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My arms tightened around her.

“I love you, too, Aspen.”

She squeezed me just a little bit tighter before letting me go.

“But I’m still not admitting that ketchup is an acceptable sandwich topping.”

I ruffled her hair, knocking her ponytail sideways. “Well, somebody has to be wrong in this life. It might as well be you.”

She gave me a look that clearly said she didn’t agree.

“What’s for dinner?” She asked, changing the subject.

“Eggs.”

“Let me guess. Scrambled eggs and ketchup.”

“If you don’t like it, you know where the door is.” I informed her, knowing she wouldn’t leave.

Her smile was brilliant.

“I’m not staying for the eggs. I’m staying for the good company.”

We walked out of the den arm in arm, and I was glad I had my arm around her when Lock slammed into her the moment we’d crossed the threshold to the living room.

“Aunt Pen!” He screamed. “We’re getting another puppy.”

My mouth dropped open.

“Who the hell told you that?” I snapped.

“Mommy said.”

“Mommy most certainly didn’t say that!” I told him. “I said she was having another baby, not a fuck…”

“Downy, you finish that curse word in front of my kids, and I’ll forget you like your socks to match for the next week.”

I snapped my mouth shut and glared at my wife.

“You wouldn’t.”

“Try me.” She countered.

Aspen started to snicker. “I can’t wait to see what three babies do to your gray hairs.”

I sighed.

“Fuckin’ a.”

“You got that right, big brother.”

A flourish at the door had both of my kids screaming in excitement as their Uncle Drew came through the door, and I grinned when both latched onto his legs.

“You did good with him. You know that, right?” I asked my sister.

Aspen’s eyes met mine.

“I do.” She promised.