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That means I need to come up with something that shows that I put a ton of thought into it, and that it was a definite plan and not a spontaneous moment after sex.
And I need to talk to the guys.
Not to get their permission, because I know that they want this to happen. But because I want them to help me plan something.
That’s how we do things now. We’re Cookie and Company.
And even if I was slow to get my shit together, I am definitely a part of this company.
"I love you so damn much," I tell her, kissing the top of her head. "You know that, right?"
"Of course I do." She tips her head to look up at me. "I love you so much, too."
And I realize looking at her that she’s happy. Completely content. Right now, in this moment, with me.
I am able to give her things that the other guys can’t. I can be there to chill with her, to play with her, to treat her when the other guys are being intense and responsible and overly protective.
I do have a place here and I not only want to be Dani’s third husband, but I think she needs me to be.
"You know what we need?" I ask her.
"A chocolate chip skillet cookie?" she asks.
I laugh, not because how much this girl is eating suddenly is funny, but because that was exactly what I was thinking. "Yes," I tell her. "With vanilla ice cream and hot fudge."
She nods. "You are the perfect man."
I laugh and reach for my phone to place the dessert order.
"But remember, you can’t tell Michael," she says, tucking her feet up underneath her butt.
I look over at her. "If you think that Michael doesn’t know that you and I are going to eat junk food tonight, you don’t know him very well."
She laughs, but looks happier than I have ever seen her. "You’ve got a point. It’ll be worth the extra salad he’ll make me eat in the next couple of days, though."
"He’ll encourage you to eat," I say. Michael would never dictate her diet.
"Yes. Encourage," she agrees.
"And you do it because it makes him feel better because he’s taking care of you."
She nods. "I think he and Nathan are both feeling a little anxious right now because they’re so happy about the baby and they want everything to go well and they want me to be happy and feel good, but there’s only so much they can do. Right now, for the next few months, it’s really just me and my body taking care of this kid."
I lift her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles. "You’re right. That makes all of us feel a little unsure. We want to be a part of it, but there’s only so much we can do."
"I know. I get that. And it’s sweet. But either one of them as a husband and soon-to-be-father would be a lot." She sighs. "And I have them both." Her expression holds love and exasperation.
I give her a smile. I know exactly what she means. "They’re lucky they found you," I said. "Someone who can put up with all of that energy and who can take in all of that love and just give it right back to them."
Her face softens, and she smiles. "Thank you for saying that."
"We’re all very lucky to have you, Dani. Thanks for putting up with us. In all the ways we are each a lot."
"I wouldn’t have any of you any way other than how you are," she says, and I know she means it. "And thank you for being the one that will never, ever make me eat a salad."
I laugh. We eat plenty of salads around here, even when she’s not pregnant. During the season, I try to keep my diet pretty clean and healthy. But I’m definitely her enabler. Any cookie, pizza, or french fry this woman wants, I will get her. And I’ll fight anyone who tries to stand in my way.
I will happily keep that role for the rest of our lives.
