James looked at Sirius for a moment, a small twinge in his gut alerting him to the fact that Sirius really was upset. It wasn't that he was choosing anyone over anyone. He didn't like that idea, really. He was just taking a chance to make up for his past. He hadn't been perfect, still wasn't, really...but he was trying. He didn't know how to make that okay. "Sirius. I trust you with his life, my life. You know I do. I always will. You're my best friend." He let out a sigh. "What Lily, I believe, is trying to say is that she trusts Severus with a different task. We'd be glad to have you and Remus have huge roles when it comes to the baby."
"Remus," James said softly at the mention of Peter. "I don't know if you've had a different experience with Peter, but it's been difficult to get him to talk with me. Believe me when I say that if there's a way to fix things, I will find a way." He hated all this solemnity. It was important, he knew, but that didn't mean he had to like it.
Then Harry was brought up and James' heart sank a little more. He forced away the vulnerability, trying not to let it show. "Harry would have been excited for a baby sibling." He turned to Lily, pressing a kiss against her cheek. "I'd love some dessert." He looked towards Remus again. "Hurt feelings? You lot are acting like I've entrusted Severus with my soul. I'm giving him a chance, and Lily trusts him. I thought maybe I could trust her and her trust in him for a change."
He closed his eyes. "Look. I don't want you guys to think there is some secret hierarchy here with Lily and Severus on top. You guys are still the closest to my heart and you always will be, but I love Lily and maybe I had a thought that I could take a wild go at that growing up thing we always used to talk about like it wouldn't ever happen. I'm liable to make mistakes here and there, but I figured everyone did, yeah?" He looked down at his plate.
"If you knew the spells and all the magic needed to do what Severus is doing for Lily, we'd have asked you. If you do, I didn't know, and I am sorry for not coming to you sooner."