the space he needed. It was the hardest decision of my life not to run to him and beg for forgiveness. I did the right thing, though, because he came to me when he was ready, when he was sure that he wanted to give us a chance to fix things between us.

Involving him in my therapy sessions with Claire was a smart decision. It helped us both to talk through the issues with her there to guide us. I was really impressed with how much of himself Tobias was willing to invest into therapy. Hearing him tell me in front of Claire that he loves me and wants us to have forever showed me how serious he is about this. It helped me to really hear him.

Another commitment we made was to put more effort into our relationship, which means more time alone together. We have solid offers from Evelyn, Caleb, and Candice to babysit, so we need to take them up on it.

I can't help but smile when I think of how far Caleb has come. He's doing so much better with his work-life balance. Mom and Dad would be so happy to see how things are working out for us both.

One positive thing arose from Matthew's actions: it showed Tobias how genuinely upset Caleb was over Matthew's inappropriate behavior towards me. With Claire's help, Tobias and I worked out the feelings around Caleb that were still impacting us both. Tobias admitted he still holds a lot of resentment towards Caleb over what my brother did to hurt me, and he said there is a part of him that blames Caleb for my choice to save him. He confessed that he felt I put Caleb ahead of him, and that it was safer for Tobias to direct his anger at Caleb instead of at me. I cried and told him I was sorry, and that I knew that I had hurt him. Tobias already forgave me, but he still struggles with his feelings.

Tobias agreed to try harder, and he acknowledged that Candice seems to be a great person and a good influence. Tobias joked that he hopes that Caleb doesn't screw it up. I just rolled my eyes and laughed.

I'd never admit it, but I also hope he doesn't screw it up. I really like Candice!

++++o+++++ ++++o+++++

++++o+++++

^^ Earlier That Morning ^^

** Tobias POV **

I wake up the next morning and feel the dread of my nightmare still bearing down on my chest. I hate that I had such a vivid dream about Zeke and Tris, together in that way. The very thought of it made me physically ill. I have no doubt my heart would break if she ever left me, but it would be even worse if she moved on with my best friend, just as I tried to move on with hers. I want to use our lunch today to reconnect, to make her understand that I belong to her, completely. I always have and I always will.

I pack Andy's daycare bag while trying to watch him out of the corner of my eye, making sure that he doesn't get into any trouble while crawling around. My apartment was baby-proofed by Caleb and Candice, but when my work schedule calmed down, I was the one to baby-proof Tris's new apartment. She rented a furnished studio, and we even managed to convince her building manager to switch out the sharp-edged end tables for more modern-looking plastic ones that have rounded edges.

Once I'm ready to leave, I smile and turn towards my son. "Okay, Andy! We gotta go, buddy!"

Andy smiles, lets go of the couch, and walks directly to me.

I hoot with excitement, and I rush to get on my knees so I can embrace him as he crashes into my arms. Andy laughs, very proud of himself.

"Oh, my baby! No, wait, you are my big boy now! I am so proud of you, Andy!" I laugh while hugging him closely.

I pull my phone out of my pocket, rushing to dial Tris, but then I stop short and put my phone away. I think it may really upset her that she missed this moment. Maybe she wouldn't care, but I think I know her better than that. It's likely she will be sad to have missed this.

Nope, I can't have that. Instead, I have a plan.

+++o+++

Dropping Andy off at daycare, I realize this is the first time I've ever been relieved that Tris can't meet me here so we can get him settled together. Even though we are now living apart, we work really hard to co-parent as a team whenever we can. I know Tris's workday is starting at an offsite meeting, so she won't be here, which works out well for me. I can put my plan into action.

"Hi, Mrs. Beth, how are you? Is your husband feeling better?" I ask Andy's head teacher as I fill out his check-in sheet for the morning. The staff like to know what kind of night and morning each baby had before they are dropped off.

"Oh, Tobias, thankfully his ankle wasn't broken in the fall, but he does have a nasty sprain. He will be home for a couple of days," Mrs. Beth responds, sighing. "You are such a dear to even remember to ask."

"Well, I'm just glad he didn't break anything. Tris will also be glad to hear he's doing okay." I pause to look around, noticing that there are only teachers by me. I don't like the other parents to hear when I am talking about personal things. "Speaking of Tris, I have a huge favor to ask of all of you."

