Page 135 of My Favorite Boss

She leaned her head on my shoulder. “Okay.”

I stared down at my son, his red face, chubby cheeks, and tightly clenched fists the most beautiful things I had ever seen.

Aside from my amazing wife.

I met her sleepy eyes. “He’s perfect, Mommy.”

She smiled. “He needs a name.” He began to fuss, and she sighed. “And his mommy.”

I settled him beside her and sat next to her bed. “Do you still like Jensen?”

“I do.”

“Jensen Daniel Bane.”

“Oh,” she whispered, tears gathering in her eyes. “My dad would love that.”

“I love it. I love you. I love Nugget Jensen.”

She laughed and winced. “Stop it.”

I ran my knuckles down her cheek. “You were incredible today, Magnolia Bane. So strong and brave.”

“You were so calm it helped me,” she muttered sarcastically. “Honestly, Bane.”

I laughed. I had been a mess. Twice, the doctor had asked me if I had a medical degree and, if not, to step aside. But he let me cut the cord and take our son to his mother. It was a memory I would hold forever.

“Good thing I have you.”

She smiled at me. “You have us.”

I kissed her. “Even better.”

FOUR YEARS LATER - BANE

“Higher, Daddy!”

“That’s high enough, Jensen,” I replied. “Mommy said so.”

“And Daddy’s heart can’t take it,” I added silently.

He pumped his legs, not really caring. Then he pointed to the slide. “There!”

“Hands on the chains, Jensen!”

He laughed at me.

Laughed.

Then he jumped, landing squarely on his feet in the sand and heading to the slide. I looked over at Magnolia, who was laughing at me, shaking her head. “He’s fine, Daddy. Come sit.”

I sat beside her, leaning over to kiss her cheek and peek into the pram. Our six-month-old daughter, Ciara, was sleeping, her fist jammed into her rosebud mouth. Her brown hair was a mass of curls on her head, and her dark eyes were like her mommy’s.

She had me wrapped around her finger.

And my wife had me by the balls.

I was good with both.