My son is in a similar position (but no wife) but he has me, a bike guy, for a dad; so he's blessed with 4 bikes to ride. From what I can see his bike of choice follows an order of priority:

1. Sexy Roubaix, w/backpack for stuff.
2. Sexy FG/SS w/backpack for stuff.
3. 29er
4. Old skool FG/SS

A go fast bike seems to be a necessity.