Chapter 22

After a rousing day with both her family and former in laws, Sandy found herself exhausted. She was sure it was the last few days spent running around, first meeting Paul's family and then flying back to Philly to see hers. Much as she loved her mother, brothers and little nephew, a little went a long way.

And then Paul would be leaving for Phoenix while she and Tyler would be returning to Austin. Sandy already lost almost a week's pay, and though she hated the thought of doing so, but it looked as if she would have to dip into the trust money to cover the bills that would be due the coming week. Still, it was a small price to pay; it wasn't very often she got to see family anymore.

On the other hand, she also found it almost amusing that her mother would put her in one room and Tyler and Paul in another. Surely Mother must have known they've already slept together a few times, but Sandy figured her mother still had old values and wanted to set an example for Tyler.

One thing about Mother, Sandy smiled to herself. She and Suzy were always a wonderful grandmothers.

She had been shocked when Peter Dillard had recognized Paul right off and grabbed him in a bear hug. Her former father in law was a wrestling fan, but Sandy always thought Peter liked the "old school" stuff, not what was currently on TV.

But she was pleasantly surprised when she'd learned Peter not only liked the "old school" wrestling, but also the current high flyers, and it was no real shock when he had approved of Sandy's choice for a second husband.

"Tyler couldn't be getting a better male influence in the household since Mike died," he had added.

Suzy too had approved of Paul once she found out he didn't drink, didn't smoke or wasn't into drugs. She always wanted Tyler to have a good role model since the loss of Mike, and it looked as if her prayers had been answered. And he was so good to Sandy. Suzy was confident as to if Mike knew about this man, he too would have given his blessing.

So much for worrying about what her former in laws would think, Sandy thought.

------------------------

Once Marie had retired to her room for the night to read and Tyler had been stretched out in one of the beds in the guest room (that was once his grandfather's office) engrossed in a movie on TV, Paul had sneaked down to see Sandy, slowly slipping his arms around her waist.

"Hi, baby," he whispered in her ear and then nuzzled her neck.

"Paul, behave! Mother's still awake," Sandy said in a low voice.

"What, I can't tell my favorite girl good night?" He began kissing her neck.

"Not the way you obviously have in mind. Besides, I'm wiped out from all this traveling."

"Yeah, I think your son is going to sack out at any minute too. He's watching a movie now, though."

"Shouldn't you be in bed anyway? You're leaving for Phoenix tomorrow."

"Yeah, but it's going to be tough, especially without a nice warm body by me. You've spoiled me this past week."

"Well, I'm sure you'll get used to it again once you're back on the road," she smiled. "even if I will miss you for awhile."

"I know. We need to get that wedding date set, and soon."