Page 165 of The Widower
“How are the kids?” she asked.
“They fought a little, but they’re fine now.”
I told Isabelle the story, and she burst out laughing by the time I finished.
“I can’t believe the men in this house can’t say no to Hanna. It’s unbelievable!”
“Guilty as charged. I can’t help it—and honestly, now that applies to both of them. But someone else here also has trouble saying no to Joshua…”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She stepped aside, feigning innocence.
“Oh, really?” I caught her by the waist, pulling her close. She shot me a suspicious look—she knew I was right.
“Okay, maybe a little trouble. Just a little,” she admitted.
I kissed her, then pressed my lips to her forehead.
“You know I love you, right?”
“Yes. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have married someone who drives you insane. I’m not easy to handle, but… neither are you.”
I lifted Isabelle in my arms and nipped lightly at her neck, brushing my stubble against her skin. Her laughter filled the room, mixed with little squeals.
“Stop it!I hate being tickled, Colin!”
“Not my problem! You’re gonna regret saying that.”
I carried her in my arms, still teasing her. When we passed the kids, they burst out laughing at the sight of their mother dangling off my back.
“What are you gonna do with her, Dad?”
“I’m putting her in time-out—and I’m gonna do terrible things to your mother.”
I made a goofy face as I hoisted Isabelle onto my back.
“Stop it, Colin,” she said between laughter and mock panic, because she knew exactly what I had in mind. “That’s not fair!”
“Oh, you’ll see, sweetheart.”
“Kids! Don’t let your father do this to me!”
“So, what do you say, kids?” I asked. “Can I make your mom suffer a little?”
They exchanged glances and then grinned at each other.
“Yeah, I’m fine with that,” Hanna said first.
“Me too,” Joshua chimed in.
“Great kids I’ve got…” Isabelle muttered.
I didn’t waste any time—I took off running with Isabelle clinging to my back like a koala.
It’s in these moments, the ones that seem so ordinary, that you realize life is made up of little details that mean everything.
I can honestly say I’m a happy man—a fulfilled man.And I love my family with every bit of who I am.
EPILOGUE
