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Dani glances over at me and gives me a smile that makes my heart swell. “Thank you,” she says softly. “You’re going to be a great father too.”
I reach over and take her hand, lacing her fingers with mine. I lift her hand to my mouth and give her a light kiss.
It’s been two weeks since I got back from Decatur. Things have been good between all of us in the new house. We’ve settled into a pleasant routine with the four of us. But also, since our date night at the bookstore, Dani and I have been communicating well, and it feels like we’re rock solid. I can’t imagine that life could be any better.
Unless Dani was my wife and we were expecting a baby together.
That would be everything I’ve ever wanted.
“I see,” Deb says, and her voice is gleeful.
“You’ve stepped in it, Hughes,” Garrett says dryly.
“I haven’t stepped in anything,” I tell him. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
I am. This is my idea of a perfect night out. We’re in a small, intimate restaurant with ambient lighting, excellent tapas, with old friends and my favorite girl. The conversation flows for the next two hours with lots of laughter until finally Deb calls it.
“I’m getting drunk,” she declares. “And tomorrow I’m going to regret it if we don’t head out now.”
Garrett sighs, but he nods. “Baby Satan, I mean June, gets up at five a.m. most mornings. Deb is right.”
“Do not call our daughter Baby Satan,” Deb says, though her eyes are sparkling with humor and love for her husband.
“I call ‘em like I see ‘em.” Garrett raises his hand for the check. “You two can stay if you’d like but I’m ready for bed.”
“We might stay out for a bit,” I say, when I look over at Dani. She nods in agreement. “It’s only ten.”
“Oh, my God, this is the latest I’ve been out in three years,” Deb says. “When did I get old?”
Garrett must be a little drunk too, because he says to me, “You have the right idea dating a younger woman.” Then he realizes instantly that was the wrong thing to say. “Fuck, that didn’t sound right. Deb, baby, you know I think you’re young and hot and…and…everything.” He gives her a sloppy kiss on her cheek.
“Just shut up, please, you’re making it worse.” Deb rolls her eyes but she doesn’t look offended.
I know she feels secure in their relationship and Garrett thinks she hung the moon. He knows he couldn’t survive without her.
“I mean it, you’re my life.”
“Just take me home and put your tongue to better use.”
I almost choke on my wine.
Garrett falls back in his chair. “Damn. Okay. Done and done.” He starts to pull his wallet out.
I wave him off. “Don’t worry about it. This one’s on me. For the spilled beer. Take your wife home.”
“If we get pregnant tonight, I’m blaming you,” he says as he pushes his chair back.
“Ifweget pregnant tonight, likewise.” I gesture between me and Dani. I mean it as a joke, but Dani’s eyes widen a little.
“Oh, Jesus,” Deb says. “On that note, I’m taking my drunk and sweaty husband home. Garrett, order an Uber.”
We all stand up and Deb hugs Dani. “It was delightful to meet you. Michael is a great guy, though I’m sure you already know that.”
“He is,” Dani agrees, hugging Deb back.
“And it’s obvious to me why he’s fallen in love with you.” Deb pulls back and smiles at her. “Let’s go to lunch some time.”
Dani looks pleased and agrees. I’m happy as well. Deb wouldn’t extend the invitation if she didn’t genuinely like Dani. She would be polite when needed but nothing more.
