Chapter 17
Sandy let go a gasp. "What?"
"I'd like us to get married," Paul repeated.
"I….I don't believe this. I don't know what to say."
"Yes would be a good start," he grinned.
"You're not wasting any time, are you?"
"I know it hasn't been very long since we've been together, so yeah, I know you're shocked."
"But wouldn't that be rough on you with being gone so much?"
"It's rough on a lot of the guys, but they deal with it….at least most of them."
"You have really thought about this, haven't you?" Sandy asked.
"Yeah. Being alone sucks. Sure, I have friends and guys I hang out with on the road, but most of my friends live all over the country so it's not like I can just call one up to go do things."
"Well, there is just one more question…and this one is rather important to me."
"Sure, fire away."
"Are you ready to become an instant father to a sixteen year old?"
"You know, he's a great kid, and once he's aware that I have no intention of replacing his dad, I think things could go fairly well."
Sandy had to smile. "In that case, I have a feeling you are going to be a wonderful stepfather."
Paul brightened. "So does that mean 'yes?'"
"Yes."
He leaned over and kissed her. "Well, all right. But I think for now we better get you out of this sun before pink becomes red."
"Good idea, considering some of us can't be tanned and sexy like some others," she chuckled.
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"You're getting married?" Tyler asked that night.
"Yes I am," Sandy replied, smiling.
"I'm guessing it's Paul. Otherwise, I'm going to have to start asking some questions."
"Of course it is. But Tyler, I do want to make something clear, and I've mentioned this before; just because I'm marrying Paul doesn't mean I love your father any less. And Paul's also made it clear to me that he has no intentions of replacing your dad."
Tyler nodded. "You don't have to explain to me, Mom. Dad loved you and would have wanted you to be happy. And you're happy, right?"
"Yes, I am very happy."
"Then that's all that counts. Have you told Granny Lacroix?"
"I haven't really had time to talk to your grandmother yet. There's also the fact that she hasn't even met Paul yet, so there's no doubt she's going to have a lot of questions."
"Of course," Tyler agreed. "She wants to make sure he isn't some crazy dude like a bigamist or a serial killer or some stuff."
Sandy had to laugh. "Granted, Paul is a goofy guy, but I don't think he'd be that insane."
"To be honest, I think I'm going to have the coolest step dad in town," Tyler said, grinning widely. "Being goofy is part of his whole charm."
"I'm glad you're happy with this."
"I got to confess I hoped you guys would end up liking each other. But damn, I didn't think it would turn out this great!"