BabyDaddyTeddy! Changed his direction in careers, putting his foot down and having a honest yet loud conversation with his father, Gr*nt. Teddy’s been at boot camp for approx. two weeks…on his way to having his dream job. A Coast Guard. All the way out in Connecticut mind you—which took less time to get to by hoping on The Spencer’s jet but before all of this from what you heard, Teddy was having a grand time. Minus the whole academics part—Teddy had the drive and you supported him.

BabyDaddyTeddy! Who plays it cool as ever as soon as he see’s your face, although you’re positive that you definitely heard a, “Awl shit,” from him before he cleared his throat. They have him in a neck brace. The main result of the accident. It was a requirement of the academy to be involved in a varsity sport. He chose rowing. Felt that was most fitting. Waters were too choppy that day—something he had to be prepared for. Teddy along with other cadets lost control of the boat. He was thrown from the boat, he guarded as much as he could but…face still hit the rocks. Scrape to the cheek and chin, minor concussion, more cuts + bruises along his body and partial paralysis at the neck. It wasn’t permanent thank God but seeing him like that? Did something to your heart ngl.

BabyDaddyTeddy! Who never took set backs well and was honestly embarrassed that you were seeing him like this. “Why are you here? I know you didn’t bring Tillz all the way here for this.” - you sit beside his bed, used to his shit talking. You didn’t give him a verbal response, your eyes say it all. He sighs, you catch his fingers moving, palm up at his side. Immediately you slip your hand into his. He squeezes. A good sign that had you sharply inhaling. Your head rests down on top of your joined hands for a moment. Soft breathing and Teddy’s heart monitor fill the room. You already said you were scared of loving him but losing him was just as terrifying. Twila shouldn’t have to lose her father. Not you like did. Something you brought up when Teddy showed he was taking this Coast Guard path seriously. He doesn’t crack a joke this time…which means he’s just as shook. His blue-green hues peek down at you, hand still in yours and for the first time today? He’s a little less tense.

BabyDaddyTeddy! Unfortunately had to put the academy on pause for…just a little while according to professionals. Teddy considered seeing other doctors to keep pushing his body but neither you or Glamma Gail were having that. This pause would actually turn into months. The only positive about this was that he was able to spend more time with Tilly…because being away from her just within those few weeks, not getting to see her as much felt like he was missing out on her growth. Apparently that was part of the discipline when it came to these type of careers and although he sulked and got irritable, Teddy was still thankful to hold what he created with you.

BabyDaddyTeddy! Thought about going back to destructive ways…the excessive drinking and actually hid out at his second home. Which was supposed to be his main house opposed to his once beloved house boat but instead…he just poured more into your daughter. He ended up enrolling her in ballet classes that took place every Tuesday and Thursday. Took her swimming with him which became almost therapeutic for him. His relationship with water definitely changed. Tilly started to sleep over at his so much that you had to be vocal about it, “Hey, that’s my baby too. I still want her home with me, Teddy.” - “Too bad. So sad.” - “Excuse you?” - “…what I meant to say is you’re welcome to move in too.” ???! You just took that as words and didn’t even consider it…since you two were…figuring things out but also not? You both took up space in each others lives because you both simply wanted to be there. Whether you both admitted it or not. Now you kinda understood what it felt like coming back to an empty house. And yes you definitely gave the goat to a loving family who got a kick out of how you ended up with it in the first place.

BabyDaddyTeddy! Who was kinda careless about what he wanted for Father’s Day. When you were on rocky terms…you didn’t necessarily ask but still felt it was right for Tilly to spend time with him, muttering a, “Happy Father’s Day,” to him on drop off’s and kept it moving. Although your MOTHER still felt the need to give shoutouts on Facebook and personally give him small gifts? When things started to get better…your mother would go out of her way to ask Teddy what he wanted and tried to use it as inspo for you to come up with what you and Tilly could surprise him with. Your mother was not subtle at all with her love for Teddy Spencer and it showed. This year…considering what he’s been struggling with, you had a plan in motion.

BabyDaddyTeddy! Was not necessarily in the mood to go out for Father’s Day. Partially since he wasn’t on the best terms with his own father but he, “fixed his face,” for his mother’s sake, going out to breakfast with his parents. Gift tucked under his arm. Teddy also had a handmade card from Tilly at school that he brought over for her and FaceTimed you so Tilly could talk to Grandad Grant while he praised the card more than the usual material gift Teddy handed over. Teddy knew his father could be calculated so he tried his best not to care about the dismissal he was getting from the man. As long as he was being good to Tilly then Teddy could swallow his anger. Phony smiles and declined quality time at the golf course with Grant and his questionable politics buddies, Teddy went back home to nap—assuming he’d see Tilly later until you’re calling him telling him they have reservations at 7.

“What?” Teddy huffed, “A art gallery? I’m not trying to do all that.”

You give a cackle that makes Teddy frown at how evil that almost sounded, “Didn’t you say Tilly was gifted?”

