Page 39 of Baby Boy

“Sounds good,” Jace said.

“What are your plans with your boy for the rest of the weekend?”

“I think we’ll watch movies tonight so he can just relax into his role. He’s been doing fantastic playing and being little but I want show him that he can let go with me whenever he needs it.”

“Sound good. I can’t wait to meet him.”

Jace couldn’t wait to show Avery off either. “Hopefully soon. If not at the club, maybe you and Mitch can join us for dinner one night.”

“Good. I’ll let you go so you can take care of your boy. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do. Thanks, man.” Jace ended the call and looked around the room. He’d allowed Avery to keep his toys out but that wouldn’t always be the case. Since they were doing a full little day, they’d have plenty of time to clean up before dinner. Then after dinner, he thought movies with popcorn would be nice.

He pulled his laptop over to get back to the work he’d been doing earlier. He was hoping to get a head start for the week. The first of the month was always hectic and he wanted to be able to leave the office at a reasonable time to catch dinner with Avery if his boy wasn’t working. Cartoons still played on the television so Jace changed the channel to the International News Station before losing himself in numbers and reports. He rose only to refill his water glass when the timer for lunch went off. He placed the meal back in the oven to keep warm and returned to work.

Jace was debating giving Avery another twenty minutes of nap time when he heard the toilet flush upstairs. Deciding to let the boy come down to him, Jace saved his work and set his laptop back on the coffee table. He picked up the remote to find Avery something to watch.

He was watching the stairs as Avery sleepily made his way down. He had his thumb in his mouth, his lily trailing on the floor behind him, and Jared under his arm. As soon as Avery spotted him sitting on the couch, he made a beeline for him.

“Hey, baby boy,” Jace greeted softly. “Did you have a good nap.”

Avery nodded before climbing right up and into Jace’s lap. He laid his cheek on Jace’s chest. Jace started surfing through the channels again.

Avery lifted his head as Jace landed on the Animal Planet channel and giraffes were shown.

“Want to watch The Zoo?” Jace asked.

“Yes, please,” he said around his thumb.

Jace turned the volume up before setting the channel changer on the side table. He snuggled his boy close as Avery watched his show. Jace let one full episode play before shifting Avery over.

“I’m going to get lunch out of the oven. We need to get some food in you,” Jace said.

Avery set both Jared and his lily down on the couch cushion before he slid off Jace’s lap. Jace rose and stretched his arms over his head. “Ready?”

“Yes, Daddy,” Avery answered.

Avery followed Jace into the kitchen and took his regular seat. His boy swung his legs and happily sitting and waiting.

He pulled the food from the oven before grabbing their plates. As he worked, Avery sat at the table quietly but never took his eyes from him. Jace couldn’t see any signs that Avery was worried or nervous or anything. In fact, Avery looked quite content.

“Here we go,” Jace announced as he presented Avery his plate.

“It smells good,” Avery said. “I could smell it when I woke up.”

“The market down the street makes fresh dishes that are easily cooked and heated up. I probably eat too many of them a week because it’s easier than cooking a full meal for one.”

Avery nodded. “I usually eat at whatever job I’m working at. If I’m off, it’s usually microwaved burritos or noodles.”

“Well, with you here, I have an excuse to cook again. I really enjoy it.”

“I can make cookies!” Avery offered.

Jace chuckled as he turned to the fridge to grab the pitcher of water. He’d left his glass in the living room but didn’t want to leave Avery so he grabbed another one as he got Avery a sippy cup. “We’ll have to make cookies together one afternoon. I would enjoy baking with you.”

Avery waited patiently until Jace set his cup down and took a seat before picking up his fork. Such good manners his boy had.

“Eat up,” Jace encouraged.

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