I explain to the teachers that Andy walked for the first time today, but that Tris wasn't there to see it. They completely understand my desire not to mention it to Tris. They also explain that when they have a baby reach a huge milestone at daycare, they never mention it. They wait until mom or dad sees it and tells them.

"If mommy and daddy didn't see it, then it didn't happen!" Mrs. Beth laughs. She goes on to tell me how wonderful I am, and that Tris is lucky to have me.

I shake my head to disagree — she has it backwards. I am the one who is lucky to have Tris, and lucky to have a second chance with the love of my life.

I smile to myself, thinking about the lunch with Tris that I have planned. I hate that we haven't seen one another for three days. I never again want to be apart from her for so long. I pick up my phone and send her a text.

I can't wait to see her.

+++o+++

Running around my apartment to make sure everything is neat and orderly, I smile to myself. Tris should be here any minute.

I made us a nice lunch to enjoy, a lunch that's packed up so she can eat it at her desk later. I have something much more enjoyable planned for our lunch date today.

I run to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Looking in the mirror, I can see how nervous I am. It dawns on me that I am on edge because I haven't even laid eyes on her in three days.

This time apart has again solidified what I want in life. I want to marry Tris, and I would do it tomorrow if I thought she was ready. I know from reading her that she is not quite there yet. I'm not upset — a little disappointed, yes, but not mad. It's only because of where she is in her journey to wellness, not because of a lack of love. I know she loves me. I'm sure of it now.

My mind instantly replays the first time Tris Prior told me she loved me.

+++o+++ Flashback +++o+++

"I'll be your family now," I say to her. My heart is still pounding after what we just went through.

"I love you," Tris says.

I stare at her, frozen. I've loved her so deeply, for what feels like so long. I've wondered if she ever could love me in return. I've even wondered if I am loveable at all. Marcus and Evelyn each planted seeds of doubt in my mind, doubts that will never go away.

Can I trust her? Does she mean it? I know that I love her, but could she…

I realize I am still staring at her while she waits for me to say something. I frown, annoyed with myself for being so insecure, but I need to be sure.

"Say it again," I ask her.

"Tobias," she says, "I love you."

She said it.

And I believe her.

I slide my arms around her, pressing my face to her neck as I kiss right above her collarbone. I move up and kiss her cheek, then her lips.

"I love you, too," I say, barely able to control my emotions.

I love her, and she is mine.

+++o+++ Flashback End +++o+++

I've never really understood why or how she could love me. That's one of the topics I discussed with my own therapist. My personal issues with Marcus and Evelyn have made me feel so unworthy. A lot came to the surface when I suddenly had a six-month-old son in my arms — a son that was used to another man playing my role for the first part of his life. It was also with Andy that I came to accept the painful truth: my parents were each damaged in their own way. Those were the cards I was dealt. I can't change the past, all I can do is move forward.

What I do know, now, is that I am nothing like Marcus. I would never even think to lift a hand in brutality against Tris or Andy. It's another reason my nightmare from last night was so upsetting. But that is all it was — a terrible dream. It wasn't real, and I know that it never will be.

Sometime after Tris "died", there was a day when I was working on reconnecting with Evelyn. I was so broken on the inside, but I felt obligated to at least try. Evelyn had tried to explain abandoning me and leaving me with her abuser. She claimed it was a mistake she made because she was very young.

I know now, more than ever, that it was just a poor excuse. Evelyn was able to leave me because of who she was. Tris is very young herself, and I know with every fiber of my being that she would never leave her child behind, let alone with a monster like Marcus. Tris is selfless and strong. She always has been.

Part of growing up is accepting people for who they are, flaws and all. I am choosing to see Evelyn for who she is, but to still accept that she is my mother. I also see that she is trying very hard, and she does have regrets. I know I am not perfect either, far from it.

The sound of Tris's key in the lock interrupts my thoughts. I rush across the apartment to open the door for her.

"Oh, hi!" Tris laughs happily at seeing me. "You surprised me."

"A nice surprise, I hope," I mumble in her ear after pulling her close to me, my arms slowly rubbing up and down her sides.

Tris immediately wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me even closer. I feel her desperation in her hug.

"Tobias," she croons, leaning up to plant firm kisses on my neck as her hand gently pulls at the curls at the bottom of my head. "I've missed you so much. I didn't like being apart for so many days," Tris admits.

I can't help but feel glad to know she felt as strongly about it as I did. I lean down while tipping her chin up so that we are staring eye to eye. Tris's eyes search mine.

