I have the woman I wanted and two great kids with another two on the way.
When my brothers are distracted, I take a little time with my wife.
“And what did you want to name the twins?” I say in Olivia’s ear.
“John and Jane,” she says with a bright smile like she’s keeping a secret from me.
I squeeze her waist. “Tell me again why it’s fair you get to name them.”
She shifts to face me. “You got to name our son after a baby monster.”
“Jack Jack isn’t a monster. Besides, Jack came out with his hair swirled around his head like an ice cream cone. And when he let out that first cry, he was beet red. You have to admit, he looked a lot like a fireball Jack Jack.”
Though she smiles, she isn’t impressed with my Incredibles references. “And you named our daughter Jill.”
“I had to so my son wouldn’t face the shame of your Jack Jack story for the rest of his life. He needed another reason for his name.”
I purse my lips, though I’m still amused. “Jack and Jill.” She shrugs. “And I’m supposed to go along with you naming both kids this time.”
“I have to, otherwise you’ll name our son Daredevil.”
“You have to be impressed with his acrobatics in there.” I poke her belly. “Besides, Daredevil’s alter ego is Matt.”
She shakes her head. “How did I miss your obsession with superheroes?”
“Boys love their superheroes and girls do too. If I recall—”
She slaps my arm. “Stop, not here.”
I crack up thinking of that time she wanted me to play Superman and rescue her. Maybe tonight I could find that cape.
“So that’s it? John and Jane?” I ask, wanting her to say it.
“What’s wrong with that? We are keeping with the theme. Jack and Jill. John Doe and Jane Doe.”
I chuckle. “And tell me how our kids will live that down?”
“Don’t worry, we’re dropping the Doe. Only you and I will know that.”
“What’s this?”
I look up to see our family has surrounded us with Ella waiting for an answer to her question.
“Why do all your kids’ names have to begin with J?” Ella asks.
“Ask Olivia,” I say, grinning as I toss her under the bus.
She elbows me in the gut, and I laugh.
“Ella, Joel’s name starts with J.” My Olivia stares at her sister like she’s missing some screws.
“That’s a little misogynistic, don’t you think?” Ella says.
“I think it’s great,” Craig says before everyone is putting in their two cents.
I nod as I look over the group and think this is family and how I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I lean down and kiss Olivia’s cheek. “You can name them anything you want. I’m just fucking grateful you’re mine.”