Page 49 of Baby Boy

Avery leaned his forehead against Jace’s chest. “So ready.”

Jace hugged Avery close. He could feel the exhaustion radiating from Avery and Jace just wanted to wrap him up and take care of him. “Let’s get you home.” He kept his arm around Avery as he led him out of the shop and over to his vehicle.

Avery waited as he opened the door, then slid inside. Jace crouched down in front of him. “Lily in your backpack?” he asked quietly.

“Yes, Daddy.” Avery went from big to little in a blink of the eye. The change was seamless but the peace that settled over Avery’s feature obvious.

Jace went right to the correct pocket and unzipped the bag to pull out Avery’s lily. Once he handed the blanket to his boy, he buckled Avery in. Avery smiled at him and Jace gave him a quick kiss.

He closed the door gently before rushing to the driver side. He climbed in and checked on Avery before starting the vehicle and making sure the heater vent was pointed at Avery.

Avery sighed and snuggled into the seat. Jace would let Avery rest during the drive home. It was a quiet but pleasant drive. They weren’t on the road five minutes before Avery closed his eyes.

Once he parked, Jace turned off the engine and peered at Avery, who was still out, head against the window, thumb in mouth, and lily under his chin. Jace quietly climbed out of the vehicle and carefully closed the door. He walked over to the passenger side to gently open the door. Luckily Avery was blinking his eyes open so Jace hadn’t scared him.

“You awake, sweet boy?”

“Yes. Sorry, Daddy,” Avery said.

“Nothing to be sorry for,” Jace told him. “You ate dinner, right?” Avery had texted him earlier that Jas had bought them hot sandwiches and soup from the corner deli.

“Yes.”

“This is what’s going to happen. We’re going to go inside and get you in a hot bath, and afterward Daddy is going to get you dressed in your jammies, before we snuggle on the couch.”

“Please, Daddy,” Avery said. “That sounds sooooo good.”

“Come here then.” Jace reached inside and helped Avery stand. He grabbed the backpack before picking up his boy. He carried his boy to the door and managed to get it unlocked and them inside. After he locked up behind them, Jace carried Avery up the stairs.

He walked them directly to the bathroom.

“Do you need a few minutes of privacy?” Jace asked as he set his boy down.

“No. I’m good.”

“Stay there. Daddy will get you undressed.” Jace started the water then added the lavender bubbles. It would help Avery relax even more.

Once the water temperature was tested and hot, Jace turned to Avery to see him lazily watching him. Jace took the lily from his boy and set it on the counter next to the towel he’d already gotten ready.

“Arms up,” Jace ordered.

Avery automatically lifted his hands above his head. Jace took his time undressing Avery while placing kisses on his exposed flesh. Avery flushed and squirmed as he giggled.

Jace loved the softness of Avery’s skin and couldn’t wait to give his boy more intimate care later. But the tub was almost full so he had to move this along. He finished removing Avery’s clothes before helping him into the tub.

“Ahh,” Avery sighed as he sank down.

Jace reached over and turned off the water before sitting on the side.

Avery had his eyes closed as Jace picked up the soft washcloth and poured soap on it.

“Toys?” Avery questioned as he peered up at Jace.

“Tomorrow,” Jace told him. “I want to get you on the couch and relaxing. You’ve had a long week.”

“But…Daddy.” There was a definite whine in Avery’s voice.

“You need to be a good boy for Daddy,” Jace reminded. “It’s Daddy’s decision what we do.”

---