Jensen’s in a recliner in the corner, holding the baby, a soft smile in his eyes.
“Hey guys,” Alley says, her voice cheery.
Jensen stands, and Megan beelines to him. “Oh my God,” she coos. “He’s so perfect. Can I hold him?”
“Yep. Just wash your hands first,” Jensen says.
Megan, Jordan, and Kevin head to the sink while I make my way over to Alley.
“Hey Al,” I say, kissing the top of her head and leaning in for a half-hug. “How you doing? Jensen said you were a champ.”
“I’m so good,” she says, wrapping an arm around my neck. “Thank you for coming. Means a lot to us.”
“Of course. Wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
I stand and turn to Jensen. “Hey, man,” I say, clapping him softly on the back. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks, brother.”
Megan swoops in. “Okay, hands are washed. Auntie Meg needs to hold this boy. And can you please tell us his name already? We’re dying here.”
Jensen looks at Alley.
She grins. “Everybody, this is Roman.”
We all react at once.
“Oh my God. I love it,” Megan says, scooping her hands around him. Jensen hands him off. “Hi, Roman. Come see your Auntie Meg.”
We get comfortable, settling in for an afternoon of catch-up and all things baby.
I drapemy arm around Jordan’s shoulder. We’re seated on the sofa that doubles as a bed against the back wall, a large window right above it.
My heart cinches tight watching Megan pass Jordan the baby. And I can’t even explain what’s going on inside my body, but nothingabout it feels manly, or like something I’d ever want to admit out loud.
One thing’s for sure: I can’t take my eyes off my wife holding this baby.
“Look how sweet he is,” Jordan whispers. “God, is it crazy that this is making me want a baby?” she asks, glancing at me.
“Only crazy if you’re planning on Matt being the father,” Megan jokes.
Christ.
“I think Matt would be a great dad,” Alley chimes in.
I look at Alley. “Thanks, Al.”
I dart Megan a glare. I know she’s just poking the bear, trying to get me or Jordan to say something, admit something. And maybe it shouldn’t feel this good to dodge her questions, but it does.
It’s almost worth the jabs.
Meg and I have always had a weird relationship. We fought like hell growing up. She was fucking mean to me and Jensen, and we definitely overdid the wholeYou on your period?joke.
Somewhere in college, between the partying, the heartbreaks, and the growing up, we started bonding on a deeper level. I was the “brother” she came to after her first real boyfriend broke her heart. And she was there for me when Jordan was in France.
We’ve always given each other shit. It’s just our love language.
“I’m just teasing, calm down.” Megan laughs, then sobers. “But seriously, I think you’d be a great dad. You’re my kids’ favorite uncle.”