“I never lie on my child.”

“Your child?” You laugh under your breath, “I’m not gonna go into a spiel about that right now. Tilly is already dressed, ready to go, and hopefully not ruining her adorable fit with something sticky since you’re wasting time. I also shaved my legs for this. Get your ass up.”

Teddy scoffs. “And what does that have to do with me?”

“It has a lot to do with you not pouting on the boat for the rest of the night.”

He didn’t know how you knew that’s where he ended up after breakfast with his parents. Then he figures his mom must have snitched on him to you since she called him a hour later to check on him.

Annoyance was very clear in Teddy’s tone as he bit back, “And I won’t be as soon as I see Twila Linnea Spencer’s face…and maybe yours too. Shit, i don’t know.”

“If that last bit was your way of flirting then that was trash.” You reply, “I’m not gonna tell you again. You got thirty minutes.”

He mocks you just to be met with the call disconnecting.

He immediately calls back with a sigh, “…What color are we wearing, babe?”

The, “babe,” was certainly sarcastic but Teddy still picks up on the grin in your voice and he can’t help but to roll his eyes.

BabyDaddyTeddy! Who lightened up a bit as soon as he had his eyes set on you two. Also hearing the shrill of, “Daddy!” Hitting his eardrums along with the patter of Tilly’s jelly sandals and her arms spread out to greet him was enough to make his night better already. He pecks Twila’s cheek repeatedly who holds onto his neck, giggling. When you stroll over, fresh silk press clipped back and in beige attire like you requested, Teddy can’t help but to lick his lips. Especially at your shimmering legs. You smile at him with your glossed lip combo, gift bag on your wrist and a cross body bag against your waist.

“Glad you understood the assignment,” you nudge your head in approval, “Let’s go.”

He can’t help but to slip one arm across your shoulders while he held onto Tilly in his other arm. You allow it, leaning into him a bit as you walk together.

He says lowly at your temple, “You could just say I look good too.”

“Too?” Your nose scrunches up.

“Duh. It ain’t a one man show right now. We all pulled up coordinated. Picture perfect. The drip is on a thousand, act like you see it.”

Your lips smack, “Stop talking and open the door.”

BabyDaddyTeddy! Who personally wasn’t big on the fine arts or whatever so he didn’t understand why going to an art gallery tonight was so important. It all looked the same to Teddy. He even snorted once when his mom cried over one large painting she had delivered and placed into the entry way of his modern childhood home. It just wasn’t his thing. Until he saw one painting…a ship in a bottle. There were two hands shown resting on the table in front of the ship. One hand appearing older, lighter in complexion, a few sunspots, and a heavy gold watch on their wrist. The other hand was a much smaller one, could be a kid’s, tan melanin and their hand was spread flat against the table almost as if they were leaning towards the ship in the bottle. Teddy wasn’t sure what type of technique they used but…it felt close to home. He doesn’t read the text, strolling around the almost empty gallery with Twila nearly yanking him along.

The second is a…house boat?

It’s the side view at the docks.

Maybe around sunset with the orange sun rays bleeding from the top right of the painting. It’s that same technique, soft and delicate work. In the dark water, Teddy can make out what appears to be a pink tutu floating in the water.

It isn’t until he gets to the third painting, Tilly pulls him over to that a, “…Hold on.” Is escaping his lips.

The beach.

Skies on cotton candy, water the beginning of day. There’s two figures standing at the edge of the ocean, side by side, a man that towers over a small toddler dressed in a denim sun hat and floral yellow swimwear. Teddy frowns stepping closer to the painting while Twila giggles, standing in front of him, head tilted all the way back, hands in his as she peers up at him, smiley.

“Twhy and daddy.” She speaks in her tiny raspy voice.

Then he sees the little red scribble at the bottom along with a hand print across from where the artist’s signature rests on the left.

One D and T with what he makes out to be is a little star at the end.

Classic Tilly.

His eyes goes to the tag that explains the painting.

Water color.

Inspiration from a Daddy and Daughter’s time at the beach.

Teddy can’t lie…his eyes start to burn.

He holds on tighter to Tilly’s little hands.

“Happy Father’s Day.” You announce from behind him.

It now made sense why you managed to get pulled off into a hushed conversation with the host, (who Teddy would later find out is the actual artist of these paintings) telling him to start exploring without you, that you’d catch up.

He runs a knuckle over his nose, sniffing before turning to face you with a soft smile, “Thank you. To both of you.”

Teddy picks up Tilly again, then looks at you, who shifts their gaze back to his.

“You like them?”

“Look at that sh—work.” He catches himself, “They’re masterpieces!”

A laugh leaves you as you move to stand beside him, “Can you appreciate art now?”

“Oh hell yeah! They’re all coming home with me.” His hand slips around your waist, tugging you closer, “You guys didn’t have to do all this.”

“Yeah we did.” Your head tilts to meet his burning stare and that says enough.

