Aaron had dealt with more than the usual number of incompetent coworkers that day, and by the time he got home, he practically melted onto his wife's shoulder. Keeley patted his head indulgently.

"What happened this time?" she asked.

"Three different department heads failed to coordinate their proposals, so the meeting was a disaster," Aaron complained. "Jeremy and I spent the rest of the day trying to fix their paperwork; it was a mad dash all over the office. I'm getting too old for this nonsense."

He might be fifty years old, but he felt nearly a century old. He would hand over his empire to Jeremy in a heartbeat, if not for Keeley's career. Staying home all day while she worked would drive him insane.

He had already decided to retire the second she did, so they could spend their remaining years together. He doubted they would get another chance at rebirth; this life was it.

They had already done so much they hadn't done in their first life. But he wanted to do everything possible with Keeley.

He'd traveled extensively for business between lives, but it wasn't the same as sightseeing with his wife, her hand in his, eagerly pulling him along, commenting on everything. Traveling with her was one of his favorite things.

Even that couldn't surpass the casual intimacy of raising their family. Knowing she was waiting for him each dayseeing her smile as she played with their childrenholding her whenever he wantedhe never tired of it.

Being comforted after a long day was wonderful, like now, as Keeley led him to a chair and began massaging his shoulders. "I know it's exhausting, honey. But you know you'd go crazy if you weren't working. Why not give Jeremy more responsibility? It might help you relax, and he'd probably love it," she suggested.

Keeley made a valid point. Jeremy thrived on work and, being single, would likely welcome more to do on weekends. He was the rare breed who preferred work above all else.

People once thought Aaron was the same, but that was never true. When younger, he'd done what his father expected because he didn't know any better. Later, he tried to prove himself but only drove his wife away.

In this life, he worked hard only to overthrow Alistair. Afterward, his focus was his family; improvements to Hale Investments were largely incidental, as he waited for Jeremy to succeed him.

Aaron's happiness came from his wife and children, not his business. He was proud of his accomplishments, but they weren't his priority. Frankly, he was prouder of Keeley's achievements.

She was the first to make gene therapy a viable treatment. Someday, she would likely be in history books alongside other famous scientists, such as the discoverer of penicillin. As a Nobel Prize nominee, she had already surpassed her dreams.

"I think I'll do that," Aaron sighed contentedly. "You always have the best ideas."

Keeley kissed his cheek. "Flatterer."

"It's not flattery if it's true."

She laughed and continued the massage. The tension in his shoulders melted away. This was the life. Waiting for her after their rebirth had been absolutely worth it!

He closed his eyes and leaned his head against his wife's stomach, not opening them until he heard the elevator door open. That must be Violet; Nathan had class tonight.

"Dad, are you busy?" she asked hesitantly, seeing his position.

Aaron sighed inwardly—the massage was cut short—but smiled. "I'm never too busy for you. What's up?"

Relief crossed her face. Unlike his own father, he always tried to be there for his children. He'd never broken their trust and intended to keep it that way.

Violet sat down and seriously asked, "Will you help me find an apartment? It's time for me to move out."

Aaron and Keeley exchanged a look. Violet, moving out? Their homebody daughter who didn't even want dorm life? Only one thing could explain this.

He should have known, from the moment she started dating Noah. They'd always been close, but nothing romantic.

They and the Singletons knew nothing would come of it when they were younger. But now

Because Noah was always around, Aaron practically considered him family. He liked and trusted him with Violet's well-being, but he was also a man with years of pent-up feelings. Aaron knew it was only a matter of time before things heated up.

"Of course, sweetie. But promise me you'll use protection," Aaron said gravely.

Violet covered her face. "Dad! What's wrong with you?! I want to move out, not build a love nest!"

"I'm just saying," he replied innocently, "in case you do happen to—"

"I am not talking about this! If you aren't going to take my request seriously, I'm going upstairs."

Aaron realized his daughter had no such intentions. He breathed a sigh of relief; she was still innocent. But for how long?

"I'm taking it seriously," he promised. "Tell me what you're looking for."

Thus began a lengthy discussion between father, daughter, and mother (contributing from the kitchen) about Violet's dream home.

The final paragraph, including the website plug, has been removed as it's not part of the story itself.