"You have no idea how much I missed you, Tris. On the bright side, we're here now, together and alone." I smile mischievously. "I did promise you lunch, so hopefully the lunch I packed for you to take back to the office later will suffice."

Tris's eyes brighten as her cheeks flush, the realization hitting her that I don't intend to use our lunch break to sit and eat a meal.

"I don't mind, not at all," Tris whispers, pushing her body closer to mine.

My lip crash to hers as she groans. We embrace tightly while standing in the middle of the room, our hands roaming up and down each other's body. We both become very aroused as we touch each other sensually.

After several moments, I grab Tris's hands and kiss them both. Her breathing is shallow, and her eyes flash with desire. I know what I want to do. I place her hands on my shoulders. "Keep your hands here for now, okay?"

Tris nods in agreement as I lean in to kiss her quickly, then I begin to work my way down her jaw and neck. Tris sighs as my hands hold her hips firmly while I kiss her three raven tattoos. She looks down and smirks at me playfully. I kiss her mouth thoroughly before returning to my original path.

I begin to unbutton her blouse, kissing her collarbone as she trembles against me. I push her blouse off and toss it towards the couch. I resume kissing down her body, stopping to pay extra attention to her beautiful breasts.

"Oh, Tobias," Tris moans. I can tell she is getting really worked up and will soon grow impatient with my slow pace.

I smile while getting low and kneeling in front of her, still holding her hips. I kiss her stomach lovingly as I begin to move further and further down. My fingers move from her sides to the button at the front of her dress slacks, slowly unbuttoning them and then sliding down the zipper, my lips trailing along the same path. Tris watches me intently, and her hands occasionally run through my hair to encourage me.

I push her slacks all the way down and enjoy how she gingerly steps out of them. I slip my fingers into her panties and teasingly pull them down. I plant a kiss on each of her hips, making her giggle. I need to move us to the bed, so I stand up and grab her quickly, throwing her over my shoulder. Tris gasps in shock before laughing.

I carefully set her down in front of the bed and stand in front of her, quickly pulling off my clothes while Tris takes her bra off.

"I love you, baby," I assure her as I grab one of our pillows and place it near the foot of our bed.

Tris smiles and nods as her hands begin roaming down my chest and stomach, but I stop her from moving further down to pleasure me. She pouts; I know she loves to make me feel good. "Not yet, baby. Patience," I insist while grabbing her hips and backing us up towards the bed.

As the backs of Tris's knees hit the mattress, she giggles and bites her lower lip. I guide her to sit down on the pillow, and then lean over her while I kiss her deeply, pushing her back onto the mattress. I follow her down, and for a moment I allow myself to enjoy the feeling of our naked bodies pressing together as I lie partly atop her.

"Tobias, I need you," Tris pants, her hand sliding between us as she tries to line my dick up with her entrance. I know she is getting edgy and frustrated, and wants me to take her quickly. "Baby, please!" she pleads.

I move her hand away and she cries out in frustration. I slide halfway down her body and I position her hips to lay just right on the pillow, tilting her core up to me. I continue to move down her body, kissing her until I am kneeling on the floor in front of her. Spreading her legs, I lean down and slowly kiss her inner thighs.

"Baby, are you comfortable?" I whisper, smiling as she moves an inch lower on the pillow and then leans up to nod and watch me. The look of longing she gives me is intense, and it takes all the control I have not to situate myself to push into her and take her.

I see how wet she is for me. Tris arches her back, practically inviting me to pleasure her. She begins begging me to make love to her.

"Baby, this is all about you, just try to relax," I say while kneeling in front of her, guiding her to bend her knees so she rests her feet on my shoulder blades. As I slowly kiss closer and closer to her sweet wet lips, Tris begins moving her hips in anticipation. I've tortured her enough; I dip my head down and taste her for the first time. I start slow, teasing her sweet nub. She immediately responds to me. Crying out repeatedly, Tris reaches down to desperately grasp the sheets by her hips, pinning her own hands down with her spread thighs.

I begin slowly increasing intensity and pressure, careful to listen to her reactions while I enjoy giving her pleasure.

She gasps, crying out loudly. I feel the heels of her feet dig into my back as she reacts strongly to my mouth on her sex, pleasuring her.

