Watch What Burns by Kirsty-Anne Still

one.

Chapter Nine
     
     
     
    AUSTIN stood in the doorway to her daughter’s room, listening to Tyler read her a story. It had been hours since getting back from Point Arena Cove and Grace was still very much awake. As she listened, her heart blossomed more and more. She loved the way Tyler read to Grace, how he applied so much attention to her, how he devoted himself to her.
    After confessing to Robert’s behavior, Tyler had vowed to play it cool until he saw him. Then he promised that Robert would not see it coming. At first, Austin was panicky over what that meant for their family, but Dean had stepped up, along with Tom and Danny, to make sure that not only were her and Grace well protected, but that Tyler did nothing stupid.
    She said nothing, she was a silent watcher to this private moment between father and daughter, but as always, it didn’t last long. Tyler was so in tune with her that she knew he noticed her practically the moment she reached the top of the stairs. He had just given her a moment to watch and enjoy.
    “I think mommy’s come for a bedtime story,” Tyler joked, looking at Austin, while he leaned in towards his daughter.
    Grace’s head shot up, the smile on her face electrifying at the sight of her mother at the door. “Mommy! Come and read with us! Daddy does the voices!”
    “I know, and he does the voices right,” Austin spoke mirthfully. “Who do you think taught him?” she asked and gave her daughter a wink, listening to her giggle in response.
    “Hey now, Baby, no underestimating me in front of my princess,” Tyler defended himself. “I knew how to do voices just right.”
    Austin giggled. “Course you did.” She smiled as she watched Tyler pout a little, but she let him have his fun. She remembered when they first read Grace books and how she prompted him the play to parts, and how to get into character. She loved him back in those days, when fatherhood both terrified him and thrilled him in one easy shot. Now he was a natural. The training wheels were off, and he was a perfect father. “I’m just coming to say goodnight to you, Sweetheart,” Austin said, kissing her daughter’s head. “I need a shower and you need to go to sleep.”
    “I’m not sleepy,” Grace defied her mother in a manner that reminded her strongly of Tyler. “I wanna make cookies!”
    “Cookies do sound good,” Tyler added in, awarding himself with a death glare from his wife. “What? Cookies do!”
    Rolling her eyes, Austin stood her ground, “I promise millions of cookies tomorrow. For you both. For tonight, it’s bedtime, Gracie.” She watched as Grace began to pout at her and she shook her head, “It’s tomorrow or never, Sweetie.”
    “Okay, mommy,” Grace relented easily, giving an impromptu yawn.
    “Good girl,” Austin applauded her daughter. “Now let daddy finish the book and get some sleep so you can dream of all those cookies.” She leaned in, kissed her daughter’s forehead once more then stood up and leaned in to kiss her husband. “I’ll see you in the morning, baby,” Austin murmured softly to Grace as she tucked her in a little.
    “Love you, mama,” Grace told her back, snuggling in a little more against her father.
    “Love you to the stars and back,” Austin whispered, and left the two of them. It was moments like this that made her heart skip a beat and made her grateful for the world she had found after the devastation she was left with.
    “Hey, babe,” Tyler said, following her, grabbing her arm to prevent her leaving entirely. “Are you okay? I know I asked earlier, but I know you’re not quite right. All of this stuff with Robert, I hate that you couldn’t talk to me.”
    “I was stupid,” Austin admitted solemnly, but looked at her husband. “You know now, and I’m just thankful you didn’t make me sleep on the couch or something,” she joked, trying to loosen the tension. “All I ever do is try to keep the peace.”
    “I know, but no more