He shakes his head. “Does she think she always gets first dibs?”

“Yup. It’s a best-friend thing.”

He laughs. “I’m going to tell her she just needs to be grateful she’s out of the funeral home.”

“It’s your fault. You’re the one that basically doesn’t even charge her rent and lets her get away with murder.”

“What am I supposed to do? She’s your best friend.”

“Good point.” I take another bite of the meatloaf. “Oh, this is good.”

He smiles proudly.

I set my fork down and reach for his hand. The wedding band that he placed on my finger five months ago sparkles in the light. It’s a double halo with pink diamonds set in platinum and is absolutely over the top. It’s entirely more than the simple band I suggested, but I love it because Cole picked it out for me. He said the color reminded him of the way I blush when I’m smiling. How sweet is that?

I’m caught off guard every single day by this man’s attentiveness. The way he prioritizes me and Ethan is astounding. Watching him balance all the things on his plate—the real estate company he runs with his dad (which delights Lawrence to no end), the baseball league, helping at Skoolie’s when I need a hand, and managing the house remodel—brings tears to my eyes regularly.

This is what love looks like.

Cole is forever asking for my input on things. He values my opinion, even if I don’t have any experience in the topic at hand. He treats me with respect and won’t stand for anyone not doing the same. He’s involved in everything Ethan does—from school to baseball to Fortnite.

He even got his own game system so they can do it together.

My husband might not understand how much peace this gives me, but he’s truly an answer to my prayers. Ethan has such a strong role model in Cole—both on the baseball field and off. He is shown every day what love, family, and respect truly mean. I now know that Cole modeled himself off Lawrence—a damn good man in his own right. A man I love, too, and a man who loves me and my son like his own.

“You’re pretty incredible, do you know that?” I ask.

“Yeah. I know.”

He winks as I try to jerk my hand away.

“I have something to ask you,” he says softly.

There’s a twinkle in his eye that makes my insides wobble. I’ve come to learn that this particular glimmer means that he’s up to something—something he’s not sure how I’m going to take.

“What?” I ask.