"Is that why your face is so red?"
"It's hot in here."
"You're such a liar."
She gives up trying to contain it and doubles over, wheezing with laughter."Oh, my god, Crue.You got into an argument with the special needs traffic line lady.You can't ever go back there again."
"Yeah?Well, I told her that you're the one who sent me to that line," I lie.
"You didn't," she gasps, her laughter drying up as her eyes practically bug out of her head.
"Oh, I did."
"Crue!"She launches herself at me like a little demon, practically climbing my body."Oh, my god.I'm going to strangle you!Now, neither of us can go back there.We're going to have to move schools!"
I catch her to me, swinging her around until she's in my arms bridal style, unable to follow through on her threats to murder me.And then I grin down at her."I love how easily you fall for my bullshit."
"Oh, thank God."She relaxes in my arms."I thought you were serious.Olivia loves her school.I love her school.Stop giving me angina, Crue."
"I've got something to give you, sweet girl.And it's not angina."
"Crue," she groans, rolling her eyes toward the baby."Not in front of the baby."
"Oh, I'm not going to give it to you in front of the baby, Éire.We're going to wait until the kids are asleep."I dip my head, brushing my lips across hers."And then I'm going to give it to you all night."
She moans, biting my bottom lip."Fine.But you get to do drop-off in the morning, then.I have an interview for the blog."
"Yeah?With who?"
"A drummer named Memphis Hughes."
Oh, fuck my life.It's been five years, and there are still far too damn many men around my wife.
"Yeah, absolutely not," I say."I'll be going to that bullshit with you."
She sighs, rolling her eyes."I know.I told him we'd be there at ten."
"Good girl."I grin at her.
"You're lucky I love you."
"I know."I brush my lips across her forehead."Real damn lucky, Éire."
"Yeah," she whispers.And then she touches my cheek, smiling."I'm pretty lucky, too, you know."
"Nah, baby.I'm married to the prettiest little goddess this side of forever.You're stuck with my ass.I'm the lucky one here."
"Crue."Her expression goes soft."I love you."
My eyes drift closed, those three little words hitting me right in the heart just like they always do.Even after five years, they still haven't lost their power over me.I don't think they ever will.Somehow, some way, I convinced her to stay.
I'm not lucky.I'm fucking blessed.
