A Love Song for Dreamers - Piper Lawson Page 0,49

stretch my sore muscles, thinking of the routine I’ve established since I returned from New York.

Helping with Sophie in the morning, taking her to school.

Hanging with Haley when my dad’s working, half to keep an eye on her and half because she’s fun and super smart and the kind of woman I want to be.

Dropping in on Tyler around lunch—midafternoon if I can wait that long—to hang out, which often ends with us sweaty and naked.

But yesterday he played me Shay’s track, which is sounding freaking awesome, plus a couple of new bands he’s thinking about sending to my dad. I teased him about being a wannabe A&R guy.

“When I dream, I dream of us.”

When he said the words, I wanted to wrap my arms around him and never let him go.

Because I love spending time with him. I love how he is with Shay, how she’s slowly dragging him out of his own head where his music is concerned.

He’s so different than he was when we broke up, and better still for having spent these weeks here.

And so am I.

I’m more comfortable with myself. I don’t have every answer, and I’m okay with that. I’m not afraid someone will accuse me of not being capable enough to write a musical, or star in a show, or be unreasonable because I want to be in the spotlight and be part of a family.

Dad and I can have a conversation one-on-one, not just be civil for a meal, I like helping Haley and Sophie, and most of all I love that the only guy who’s ever owned my heart is right here.

I considered walking away from my dreams to run after Tyler two years ago, and it would’ve been a mistake. He needed the space to figure out a new normal, and I needed to prove to myself I could hack it in the city.

So what if this time is different?

I head upstairs and take a shower, luxuriating in the hot steam for a few minutes before I pull on jean shorts and a tank top and head to Sophie’s room. I crack the pink curtains before dropping to my knees next to the bed.

I tickle her face. “Good morning. Time for daycare, Soph.”

She wrinkles her nose and swats my hand. “It’s not.”

Her sleepy mumble has me laughing.

“It is.”

“Sing me a song.” I start to, and her eyes blink open. “I don’t know that one.”

I brush the hair back from her face. “No one does yet. I wrote it.”

“Sing more.”

“When you get up.”

She’s out of bed in a second. If my audiences are as receptive as Sophie, maybe this new show has a shot.

She picks out her clothes, and I pull her hair back and braid it, the only part she’ll let me do.

When we get downstairs, there’s a figure looming at the sliding doors.

“Tyler!” Sophie runs over, pressing up on her toes to stubbornly work the lock until she can let him in.

“Thanks, Sunshine Sophie.” His hands are full of a huge basket with fancy decaf and other treats, which he lifts. “For Haley.”

“What about for me?” Sophie prompts.

I’m about to tell her we’re making her cereal, but Tyler frowns and rummages in the basket, pulling out a purple plastic truck. “I don’t see anything for you.”

She jumps on the toy.

“I got it in LA, but it’s been living in my hotel room ever since,” he murmurs to me.

My stomach twists, every part of me tingling.

“I love you,” I blurt.

Tyler’s smile freezes. He squares to face me, his handsome face surprised and pleased. “I love you too.”

The words sink into my skin, my bones, my soul.

I want to hear him say it again.

“I love you both,” Sophie says solemnly, and I can’t help laughing as Tyler ruffles her hair.

“All right, time for cereal,” I say, heading for the cupboards.

Sophie runs toward the front door before I can argue, comes back a moment later with shoes, and drops them at Tyler’s feet. “Shoes first.”

Apparently, she’s decided she wants him at her beck and call.

Can’t say I blame her.

“Shoes at the same time,” Tyler counters.

She hops into her chair and puts on her bib.

“Sing your song for Tyler,” she commands as she starts to munch.

I sing, pouring a black coffee for me and one with cream for Tyler. When I turn back to him, mug in hand, he’s watching with fascination.

“That’s it,” Tyler murmurs when I finish.

“Funny. Miranda said the same thing.”

As Tyler and I drink our coffees and Sophie finishes her