“You do?”
Sniffling, she nods. “Noah came to see me. He explained about the inmate rehabilitation program and?—”
“Holy shit.” I didn’t see that coming. “What did he tell you?”
“Not much,” she admits. “And the thing is, he shouldn’t need to tell me anything. I need to trust you to do what’s right. You’re a grown-ass man who can make responsible decisions for himself and the people he loves. I should have trusted you to do that. I should have known in my heart you’d never do anything to jeopardize your freedom, your safety . . . your future with me and our family.”
“You’re right,” I say, swallowing hard again. “You and the girls mean everything to me. I swear on my life—I will always do my best to put you and our daughters first.”
“I trust you,” she says as her fingers graze mine. “And I admire how hard you’ve worked to put your past behind you. It was my mistake thinking I should ask you to pretend it never happened. I didn’t fall in love with some polished, goody-two-shoes version of you. I fell in love with the man who’s been shaped by mistakes and missteps. I love you for who you are, Luke—not who I wish you could be.”
“Shit.” Now I’m on the brink of tears. “I love you, too. You’re so fucking brave and beautiful, and I love waking up every morning just marveling that you’re the woman I’ll be tied to forever. No matter what happens between us, you’re the mother of my children. You’ve already given me the one thing I never dreamed I could have. A family of my own, and a smart, stunning, generous woman who’s just as excited as I am to raise daughters to be courageous and funny and kind.”
“I want that so much.” A tear rolls down her cheek, and she dashes it away. “I know on the surface it seems like we’re opposites. We probably are in most ways. But we’re the same in all the spots that matter. We both love to laugh. We believe in showing up and working hard to make the world a better place. We value family, and we both want a home filled with love. I want that with you, Luke—only with you.”
“I want the same thing.” Goddamn, I didn’t think I could get this happy. “Hazel, I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.” Taking my hand, she squeezes it. “You have my word I won’t walk away again without talking things through. I’ll give you the respect of hearing you out instead of jumping to conclusions.”
“I can promise the same.”
She draws a shuddery breath. “I don’t have much experience with healthy relationships, but I should have known giving you the benefit of the doubt would be a better way to handle things. I’ll probably screw up again, and I’ll get scared—so scared.” Her fingers tighten around mine. “But I know I don’t want to lose you. You’re my person, Luke. The man I’m meant to be with. I want to build a life together. To raise our daughters together and grow old and wrinkled together.”
“God, Hazel.” She’s describing my literal dream. “I want that, too. All of those things, but I especially want them with you.”
“Here.” She lets go of my hand and pulls something out of her pocket. “I want you to have this.”
I stare as she places a watch in my palm. “Is that the crazy-expensive watch you got for your father?”
“The Breitling Navitmer, yes. And hearing that out loud convinces me this is another lame, overpriced gift.” She makes a face. “But these past few months, I’ve come to realize that you are the true number one dad. You’re selfless and sweet and creative and funny. You know what it means to lead by example. You show up for the people you love. You’re sentimental and humble and so full of heart. I know, without even meeting our daughters yet, that you will be exactly the dad they need. The very best dad in the universe.”
I study the watch, which is nicer than anything I’ve ever owned. “Think we can change the engraving to say that?”
“Look at the back,” she says, smiling.
I flip it over, laughing as I take in the words. “Dead Sexy Daddy,” I read off the back. “Nice.”
“It seemed fitting, since you are. But you’re also the man who makes me laugh again and again with your irreverent sense of humor. I didn’t know how much I needed that until you came into my life.”
“I’ll wear it proudly.” Chuckling, I fasten the watch on my wrist. “And I promise to never lose sight of my drive to be a great dad.”
“Right. Well, while we’re on the subject.” She turns and grabs a file folder off the changing table. When she turns back around, she holds it in front of her like a shield. “Your father’s a prick.”
“Uh . . . okay.” I didn’t see that coming. “Care to elaborate?”
“I met him. Well, not in person. Just a video call, but that was enough.”
“Noah again?” It’s just a guess, but she nods, and I’m not the least bit surprised. “Meddling asshole.”
“Pretty much.” She looks down at the folder. “Your father is an accomplished man who’s done a lot of good in the world, and I have his entire dossier here if you want to look at it. But the bottom line is that he’s just not dad material. Some men aren’t, and that sucks.” She presses the folder into my hands. “But you are, Luke. You were born to be a dad. A role model, a nurturer, a healer, a helper. And also an amazing partner. I’m so lucky I met you and even luckier that damn condom broke.”
Laughing, I set the file on the dresser. Then I open my arms and pull her to me. “Hazel, honey—I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but it must’ve been something great. I promise that no matter what, I’ll do my best to communicate with you honestly. I won’t let my desire to impress you trump my need to be open and honest and straightforward. We can handle tough conversations together. I believe in us, Hazel. I believe in you.”
“God, I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
It’s a challenge to hug her. The oversized beach ball of her belly makes it tricky, but we manage somehow. “I promise to be the best father and co-parenting partner I can possibly be to you.”
