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Right…like the kids weren’t already set on this course. Another nod. “Yes, I would like that.” I stilled. “You realize I don’thaveto move in, right?” I needed him to see I wasn’t helpless or homeless.

He cocked his head.

“You’re always coming in and rescuing people. You think you love me because you see me as damaged. As needing rescue.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Are you sure?” I held still.

“Oh.” He furrowed his brow. “You think I’m saying I love you because I think you need to be rescued, and that I think it’s love because I can save you.” He rubbed his forehead. “That makes my head hurt.”

“I’m saying even if I don’t move in with you, that I’ll be okay. I’ve come to grips with what happened. I have to say—it helps to know Gary’s in jail for a long time.” I smiled. “And I love you, too. I think I might’ve even back then. God knew, when I thought of my future, I wanted an egalitarian relationship most of the time…but also someone I could be a pup with.” I pressed my hand to his cheek. “I just can’t believe I found you again. And, to be clear, again, I’m telling you that I love you, too. Probably always have and definitely always will. Keegan and Alaina are a bonus. I never thought I’d have kids—”

“And now you’re basically signing up to co-parent. If you want.”

“I want.” I chuckled. “I think they’re onboard with that as well.”

“They are.”

“And dogs.”

“And dogs.”

“We’re going to be very busy.”

He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “We’ll figure this out. We just have to keep the lines of communication open.”

“Yep.” I stilled.

“What?”

“How do you…?” I cleared my throat. “How do you envision the pup thing happening? I put that side of me away for a very long time, and I didn’t do well with that. I’ve found my Daddy…but the kids come first.”

“Yeah.” He toyed with my hair. “We’re not going to tell them—”

“Uh, no.”

“But I agree we need time together as Daddy and pup.”

“Yes.”

He rubbed my shoulder. “The kids are away at school. I work from home on a flexible schedule. I don’t know about you…”

“Obviously I can’t get away when we have campers.”

“That’s a given.”

“But I’ve got a flexible schedule as well. I’m okay with Daddy/pup time while the kids are at school. Also…” I met his gaze. “I would love to go to a pup night if there is such a thing these days. You could hang out with the Daddies while I get to do puppy piles.” Excitement grew within me. Then a little impishness. “Do you think Arnav and Foster would be interested in joining us? Because once you see something, you kind of can’t unsee it.”

He guffawed. “That’s true. And yes, I’ll ask Arnav.” He smiled. “We can make this work.” He scratched my scalp. “I love you, pup.”

“I love you, Daddy. I’m amazed you’re still awake.”

He arched an eyebrow, then laughed. “It’s been a struggle—but you’re worth it.” He rolled onto his back and pulled me into his side.

I ran my hand through his chest hair. “I didn’t know I could be this happy.”

“You’ll always be my priority, Jai. You and the kids.”