“Turns out being a dad isn’t that hard when you have the right woman by your side,” Dad pointsout.
Lex’s hand returns to my thigh, and I press mine on its back, entwining my fingers with his. “I have no doubt your daughter will make an amazing mom. But I didn’t grow up in the best environment, and I’m still on a journey toward understanding what being a family means.”
“We’re happy to help you with that,mijo,” my mom says with warmth.
“And in the meantime,” Abuela chimes in, “you two can keep training for the real thing like Olympic athletes.”
It’s my father’s turn to choke on what he’s eating. Kate does her best to quench her laughter, and my mom tries to think of something to say but fails. As for myself, my face warms up. But the awkward silence doesn’t persist, and everyone quickly finds new conversations to occupy the rest of our dinner.
Thepastel de tres lechesmy abuela made is a resounding success, like always, and then we all help clean up and bring everything back to the table. Because the dishes used to be my chore, I end up at the sink, washing everything while Lex assists me with a towel. The others have returned to the living room, so it’s just him and me.
“Lex?” I ask after a moment in my own thoughts.
“Hm?”
“You really meant wanting kids?”
He doesn’t answer immediately, and his hesitation makes my heart sink. Before I can overthink, he explains himself. “One of the reasons I never wanted any is because autism is genetic. That’s why I decided a long time ago I wouldn’t have children of my own. But you love me despite the way I am, so you can love a child who would be like me, right?”
Deeply affected by his insecurities, I put the pan in the sink and turn to him. “I love youbecauseof the way you are, not despite it. AndofcourseI’d love our children, regardless of how they are. And if one, or none, or all of them are like you, baby, there won’t be a single day where they won’t feel loved and cherished.”
“So you wouldn’t blame me if I passed it to our children?” he asks, still uncertain.
“Of course not. What kind of person would I be if I did, Lex? I love you, and I’d love them just the same—probably more.”
He nods slowly, still wary despite believing me.
Ignoring my soapy hands, I come closer and hook my arms around his broad neck. His strong arm comes around me, holding me in his embrace. “I’m more worried about what having your gigantic babies will do to mychocha,” I say with humor.
His tone matches mine when he answers, “I promise to keep loving it no matter the damage.”
His laugh is contagious, and he tugs me closer. “Is it like the girlfriend thing?” he wonders. “Do I have to officially ask?”
“It can’t hurt,” I say with a shrug.
“Then, Andrea Walker, will you do me the honor of having my children sometime in the future?”
Jesus fuck, I love this man beyond sanity. “Yes, I will have your babies, Alexander Coleman. But I want you all to myself for a little longer,” I declare before pulling him down to kiss him passionately.
My soapy hands tangle in his thick hair as I allow myself to drown in him. There’s something enthralling about knowing his DNA will mix with mine to create the most perfect creature, like an ode to our love, the epitome of it. And I think he feels the same because there’s a longing intensity in the way he kisses me back.
“More scrubbing the dishes, less scrubbing each other,” Maria Carmen orders, returning to the kitchen with one last dish to wash.
We let go of one another, a little embarrassed to have been caught in such an intimate moment. “Are you jealous, MC?” I ask her as I return to the sink.
“Nieta, I’m far past my fun years. I’ll let you have this one.”
“How presumptuous of you to think you could steal my boyfriend from me…”
“I actually might leave you for your abuela if she asks nicely,” Lex says.
She’s right by us now, and there’s something youthful in the mischievous smile she gives Lex. “Be ready at dawn,guapo. We’ll catch the first flight to Vegas and tie the knot.”
“Why wait until the morning? Why not leave right now?” Lex counters, very entertained by this little game they’re playing.
Half-appalled and half-amused, I decide to stop it right there by suggesting, “Or, you could stick with me and havemein fifty years, Lex. I’m pretty sure I’ll be like her by then.”
“But you’ll have freckles.”
