By the time Aaron got home, Keeley was emotionally exhausted from her colleague's rejection and Violet's clinginess after preschool. The second he came upstairs, she threw her arms around him and held on for three solid minutes. Absorbing his love and affection helped recharge her.

"Rough day?" he asked sympathetically.

"Don't get me started."

Aaron's arms tightened around her, and he kissed the top of her head. "I expect the full story later."

"Daddy, Daddy, guess what I did at preschool today!" Kaleb yelled excitedly, circling his parents.

Aaron released Keeley to pick up his son and toss him briefly in the air, making him laugh. "What?"

Kaleb recounted his preschool adventures, repeating the story he'd told Keeley in the car. Aaron listened intently, a soft smile on his face. He was so good with the kids; she fell a little more in love with him each time she saw him interact with them.

Violet emerged from behind the couch, where she'd cornered Dinah, and tugged on Aaron's pant leg. She proceeded to list her preschool grievances. He picked her up, and she snuggled against him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I don't wanna go back, Daddy. I wanna go to work with Mommy."

"You can't go to work with Mommy; it's too dangerous for little kids. But if you're really good and don't cry about preschool the rest of the week, you can come to work with me on Monday," Aaron offered.

Violet's eyes shone with excitement. "Okay, Daddy! I'll be good!"

Crisis averted. Keeley often marveled at his skill with children, considering his lack of prior experience and positive role models growing up. He was a natural.

He set the children down to change out of his suit. Violet ran to get him a cookie, even though dinner was almost ready.

"I helped," she announced, handing him the cookie.

Aaron ruffled her hair. "You're such a good helper! Thank you, Vi."

The little girl beamed and climbed onto the kitchen chair beside him. Keeley had to call Kaleb three times before he came to the table. She served pasta, ensuring the children wore bibs before eating. They might be past highchairs, but they were still messy.

The kids played with their dad for an hour and a half after dinner before bath time. They loved baths but hated what followed: the dreaded bedtime. Robert had been right; bedtime was the worst part of the day at this age. Neither child wanted to sleep!

After three bedtime stories, two lullabies, and some crying, the children were asleep. Keeley collapsed onto the couch, exhausted. Aaron joined her, and she immediately cuddled close.

"Want to tell me about today now?" he asked gently.

"It was awful," she admitted. "Everyone knew I'd bought my way in, and one research assistant accused me of it to my face. At least the other one was nice—he was my TA ten years ago, and he actually remembered me. I didn't recognize him."

Her husband frowned, and she knew his thoughts. "Don't worry; he's married with a kid. I'm just surprised he remembered me, since I didn't. You meet so many people in college; it's impossible to remember them all."

"Who gave you a hard time?"

Keeley recognized the tone—the "I'll destroy the world for my wife" tone.

"Actually, I don't think I should tell you. She shouldn't be fired for disliking me. That's childish."

Aaron scowled. "Still, someone should teach her a lesson. You worked hard for your degree. You have just as much right to be there as anyone else."

His words validated her. She had worked hard—pulling countless all-nighters, sacrificing free time, even finishing her dissertation while heavily pregnant. She was as much a scientist as any other DOMA researcher.

Part of her discouragement stemmed from her limited social network as a stay-at-home mom. When the twins were infants, she saw almost no one outside of their small circle of friends. As they grew older, she chatted with other moms at the playground or Kaleb's soccer, but it wasn't much. She'd looked forward to making new friends at work. If things continued this way, that dream would be crushed.

"I know, but it's hard feeling like an outsider," Keeley admitted. "I'm going to try bribing her with cookies tomorrow."

Aaron laughed. "Taking a page from my book, huh? It works on the most stubborn people eventually. It worked on you, after all."

She stuck out her tongue, having thought the same thing. It had worked on her. He'd slowly spoiled her until he'd won her back.

Despite her resistance, she was profoundly grateful he hadn't given up. Rough day aside, she loved her life and wouldn't trade it.

She tilted her head to kiss his jaw. "I love you, Aaron."

He kissed her passionately. "I love you too. So much. Why don't we watch the first Star Wars movie? That should cheer you up."

Touched, she had another idea. "We can watch it tomorrow. Right now, I want to go to bed early, if you know what I mean."

Keeley winked as she rose, and he eagerly followed. He definitely knew what she meant—an offer he couldn't refuse.