“Yeah you do. It’s because I’m hysterical, and you—JJ, get down off the kitchen counter and put down the knife, please.”

“But—”

“JJ.”

He sighs. “Fine.”

I stare at Creed with wide eyes. “How did you do that? You weren’t even looking at him. He’s behind you.”

Creed shrugs. “It’s a dad thing. You know how Otter is already making awful dad jokes? It’s kind of like that, only better. It’s like a superpower. I know everyone says that the woman is all empowered and epic because they carry the kid, but I think us guys don’t get enough credit for all the shit we do.” He frowned. “But don’t tell Anna I said that. Because our couch sucks to sleep on.”

“I don’t tell dad jokes,” Otter grumbles as he comes into the kitchen. He kisses me on the forehead and goes to pour himself more coffee. It’s early yet, and we still have to drive to Eugene to meet with Megan and her boyfriend to go to a Lamaze class, something I am convinced is a disaster in the making.

“You texted me yesterday that part of a tree fell on your car,” Creed says. “And then you texted me a picture of a leaf on the hood.”

“Why?” I moan, putting my head down on the table.

“It was funny,” Otter insists.

“That’s your husband,” Creed says. “Good job not letting that one get away. JJ, if you put that fork in the socket, God is going to be very upset with you and will cancel Voltron.”

“He will?” JJ asks, eyes wide.

“Yes. And also probably Netflix.”

“But—but that’s rude.”

“So is the reaction your mother will have if I allow you to electrocute yourself. Stop it.” Creed sips his coffee and grins at AJ, who now has Cheerios stuck to his cheeks. “God, I can’t wait for school to start again. Make him the teacher’s problem.”

“Thanks,” I say wryly. “Really. Your support is tremendous.”

“Right? You’re welcome. Speaking of, how’s that going to work? Don’t you have to start administrative shit in August?”

Otter sits down next to me as I make a face. “Yeah. And I’ll be going back and working up until Megan gives birth. I get twelve weeks’ paternity leave, but then I’ll have to go back.”

“I’ll be staying home for now,” Otter says.

Creed grins. “Stay-at-home dad? Rock on. I can dig it. Annnnd you’re frowning, Bear.”

“He’s not very happy about it,” Otter says, patting my hand as I pout. “He wants to have longer, but we can’t afford for him to take the school year off, especially if there is no guarantee that he’ll pick up another contract next year. I mean, we can afford it, but it’s better to plan ahead.”