"Oh, Tobias!" she cries noisily. I alternate between pleasuring her with my tongue and then taking moments to kiss and massage her thighs. I slowly begin tracing the alphabet around her clit and wet lips; Tris begins rocking her hips against my face and moaning loudly. I hold her hips tightly every time I feel her start to shake, then pull her back from the edge.

"Please, please, make me come, Tobias," Tris begs. I feel a strong pull in my dick. I'm anxious to bury myself in her and take her hard and fast, but I'm not done going down on her — not even close. I never imagined I would want or be willing to be so intimate with anyone, but having my mouth on her is amazing.

I lower my head and hold her while I use my tongue to concentrate on her sweet core. Tris screams and shakes after each orgasm, at one point even begging me to "fuck her hard". She's never uttered those words to me before.

"Oh, Tobias. Baby, please, please, I need you," Tris moans while making eye contact with me. "Please, baby, don't you want me?"

I feel my face rush with warmth — do I want her? I want to take her like some kind of animal and have my way with her if she will let me. "Of course I want you. You are mine, now and forever," I say firmly while quickly deciding how I want to take her next. "Turn over, okay?"

I see a flash of doubt on her face before she nods and quickly flips to lay on her stomach. I gently run my hand up and down her back before grasping her hips.

"Baby, can you get on your hands and knees at the edge of the bed?" I ask her, my heart pounding with the anticipation of trying something new. Tris nods and does as I ask. She's quiet now; is she nervous?

"If you don't like this, just tell me and we'll stop, okay?" I whisper, leaning over and planting a kiss on her butt cheek while holding her hips steady. She breathes softly and nods.

I take my dick in hand and rub the tip around her wetness, lubricating myself. I stand behind her and enter her slowly. Shit, this position feels amazing. I'm in so deep, and she's so tight around me.

Tris immediately moans while arching her back. It's all the encouragement I need. I grab her hips and watch myself pump in and out of her body. I take her roughly and she immediately quivers around me, grunting my name. I continue taking her, the sounds of our sweaty skin slapping together barely audible over our moans and dirty talk. During her next orgasm, she bends down to bury her face in the pillow as she screams out loudly.

"Fuck, Tris. I love watching my dick move in and out of you," I grunt with satisfaction. I'm so turned on. I use one hand on her hip as my other hand glides up her body, and I lean over her to grab her shoulder. I hold tightly as I begin slamming in and out of her. Tris gasps with my first thrust, and then again with the second. Fuck, it feels so good, but even in my haze, I worry for her.

"Tris, you okay?" I say hoarsely. She gasps again as I pound into her.

"Don't stop, please," Tris cries as she trembles under me. "It's so damned good," she mumbles before gasping loudly with my next thrust. I hold her tightly as I resume pounding into her.

Tris slips her hand down and tentatively touches to feel me pushing in and out of her. I feel her fingertips touching her clit and my dick at the same time as we have sex. She turns her head to look over her shoulder, watching me thrust into her, her eyes glazed with desire. We have never been this rough or vocal.

Knowing that she is watching me as I take her puts me over the edge. I curse and let go as I push us both to our limits. My orgasm is strong as I close my eyes and see stars, my entire body shuddering. Tris is panting pitifully while still on her knees, resting her weight on her lower arms. I gently stroke up and down her back, caressing her fine ass every time my hands go lower.

She's so beautiful.

"My God, Tobias. I mean…" Tris can barely get words out as she tries to calm her breathing. "I can't even think straight right now."

I smile as she moves up the bed to carefully lie down while she catches her breath. I follow her and lie down next to her. Tris is moving into my arms before I'm even done getting comfortable.

We hold each other, and I lean down to kiss her gently. Tris's fingertips touch my cheek.

"I love you, forever," she whispers.

I close my eyes for just a moment, then ask her, "Say it again."

Recognition flashes across her eyes as she caresses my face.

"Tobias," she says in a choked voice, tears filling her eyes, "I love you, forever."

She says it and I believe her. I feel the same for her.

I lean over to kiss her slowly, nuzzling closer and closer.

"Tobias, we're really pushing the duration of this 'lunch', babe. We need to get back to work," Tris sighs sadly.

I groan, realizing she's right. I'm bummed to have our alone time end. I then remember Andy's first steps and my plan. I'm hoping she'll let me get him from daycare in case he is running circles around the room already.

"I know it's your night with Andy, but how about I pick him up after work so that you can stop at home and get a change of clothes for work tomorrow?" I suggest eagerly. "Either way, I'd really like to have you and Andy over for dinner."

