“I don’t know if forgive is the right word. I understand.” I jam my hands in my pockets. “I’m not as worried about her leaving again as I was.”

“Nothing worth having comes without risking your heart.” She grins and squeezes her hands together. “I’m so happy for you. This is perfect.”

“We’re far from perfect, but I’m damn happy.”

“You deserve to be happy, Z. And I can’t think of a better man for Lilly.”

I like that Hope sees me that way. Settling down with one woman, fatherhood, neither of those things seemed appealing to me before I met Lilly. And honestly, I wasn’t sure I was cut out for it.

Sometimes I’m still not.

“I love the club and everything, but I also really love just being home with both of them. I don’t know, doing small stuff.”

“Chemistry is wonderful, and from what I’ve heard, you two have it in abundance.”

A rumble of laughter explodes out of me. “You could say that.”

“But,” her expression turns soft and dreamy, “I think the real magic comes from all the beautiful, ordinary moments you share together. That’s where the love grows, and where the foundation for a relationship that will go the distance flourishes.”

“Christ, woman, you’re going to make me tear up here.”

“I’ve had a lot of time to ponder this.”

Something in her tone makes me ask, “You miss working?”

“Honestly? Not yet. I haven’t had time to. And I don’t care how silly any of my lawyer friends think it is, but Grace will only be this little once. I don’t want to miss it.”

“Anyone who runs their mouth is probably jealous they couldn’t spend time with their own kids.”

She gives me a thoughtful nod. “Maybe. Everyone’s journey is different, you know? I just wish some wouldn’t judge so harshly.”

“Someone give you shit, Hope? Do I need to kick some ass?” I make a big show of cracking my knuckles. “Because I’ll do it.”

“No.” She laughs. “I’m fine.”

Before I give it too much thought, my biggest fear jumps out of my mouth. “I’m worried this happy phase won’t last and I’ll get bored eventually and do something stupid. I don’t want to hurt her.”

“Oh, Z,” she touches my arm. “I think the fact that you’re worried about that is a sign it won’t be an issue. You’re going to go through ups and downs. It can’t be all sunshine and rainbows a hundred percent of the time. Those down times will help you appreciate the rainbows so much more.”

“Interesting way to put it.”