As always, Aaron was incredibly grateful for his wife, the kindest person he'd ever known. Few would have given him a second chance after his foolish, selfish actions. Yet, she still cared for him and wanted his happiness. It wasn't romantic love, but more than he deserved. He sidled up to her, snaked an arm around her waist, and pulled her close for a long kiss.

Keeley poked him. "Don't distract me; I'm watching the pasta."

"What about afterward?"

"Go play with the babies, Aaron."

Technically, that wasn't a "no." He happily obeyed, delighted to see their precious little faces after a long day. They had recently learned to smile, mirroring his grins with their own toothless ones—nearly as beautiful as their mother's.

Kaleb held Aaron's pinky finger while Violet kicked her legs and reached for him. He offered her his other hand, and she mirrored her brother.

"Hey, Keeley, I'm playing with the babies. About that kiss?" he ventured.

"You're hopeless," she called from the kitchen, her laughter audible.

That still wasn't a "no." He was confident he'd get his kiss later. Good. He could never get enough of her. Keeley was his lifeblood. Having her back, he wondered how he'd survived without her.

He put their son in his bouncer and carried Violet to tease her mother. Kaleb immediately wailed, not wanting to be left alone. He gave Violet to his wife, who was making the pasta sauce. She wasn't pleased. "What are you doing?"

"We wanted to be closer to you," he said, returning with Kaleb, who smiled at his success.

She made a dramatic face. "It's so difficult being everyone's favorite."

He moved closer to kiss her cheek. "It just means you're extra loved."

"Oh, I'm definitely feeling the love. Look, even the cats are rubbing against my ankles." Sure enough, they were, drawn by the commotion.

"Can you bring the bouncers in here? I can't finish dinner like this," Keeley said, frowning as she tried to support her daughter and stir simultaneously.

Aaron complied, and everyone ended up happy. Best of all, once the pasta sauce thickened, he got his kiss.

"I pictured you as more of a minimalist," Gray remarked upon entering the Hales' penthouse on Sunday.

Keeley laughed. "You should have seen it before I moved in. It was practically empty. Aaron wanted me to help redecorate."

Robert, holding Kaleb, smiled. "Ah yes, they dragged me along furniture shopping. They were so cute."

"Dad!" she complained. "Don't embarrass me."

"It's my job! Wait and see, Aaron, you'll have fun embarrassing your kids someday, too."

Aaron shrugged, bouncing Violet. He realized he should introduce Robert and Gray. It would be awkward, but his father-in-law knew his parents. He shouldn't be too shocked.

"Robert, this is my half-brother, Gray. We met about six months ago."

If surprised, Robert didn't show it. "Nice to meet you! I'd shake your hand, but I'm a little occupied."

"The pleasure's mine, Mr. Hall."

"No need for formalities, son. We're all family here."

Gray's smile was more genuine. Keeley was right; he wanted to feel like family.

Aaron ushered everyone upstairs to the Crock-Pot roast with carrots and potatoes. It had been kept warm. He and Robert reluctantly returned the babies to their bouncers—knowing crying fits were imminent—and went to the kitchen. Keeley served the food.

Everyone thanked her before digging in. Aaron had eaten gourmet meals, but nothing compared to his wife's cooking. There was something special about it.

"This is delicious, thank you, Keeley," Gray said charmingly.

"Wait until you try the brownies," Aaron said, earning an eye roll. She knew of his brownie obsession.

"That takes me back," Robert said nostalgically. "I remember Keeley making brownies for you at ten o'clock because you brought her scrapbooking supplies."

"Dad!"

Aaron hadn't realized she'd made them so late. She must have agonized over it. He imagined her younger self trudging to the kitchen, resigned, not wanting to owe him.

Those were dark days. How terrible if she'd remained angry?

Her eyes darted to him, apologetic. He smiled and shook his head. They were oddly in sync lately, likely from spending so much time together.

"How sweet," Gray said. "No wonder you liked her so much."

Aaron changed the subject before Robert mentioned her initial dislike, contradicting his previous account of their relationship. Different truths were confusing.

Rebirth was confusing, but he'd stopped caring about the "hows" and "whys" once Keeley remarried him. He had what he wanted.

"How have the Yankees been doing this season, Robert?" he asked, launching a lengthy sports discussion. What a relief!

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