Page 101 of End Game

Griffin snorts.

“But I can’t be okay with it if it means Ronan matters less. Or Micah. Or Dex.”

“It doesn’t,” Griffin says.

Everyone looks at him.

He shrugs. “I mean, I think that’s the part I had to learn.”

Cami’s hand tightens around Ronan’s.

Griffin looks at her as he continues, “Being your husband gives me things they don’t have. Legally, practically, whatever. I’m the one the hospital calls. I’m on the paperwork.” He pauses. “But none of that gives me more ownership of you.”

Ronan goes very still, watching the two of them.

“And it doesn’t mean I get to decide their relationships with you are less because mine came with paperwork.”

Cami looks like she might climb into his lap.

Dex looks like he might climb into Griffin’s lap.

I decide not to point that out.

“That’s it,” I say. “That’s what primary has to mean if we’re going to use it.”

“Practical priority,” Cami says, pulling her hand back from Ronan.

“Existing commitments,” Ronan adds.

“Not most loved,” Dex says.

“Not most important,” Griffin replies.

I nod. “And not automatic priority in every situation.”

Cami looks at me. “Explain.”

“If Dex and I have plans and you have an emergency, I’m not going to tell you that you’re shit out of luck because my primary partner has dibs.”

“Obviously,” Dex says.

“Or if Griffin is working long shifts and Cami needs someone, we’re not all sitting around waiting for her primary to become available.”

Griffin shakes his head. “Please don’t.”

“It’s a default,” Ronan says. “Not a trump card.”

“That’s better,” Cami says. “I like that.”

Dex looks at me. “So you’re my default human.”

I smile. “Unfortunately.”

“That’s so romantic.”

“You knew what you were getting,” I say.

“I really didn’t.”