"ah— i know, i know, i know!" howard would interject before you could even get a word in, arms snaking around your middle and lips being pressed against yours in an attempt to silence you, "i'm late. again. for the fourth time this week," well, at least he was actually acknowledging it this time, "and i'm sorry."

a long sigh would escape him, his form shifting back just enough to survey you, his wife, in your entirety. "i know i haven't been as present as you need me," his chin dipped into a nod, "or as present as tony needs me—" he almost winced, lips twitching into a frown, "i swear to you, baby, i promise you i'm gonna be the man you both need. i'm just... working on great things. big things!"

yet, you still looked unimpressed. how much more sappy did a guy need to get? he loved you, that much was obvious. he put a rock worth more than the entire state on your finger and you gave him life; a son, his tony, who was currently babbling nonsense in his crib.

"come on, honey! what more do you want from me?" he'd practically whine, once again slipping his arms around you, this time pressing his face into the crook of your neck. he knew you wouldn't be upset at him forever; he'd get you to crack sooner than later. "i'm here now, aren't i? and if i missed dinner, well," there was his signature wolfish grin, one hand giving your rear a playful pinch, "could always skip right over to dessert, don't you think?"