"Then we get to explore the future together, Ladybug." He kisses my nose.
"Hey, Mom?" Our teenage son thunders down the stairs. He has his father's smile. "Any mail for me?"
I shake my head. "Not yet. You just sent those college applications off two days ago, Marco."
"I know," Marco says, rolling his eyes as only a teenager can. "I'm just excited. Anna says she wants to go look at the university with me."
"Right," Tony says sarcastically. "Just what I want. My sixteen-year-old daughter on a college campus."
I laugh and squeeze his hand. I've loved watching with Tony as our children have grow up. He's been the best father I could imagine. I kiss Tony's cheek and Marco makes a face like he's going to be sick.
"Get a room," Marco tells us, heading to the kitchen.
"We have several," Tony shouts back. "This one is the living room."
We laugh at the joke that only parents would find funny. Marco ignores us.
Tony's laugh turns into just a smile. "We have a good life here," he says, his voice deep and rich. I nod.
"That we do." I turn to face him, looking at his handsome face that I love so much. "I'm glad you're here for it."
"Me too," he whispers. "I love you, Kimberly."
"I love you, Tony." I lose myself in those warm eyes. "I have loved you for two lifetimes, and I'm never going to stop."
I lean in and kiss him, feeling his lips meet mine. This is how the world is supposed to be. This is how our lives are supposed to be. He is mine and I am his, forever and always.