Page 40 of Baby Boy

“It’s good,” Avery said after taking a bite.

“I’m glad you like it. It’s supposed to snow quite a bit this week. I was thinking of cooking up some homemade soups. You could even take some with you to warm up during the week. What do you think?”

“You make homemade soup? What kind?”

Jace chuckled at Avery’s excitement. “All kinds. What’s your favorite?”

“I don’t know,” Avery admitted. “I like all kinds of soup. There’s a soup place on Broadway that I deliver food for a lot that always smells so amazing. They even serve it with fresh bread.”

Bread and soup. Jace could handle that.

“Maybe potato soup, if it’s not garlicky. I don’t like garlicky stuff.” Avery scrunched up his nose adorably.

“Good to know. What about tomato soup?” He had an amazing recipe.

Avery shrugged. “Never tried it.”

Well that settled what they’d have for lunch tomorrow afternoon. Tomato soup and grilled cheese should be a staple in any boy’s life.

They discussed more food until the plates were empty. Avery was quick to gush about what he liked but there were far too many foods he hadn’t tried.

Jace rose and picked up both plates. “Do you want to start your schoolwork this afternoon?”

“You said I could play,” Avery answered. “I want to see if my monkeys can climb the trees.”

“Okay,” Jace responded. He didn’t know what Avery was talking about but if Avery was happy, that was all that mattered.

“Tomorrow after lunch?” Avery asked. “I just need to get started on it, not write the whole thing.”

“Tomorrow works for me,” Jace said. “Back to playing for you and tonight after dinner, I thought we could watch movies.”

“Snuggling on the couch?” Avery asked as he peeked up through his lashes.

“Of course. Snuggles, popcorn, and movies. The snow can fall and we’ll be inside keeping each other warm.”

“That sounds like a perfect night,” Avery told him.

“I agree. Why don’t you go play while I finish cleaning up? I’ll refill your drink and bring it out to you.”

“Thank you.” Avery skipped out of the room.

Jace watched him go. His cheeks actually ached with how much smiling he’d done during lunch. He cleaned up the kitchen, even wiping down the table and cabinets before refilling Avery’s cup.

As he walked back in the room, he noticed that Jared was still sitting on the couch with Avery’s lily. Avery was making some sort of monkey sounds as he played on the mat. Jace set his cup beside him before kissing the top of his head.

Avery beamed at him then went back to what he was doing.

Jace sat back on the couch.

“Can I still watch the zoo show?” Avery asked.

“You can,” Jace responded. “I think this next episode is about the babies of the zoo.”

Avery glanced up. “Baby bears!” he pointed.

“Yep!” Instead of picking his laptop up, Jace relaxed into the couch so he could watch Avery and the show. He would have to see about finding a zoo or aquarium to take Avery to. That would be a great trip for his boy.

§ § §

---