Page 75 of Baby Boy

With a chuckle, Jace nodded. “I sure did.”

“I’d rather have pancakes.”

“We need to get you back to one hundred percent and then you can have pancakes. Until then, healthy foods for you.”

“Yucky.”

Jace grinned. “Go potty. Brush your teeth.”

“Yes, Daddy.” Avery dragged his feet but finally headed into the master bath. It was good to see him fully enjoying his little side and even being comfortable enough that he could complain and tease.

With Avery was following his directions, Jace walked to the nursery. Everything was still in place, so he didn’t have anything to clean up in there. He’d woken early, letting Avery sleep in, and prepared everything they would need for an easy, relaxing day. Snacks were made, plenty of liquids for Avery to drink, and he’d even set out some toys in the living room.

He’d been so damn happy seeing Avery and Mitch connect the night before. Mitch had never had another boy to play with and seeing how nervous he had been tugged on Jace’s heart strings. He and Grant had tried to be a surrogate Daddy for Mitch, but Mitch needed someone of his own. Having Avery around would hopefully help Mitch connect with his boy side until the right Daddy came along.

Just seeing Mitch dressed casually and not in his usual business suit had been a breakthrough. Even though they’d been going to the club often in the last year, Mitch hardly ever dressed for it, instead going directly from work. It’d been years since Mitch had truly let go and given in to his needs.

Even though Jace was aware that Mitch gave himself some boy time in the privacy of his condo, there was nothing like having a Daddy caring for a boy and a boy not having to worry about anything.

When they were in college and Mitch in law school, and even the few years after graduating, Mitch had obtained several cute cartoon shirts like he’d had worn the night before. But as the position with his father’s firm had taken over his life, Mitch had lost that important piece of himself. Finally, it appeared that Mitch was taking back what he needed.

Jace went directly to the changing table where he’d already set out Avery’s outfit for the day. Since he wanted Avery to continue to rest, he picked out another pajama set, this one in blues and greens with a sea turtle. He’d heard a little bit of Avery and Mitch’s conversation the night before and figured Avery would get a kick out of the outfit that Mitch would love.

He grabbed the pajama set and a clean diaper before returning to his bedroom. Avery was just coming out of the bathroom, with only his shirt on. He hadn’t even tried to get dressed.What a good boy.Jace set the clothes on the bed and patted the mattress. “Come here, boy.”

“K.” Avery walked over energy flagging already. He needed food quickly.

“Lie down.”

“Another diaper?” Avery asked.

“Yes.” He searched Avery’s expression as he carefully thought about his next words. “But this time, I’d like you to consider using it.”

“Using it?” Avery repeated. “Likeusingit?”

“At least to potty.”

“I…I don’t know if I can.” Avery bit his lip. “I… thought about it last night. When we were on the couch and I didn’t want to get up.”

“You should have,” Jace said. “I would have taken care of you.”

“You…you already… You know.”

“Helped you in the bathroom?” Jace asked.

“Yeah, that.”

“Wouldn’t this be easier?”

Avery pressed his lips together. So cute. “It should be, huh?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“I’ll try, Daddy.”

“That’s all I can ask.” He gave Avery a quick kiss for being his brave boy. He guided Avery onto his back and quickly dressed him. Once his boy was ready, he motioned for him to grab his stuffies.

“I still need my bear, Daddy,” Avery said, holding up all three stuffed animals.

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