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“So,” Max said to her after Caden had left the room, “that happened.”
Lexi held up her hand for another look at the gorgeous ring. “It sure did.”
“Are you happy, love?”
“You really have to ask? I’ve never been so happy. Not only do I get you, but I get your wonderful, adorable son and a new baby to love and your big family and this town I love so much. I spent a decade in and out of the hospital dreaming of the life I have now. Yes, Max, I’m happy. Are you?”
“God, yes. I never knew this kind of happy was possible. It’s even better than it was the first time around.”
“Because we know now how precious it is.”
“Yes, we do. When do you want to get married?”
“Can we wait until after the baby so I’m not pregnant in the pictures?”
He gave her hand a gentle tug, brought her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. “Whatever you want, sweetheart.”
“I have everything I’ve ever wanted—and then some.”
“Me, too,” Max said, kissing her. “Me, too.”
Later that night,Max tucked Caden into bed. “Thanks for your support earlier. It meant a lot to me and Lexi.”
“You wouldn’t be engaged if it wasn’t for me,” Caden said with a grin.
“That’s true. Thanks for giving me the push.”
Caden shrugged. “It’s what you wanted. I just helped you get it.”
“You know that if you weren’t happy about Lexi and the baby, I couldn’t be either.”
“I know. Grammy told me that you couldn’t be happy unless I was.”
Max tipped his head as he gazed at Caden. “She said that?”
“Uh-huh. She said you really loved Lexi and that it was important to you that I do, too, or you wouldn’t be happy. I want you to be happy.”
“Grammy is very wise.”
“She’s the best grammy.”
“She sure is.” Max bent to kiss his forehead. “Get some sleep, pal. I love you.”
“Hey, Dad?”
“Yeah?”
“Will you love the baby more than you love me?”
Max shook his head. “I’ll love the baby differently than I love you. You and me… We’ll always be special friends because of the seven years we were a team. Nothing and no one could ever change the bond we have. You know that, right?”
He nodded.
“I’ll love the baby so, so much, but you and me…” Max held up his hand for a fist bump. “Best friends forever.”
Caden smiled and returned the fist bump. “Best friends forever.”
“Night, buddy. Sleep tight.”