"I'd love that, especially the sleeping over part. Although, I don't think we should ever try what we just did when Andy is in the room." Tris blushes while running her fingertips down my chest. "We were both very loud."

I laugh heartily. "I don't think I should go down on you at night, either. Thankfully, all the people that live on this floor work during the day. We'd wake the dead with your dirty little mouth!"

Tris gasps and then tries to roll away from me, obviously embarrassed. I catch her hip and pull her back into my arms, kissing her. "I can't even describe how hot that was. I loved every moment. I mean it, Tris," I say seriously before kissing her ardently. I'd love to go again, but we just don't have the time.

"I loved every moment, too." She smiles widely. "So, what did you pack me for lunch? I'm starved!"

++++o++++ ++++o++++

++++o++++

** Tris POV **

"Babe, you are spoiling me! When did you have time to assemble a lasagna?!" I demand while readjusting Andy's bib. He loves to pull them off and toss them on the floor.

"I made it before you arrived for lunch this afternoon, and to be honest, it was super-easy," Tobias admits. "I used the no-boil noodles and precooked frozen meatballs. And, of course, jarred tomato sauce. All I had to do was pop it in the oven when Andy and I got home."

"My man, the chef!" I tease lovingly. "You are the perfect specimen, Tobias Eaton!"

"Aw, just for that nice compliment I will pack you a lasagna serving for your lunch tomorrow," he promises me.

I beam at him; he is so amazing. And so good to me.

When we first sat down to eat, I brought up that we hadn't had a chance to discuss his nightmare. It must have been really bad if it caused him to call me in the middle of the night to check on me. Tobias got really quiet, and he took a moment before asking me to give him a chance to talk to his therapist first. He didn't want to discuss it before he was ready. I respected that, and assured him I understood.

"Tris, will you feed Andy his pudding dessert while I clean up in the kitchen? Maybe we can snuggle on the couch after dinner, the three of us?" Tobias asks, and I immediately agree.

A few minutes later, Andy has devoured his banana pudding, and I am wiping down his face and high chair tray. Tobias lifts him out of the high chair and into his arms. I smile, noticing how much more comfortable he has become with Andy these last couple of months.

Living apart has had some rocky moments and caused a few minor disagreements, but there are some true positives, too. Tobias was forced to deal with his fears of being a good enough dad for Andy. Before, he was relying on me too much to provide Andy's care. When I suddenly wasn't around, Tobias learned quickly that his fears were unfounded, and that he is an amazing dad to our son.

We snuggle on the couch together, our little family of three, and both Andy and I rest our heads on Tobias's chest. I listen to his steady heartbeat, and I wonder if Andy is listening to it, too. I'm so happy in this moment, and I allow myself to believe we can be this happy forever.

I want to believe it.

"Our baby is going to be a toddler next month," I whisper, sitting up to look at my two loves. "We should start thinking about a party, or a small celebration dinner."

"One year old on October first. And next thing you know, we'll be picking out his first Halloween costume!" Tobias laughs.

I smile, my cheeks flushing as I look at my fingernails in silence.

"Tris, did you buy his costume already?! It's still September!" Tobias chuckles, not looking annoyed at all.

"I brought it over to show you! It's in my bag, and no, I didn't buy it without you," I scoff, acting injured. "Jessica mailed it to me, along with the receipt to a Bureau Halloween costume store which is also in Chicago for the season. She says she will only be mildly disappointed if we reject her choice and exchange it for something else."

Tobias kisses my forehead and hands Andy to me, getting up to grab my overnight bag. He looks excited as he carries it to the bed so he can open it there. I hear him laugh as soon as he sees it.

"Here is the deal: you need to tell Jessica that I reserve the right to pick her baby's first Halloween costume next year!" Tobias teases as he walks over with the adorable tiger costume. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it, and I was really hoping Tobias would love it, too.

Laughing, I ask him, "Are you sure? It is his first Halloween — well, with us, I mean." I force a smile onto my face. It still pains me that we lost the first part of Andy's life because of some sick assholes and their experiments.

"I love it, Tris," Tobias assures me while looking over the bright costume. He looks so happy. "Jessica did well, but I still get to pick one for her baby next year."

Andy is laughing and watching Tobias hold out the costume across the room. He starts wiggling out of my arms, so I place him on the floor. Suddenly, Andy squeals with delight and starts walking across the room towards Tobias! Tobias immediately looks at me and I give him the biggest smile. Our son is actually walking! Tobias kneels down and holds his arms open to catch him; Andy is definitely wobbly.

