Little Willy | Page 133 | Sketch

It's taken about a year and 133 pages, but Willy might've finally relaxed

Again, I hope it's clear in the story that Cody's gift is a turning point in the way Willy thinks about their relationship. In page 119 post-sex he is very reluctant to be vulnerable, and there's implication that he expects that their night together is sort of the apex of their relationship (not unlike some of the readers!) 

But in the current situation, Cody introducing Willy to family, and laying the foundation of a stronger relationship, and it's dawned on Willy that there's something more to this