It's amazing how much someone grows up in a year and a half. Or however long it had been since he'd found Gar and forced his mate to tell him why he'd run away. But when the people you loved required more of you, sometimes you stepped up. Tommy definitely had. The guy that had been as sassy and sometimes assholeish hero a year and a half ago was older, stronger, more confident and controlled now. It came with helping his lover through the pregnancy, with getting up late to deal with diapers and feedings, and with every moment of wonder as their little girl grew up.

As for Tommy, he's definitely standing behind his mate, kissing his neck lightly.

"Or maybe our little Bitty Ritty is going to love it. She's her papa's little tiger cub, and don't they love the water?"