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“She definitely takes after Ellie. I’m the witless wonder,” he said, self-deprecatingly. “The guy who thinks it’s okay to give an iPhone to a seven-year-old.”

Vivian sighed. “You decided what was best for me without even talking to me. Without asking me what I wanted. That fucking you-deserve-better line was bullshit.”

Dean raked his fingers through his hair. “Honestly, Viv, that’s the only thing I said at the pub that I don’t regret. Because the truth is, you do deserve better than me.”

“If this is you, comparing yourself to Phil⁠—”

“I’m not,” he assured her. “We’re different men, and I’m not trying to replace him. Not at all. I just know—from both you and Vic—that he was perfect for you, and I…”

Vivian snorted softly. “You know, time has a way of turning deceased loved ones into martyrs because all we ever talk about are the things we loved, the things we miss. Phil wasn’t perfect. He always left huge globs of toothpaste in the sink. It was disgusting. And I swear, I’m not sure he even knew there was a trash can in the kitchen because he was forever leaving used napkins, empty food wrappers, and greasy aluminum foil on the counter instead of just pitching it. I don’t need perfection, Dean. I just need a partner, someone to share my days and nights with, someone to talk to about all the crazy shit that goes through my mind and stresses me out. You didn’t talk to me. Instead, you went straight to the knee-jerk response of cutting and running.”

“You’re right. I did. I’ve spent forty-four years being my only counsel, making all decisions on my own. Communication in a relationship is one of those things I have very little experience with. But I’d like the chance to learn…with you. Because, Viv, I intend to spend the rest of my life trying to be a man worthy of you.”

Vivian drew in a sharp breath of air but didn’t respond.

“I’m asking for a second chance, Viv. To do this right. And we can take it as slowly as you need, and we don’t have to tell anyone. Well, I mean, Victor, Belle, McKenna, and Tank already know, but⁠—”

“I only wanted to keep it a secret because I needed to be sure for Pip.”

“I understand that.” He truly did. “I adore that little girl. I don’t want to hurt or confuse her.”

“I’m part of a matched set,” Vivian said. “If you’re going to be with me—really with me—Pip will be part of the equation. If you truly believe you can’t be a father⁠—”

“I can,” he said. “I’d love nothing more than to…” He swallowed heavily, choking up as he admitted something he hadn’t even let himself think. “I’d love to be a father to that little girl. She’s incredible.”

Vivian blinked several times, and he noticed her eyes welling with tears.

“I know I fucked up, and I realize it will take some time before you trust me again, but⁠—”

“I trust you, Dean,” Vivian said. “I always have.”

“Could we start over?”

She shook her head, and Dean’s heart stopped in his chest. He’d screwed up royally, and now he was going to have to pay the price for the rest of his lonely, miserable life.

“I don’t want to start at the beginning. Hell, we didn’t start at the beginning the first time,” she pointed out. “I’m pretty sure most normal couples start with the dating, then advance to sex.”

For the first time since he’d arrived here today, Vivian gave him a smile—a genuine, happy smile.

“I guess you’re right about that. I’m sorry, sunshine. For hurting you. For being too stupid and scared to talk to you about all the shit flying around in my head, for letting my past mistakes blind me to what was standing right in front of me.”

Vivian reached out and cupped his cheek. “Forgiven,” she whispered.

Dean leaned down, cutting the distance between them. He’d missed kissing her, holding her, breathing the same air as her.

Their lips touched, but there was nothing tentative about the kiss. It was warm and familiar and exactly what he’d been trying not to miss. He slid his arm around her waist, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss.

“Coach Dee! Mommy!”

They broke apart quickly, turning together.

Pip stood in the doorway, gaping at them. “Are you Mommy’s boyfriend?” she asked him.

Great. Talk about getting tossed into the deep end. Dean paused briefly, hoping Vivian would field that question. When he looked in her direction, she gave him a covert wink, followed by a slow sweep of her hand that said, “Be my guest.”

He snorted. Apparently, Vivian was a masochist who believed in trial by fire. Good for her.

“I am dating your mommy,” he said, slowly picking out each word.