"Dada! Dada!" Andy yells right before falling into Tobias's arms. He laughs as Tobias pulls him to his chest. I watch closely as Tobias squeezes his eyes shut and kisses the top of Andy's head.

I know how much this moment means to Tobias. Of course, he understood that Andy is just a baby, and that it was never meant as a slight, but it still pained him that his son never called him 'Dada'.

I'm overcome with emotion, and I cover my mouth to quiet the sob of joy that almost slipped out. Tears of happiness are streaming down my face. I watch the man I love and our son smile and laugh together. It is the happiest moment of my life.

Tobias points Andy in my direction, helping him stand, but not holding him up. "Can you go say hi to Mama?"

Andy beams at me proudly as he walks over to me. I sit on the floor to catch him, crying and laughing at the same time.

Tobias crawls over to sit next to me. He looks so happy. "You are actually crying, you are so happy he walked. I love it! Our son's first steps," Tobias finishes softly, leaning down to kiss my lips.

Tears fill my eyes again. I just can't seem to help it. Tobias chuckles and pulls me into his arms as I wrap my arms around his neck.

"I'm crying because I'm so happy he said 'Dada'. You are the best father ever, and he and I are so lucky to have you," I say emotionally, ugly crying at the end with happiness. I am a hot mess. I see the shock register on Tobias's face. "But, yes, it's great he is walking, of course!" I quickly add, laughing.

We both smile, and then Tobias grabs my face and kisses me deeply; my lips part and my tongue pushes into his mouth first. If Andy weren't awake, I would literally jump Tobias's bones on this very spot on the floor. I'll have to settle for later tonight, although the wait may kill me.

"Tris, thank you for loving me the way that you do," Tobias says while pulling back. "In my head and heart, I know that you love me, but it's in moments like this that I am able to see just how much you really love me, and that you care deeply about my being happy."

I smile at him. I definitely do feel all those things.

Leaning his forehead against mine, he says, "I didn't grow up with that. I see clearly that our son will have unconditional love. But for me, experiencing it with you is a first. So, thank you," he finishes softly.

"You deserve to be loved this way," I assure him. Grinning, we kiss once more.

Andy laughs and crawls over to us, he seems to have grown tired of the whole walking thing for the moment. We settle back into playing on the floor together, Andy laughing at us both. He calls Tobias "Dada" again and again, and like a bumbling idiot I tear up every time.

As we get Andy ready for bed, Tobias is smiling broadly. I already warned him that I am going to screw him senseless once the baby is asleep in his crib. Although, we both agree that we will not be having a repeat of lunch. Even worse than your neighbors hearing you have loud, obnoxious sex, is your neighbors knowing you had loud, obnoxious sex, especially with a baby present in your studio apartment.

No, thank you.

Tobias is still laughing to himself, even after I point this out to him. He thinks it is hysterical. I mouth, "never going to happen" to him from across the room. Every time, he raises his eyebrows at me while licking his lower lip. What a tease he has turned out to be.

As we finally lay Andy down and watch him fall asleep after his bedtime stories, Tobias hugs me close, kissing the top of my head. Placing his fingers over his lips, he guides me away from the crib.

"I need to tell you something. It's important," Tobias says seriously.

I nod for him to continue.

"Tris Prior, you are the most important person in my life." He pauses, presumably to think carefully about his next words. "Of course, our child is also important, but when I think about my life and who I want as my partner — it is always you, Tris."

I smile and nod. I see the sincerity in his eyes, and I can hear it in his voice.

Tobias kisses my hand, then places it on his heart. "I want to be honest with you," he says solemnly. I can't help but watch him intently. "I'm willing to wait for you forever. But I need you to know that I want you back, now. Please, just keep that in mind."

I immediately understand what he is saying and nod.

"I do see and respect what a great decision it was for you to work. I will always support you, either way. Work full-time, part-time, or be a stay-at-home mom again — anything you want, I want to make happen," Tobias says firmly.

I smile and take a deep breath, soaking in his words. It feels like the first time that I am really hearing him. He is my partner. He is on my side, no matter what.

I slip my hand into his and pull him towards our bed. He smiles, recognizing the desire on my face. I can't wait to show him how happy I am right now.

+++o++ Chapter End ++o+++