I grabbed Griffin’s hand as the plane began to land while I stared out the window. “I can’t believe when we step out of here, we’re finally going to be in Europe.” I turned my head and looked at my husband.
He leaned over and kissed me. “Happy thirty-fifth birthday, baby.”
I snagged his shirt in my fist. “You know that all I need is you, right? But Europe sure is nice.”
He smiled at me, and fifteen minutes later, we were walking down the jet bridge and into the airport.
As soon as we were out in the open, I pulled out my phone, turned it off Airplane Mode, and hoped my international phone plan worked. When I didn’t get a signal right away, I stopped walking and held up the cell.
Griffin noticed I wasn’t beside him, spun around, and came back to me. “Mads, what are you doing?”
“Just calling our moms.”
He sighed and hung his head in defeat. “Babe, we were in the air for, like, eleven hours. It hasn’t been that long since we left them. I think when you told me that all you needed for your birthday was me, you meant, me and the kids.”
Aha. A signal. I dialed my mom’s number and put the phone to my ear.
I tugged on my husband’s shirt. “Of course, you and the kids. But they’re not here.”
He threw his hands up and went to find the nearest chair.
Ten minutes later, after I was assured that all my babies were safe and sound, I walked over to Griffin. “Okay, I’m ready.”
He looked up from his phone. “For someone who had to postpone her birthday trip for five years, I’m surprised we’re still sitting here.”
“Technically, I’m standing, but you know, if someone hadn’t gotten me pregnant, we could have gone when we were supposed to.”
He looked around. “Who got you pregnant? Because it sure wasn’t me.”
I grabbed his hand and pulled him up. “Right, I only gave birth to the mini version of you, but someone else got me pregnant.”
He grinned and threw his arm around me. “Yeah, Levi looks like me, huh?”
I rolled my eyes. “He sure does. And if you must know, he asked my mom where Daddy was about five hundred times and only asked for Mommy, like, twice.”
He kissed my shoulder. “I’m sorry, babe. You know that Zoey will ask for you once she can talk.”
I snorted. “Yeah, right. We’ll see.”
“Well, until then, how about we enjoy our well-earned vacation?”
I smiled at my husband. “You’re right. Let’s. But before we do, are you sure you don’t have to call the bar just to check if everything’s okay?”
“You think you’re so funny, but I have left things in the capable hands of my employees and friends.”
I put my hand on his chest. “I’m proud of you, you know.”
His eyebrows flew up. “Oh?”
“Yeah. Back when you gave me those tickets for my thirtieth birthday, I really didn’t think you’d leave the bar for so long.”
“Well, babe, I’ve learned that there are more important things than my business. Yes, it helps put food on our table and keep a roof over our heads, but you and the kids are what really matters. And if I have to fly halfway around the world in order to make love to my wife without someone interrupting us, then I will do it.”
“So, this trip is about you and your dick?”
“Nah. It’s all about you. My dick just gets to reap the benefits.” He looked sheepish. “And full disclosure: I did send some texts while you were on the phone.”
I playfully smacked his chest. “Oh, Griff.”
We made it to baggage claim and waited for our luggage to be spit out. “I love you, Griffin. Thanks for bringing me here.”
He kissed me. “I love you too. And the pleasure is all mine.”