Page 27 of Love ’em or Liam

He and my sister were right, I’m not frigid.

That and I’m pretty sure Liam might be a sex expert. He’s a sexpert. I snort.

“What are you laughing about?” he asks.

“I’ll tell you later. It’s not really for small ears.” I look to the backseat again, where Keller is busy telling Banjo all about her new home.

“I think she loves me, Mom,” Keller says, his voice filled with wonder.

“I think she definitely does.”

“I want her to sleep in my room. Not in my bed, but maybe beside my bed. On the floor. Can she do that, Liam? Can Banjo sleep in my room?”

“It’s okay with me, bud. But your mama has the final say.”

Keller’s eyes flick to my face. “Yes, it’s okay with me. But if you change your mind, that’s okay too.” My son nods, then goes back to talking to the dog, now telling her all about his awesome room.

“You know, you don’t need to buy his affection. He genuinely likes you, I can tell.”

“Is that what you think? That’s not at all it. Remember when I said I picked that house because of the backyard?”

“Yes.”

“It’s made for a dog. I even have everything already bought at home. It’s just been in the garage waiting for me to pick a pup and bring them home. But letting Keller pick made more sense to me. I guess I should have asked you about it first?”

“Oh, that’s not what I mean. I just want you to know that we’re all in this too.”

“Oh yeah? Like a real family?” His eyes flash when he repeats my earlier words.

“Yeah, just like that,” I say.

“Speaking of our family, is it too soon to ask if you are interested in adding to our merry band?” he asks.

“Another dog?”

“Or another,” his eyes flick to his rearview mirror.

“Another kid? Oh, yeah, I’d love to have more kids. It just wasn’t an option in our previous life. BL, if you will.”

“BL? What’s that mean?” he asks.

“Before Liam.”

He laughs at that. “Is that what we’re going to call it?”

“That’s what I’m calling it. I can already tell I’m healing, changing, and we’re not even a full week into our marriage.”

“So is my plan working?”

“What’s your plan?”

“To make you happy,” he says simply. “To make sure that you smile and laugh every day. To keep you safe. To make you feel loved and cherished. All of that goes for Keller too.” Then he mouths, “and to make you come as many times as possible on a daily basis.”

I laugh. “It’s a solid plan, I like it.”

We sit in companionable silence for the rest of the ride home. Once we get there, the boys take Banjo into the backyard to show the pup her new outdoor space.

I decide to go back to the bedroom and try to finish unpacking my clothes. I probably should try and buy some new things. I’m definitely looking forward to getting to know my new hometown.