BabyDaddyTeddy! Who gets the call from his recruiter that he’s allowed to give the academy a second try. The three of you are on family vacation. It’s August. The Sunday of summer. Of course Teddy’s considering New Jersey now, based on how much time he lost—which would take less time than CT but that’s a conversation he’ll have as soon as you all get back to Southport. Right now? He was with two of his favorite people in the world. At a resort in the Bahamas. His safe space. From private chef’s, sharing rum cake in bed when Tilly’s down for the night while watching RHOA & Beyond the Villa, to watching Tilly make a mess of the chocolates she demanded to try, to tours around Nassau, to getting dragged by a man on a Segway (which was more funny to you now after a few piña coladas—Teddy still ain’t find that shit funny. He was ready to go to jail over it tbh), shopping at markets for souvenirs, hanging at the beach that you noticed Teddy was a little leery of when you brought your water-loving baby over to the waves—y’all were never bored and definitely made the most of the end of summer.

BabyDaddyTeddy! Who got vulnerable after getting half way through a Goombay Smash. He didn’t drink much on the trip, thankfully. Cause a drunk teddy was x1000 of the energy he’s usually on. Since the accident on the rowing team, his feeling towards water shifted a bit—whether he vocally said it or not. You could tell. It was in the way he watched like a hawk when he found you and Tilly out by your own private pool in the mornings. How he called you two back from the ocean when an unexpected wave nearly pushed you over as soon as you put your back to the ocean, while you carried Tilly away, ready to build sandcastles. You could see it. And on the last day here together he voiced he wasn’t sure if he was cut out for being a coast guard after all.

the doubts were understandable.

Life was brutal like that.

You could aspire to be something and as soon as you get it into your hands…sometimes something knocks you all the way back. Makes you look at things sideways and makes you wonder if you really had the big picture.

“I don’t wanna be looked at as no quitter.” Teddy grumbled as you both stood in the kitchen after two am, “I already had some assholes that we went to school with, who are in the military, talking shit about me choosing this path instead of the marines or whatever their dicks get hard for. And normally you know I can take it. But losing feeling in my body like that? Even if it was only temporary? Damn…This was something I thought I always wanted.”

You hum, “It was scary. As hell. I saw it in your eyes even when you tried to hide it. Through the PT sessions. It doesn’t matter what anyone says or wants. It’s what you want. If you want to walk away from this…you can. But it’s gotta be something you thought long and hard about. On your terms. It’s gotta be a decision you’re happy and comfortable with. Your life is in your own hands.”

“…yeah but like…you and Tillz are a huge part of it. My life. I know you’ve been holding things down and supporting even when we don’t know what the fuck we’re doing.”

“Does anybody?” You gently smile around the rim of Saratoga you bring to your lips.

Teddy snorted, moving closer to you, resting his warm hands against your thighs, his fingertips damp from the cocktail he once held into, while you sit on the kitchen island, “Some are better at faking it than others.”

“Thought we were done with that.”

His blue-green hues darken at your words, leaving no trace of green in them as he pulls his bottom lip into his mouth nodding as he makes space between your legs, “I’m on whatever time you’re on, sweetheart.”

You give him a look, “We’ve been good…I even tolerated you playing Drake’s dumbass trilogy albums nobody asked for every time you got ready since we got out here.”

“Then maybe I should be on my worst behavior. Hm,” the pads of his thumbs rub at your waist, scooting you closer to the edge of the island.

You scoff, hand going to his shoulder so you don’t slide off, “You’re tipsy. Only you can go from talking about your concerns in life to being horny.”

“You complaining?” He presses his face first against your crop top covered chest, breathing you in before peering up at you from underneath his lashes.

“I…didn’t say that.” You respond as he lifts you off the counter, you hold on until he sets you back on your feet, “I’m just saying…we can still talk it through if you want?”

Teddy hums, playing with the strings to your skirt coverup, “This ain’t about to turn into, ‘in this fucking essay I will,’ type shit…but maybe over breakfast when things settle. Right now? I just need a tasty night cap…if you let me?”

And he’s down on his knees, tossing your crochet wrap-around coverup to the side.

You sharply inhale at the exposure.

It slides across the tile floor.

You never knew how he did it.

One of your legs is hitched up over his shoulder.

Making you balance on the other, lower back pressing into the counter, elbows supporting you from behind.

This time spent together as a…family was eye-opening. Any chance you could get away from Southport, you were jumping at the opportunity. A place where no one knew your history, just saw you all as one union. A family. It was complimented on. Earned genuine smiles from both of you as you carried on with Tilly in her stroller, giving as much walking as you were gonna get out of her. You even asked a stranger to take a picture with your digital of you three at the market.

Teddy wanted it sent to him ASAP.

And as he shifted your bikini to the side, testing the waters on his tongue, you have to remind yourself how to breathe.

To realize, maybe there never was going to be anyone else but Teddy Spencer for you.