"Stop, Dad!" Tina yells, grabbing a box and dramatically announcing she's leaving until we stop "making out."
Andy tries picking up another box, but Malia swoops in to take it from him. She gives him an exaggerated air kiss and a loud "mwah" before heading out to load the car.
Andy sighs, walking over to me as I work on another box at the kitchen table. Tugging on my sleeve, he mutters, "You're all acting like I'm gravely injured. It'sridiculous."
"Andy, the doctor said you need to rest your hand. Is that what you want? For it not to heal right?"
He hesitates, then laughs. "Fine. What does that doctor even know, anyway?"
"Exactly," I say, playing along. "Who needs medical expertise?"
He laughs harder, and I kiss his temple, pulling him close. I make sure the girls are still outside before nuzzling into his neck.
Andy smiles against my shoulder, wrapping his arms around me and leaning his head on mine.
Those bright blue eyes of his always get to me. Every time he looks at me, it feels like falling into a deep, endless ocean of emotion.
How lucky am I, standing here with him in my arms, building a life together?
God, I love him.
I can't believe how everything unfoldedbetween us. My best friend. The person who knows me, all of me, and loves me anyway. It feels impossible. I never could have imagined a man like Andy stumbling into my life the way hedid.
The first time Isawhim, herana hand through his hair andstoodup to shake mine, flashing me that genuinely happy smile even thoughI wasover an hour late.I wasdone for. Hell, I even forgot to introduce myself. He had me right then and there.
I feel like the luckiest man alive to be holding him now, moving him into our house. Everything I go through to get to this moment... every mistake, every heartbreak... is worth it.
"I probably won't get used to you trying to take care of me, Vince," he murmurs against my shoulder.
"Yeah, you will."
I silence him by kissing the spot on his neck that I know drives him crazy. He laughs, his breath warm against my ear, and I feel a little thrill zip through me... maybe too much of a thrill. I clear my throat, trying to play it cool.
Malia is right. I'm a fucking creep, and if I don't get it together, I'm going to scar my daughters for life.
“What if I annoy you?” he asks.
"Hm, you're so annoying, Andy," I say dramatically. "God, I can't stand how annoying you arein your tight little pants. That's obviously why I beggedyou like a sorry little bitch to move in with me."
He laughs harder, and I can't help but laugh with him.
"Quit messing around, Vince, you—“ He pauses, caught off guard. “Oh."
He pulls back suddenly, his face flushed.
Okay, so he has noticed the situation happening in my pants.
"Vince," he hisses. "Are you serious?"
I grin and yank him closer, pressing his hips against mine. He pushes at my chest, laughing, but I don't let go.
"Stop being so offended by my spontaneous love for you," I teaseinto the side of his neck.
"Your love? That's more than—Vince, we are not doing this right here, right now, with the girls right outside—"
"I'm not doing anything."
"You're going to freak out the girls—"
