Page 20 of Pretty Baby

Caleb nodded.

“Drink slowly,” Grant said without an ounce of censure.

“Are you ready to order?” Amanda asked.

“One burger with American cheese, no onions, with the never-ending fries,” Grant ordered. “And a swiss and mushroom burger with no onions and the never-ending fries.”

Amanda picked up the menus and smiled. “I’ll have those out for you in a jiffy.”

“Are you allergic to onions?” Caleb inquired. He took a smaller drink of his shake.

“No,” Grant said with a chuckle. “But I want my good night kiss and didn’t want to have onion breath.”

“Oh, good idea,” Caleb said with a nod.

“Here why don’t you try the strawberry,” Grant pushed the second shake in front of him.

“Sure.” Caleb grabbed the glass and brought it closer. He remembered to take a slow drink. The strawberry flavor was fresh and tangy but Caleb hardly ever ate chocolate and a milkshake was the best kind of chocolate. “It’s good.” He pushed it back to Grant and reclaimed his chocolate.

“I see my boy is a chocolate fan.”

“Yes Daddy,” Caleb agreed with a grin. “I never have it. One of the older actors on set would sneak me some every now and then, but I forgot how yummy it is.”

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Caleb

Caleb didn’t want the date to end. He held tight to Grant’s hand as his Daddy walked him up the steps to the front door. He didn’t know when, sometime between the beginning of the night and dinner, Caleb had accepted Grant as his Daddy.

“Do you want to come in from a little bit?” Caleb nervously asked.

“Sure,” Grant said. “I’m not ready to say good night yet. I need some cuddles.”

“Cool!” Caleb bounced a little. He unlocked his door and of course, Daisy and Gunny were there to race through the front door. Caleb stepped back in time but Grant nearly got knocked down. Caleb reached out and steadied him.

“They’re excited,” Grant commented with a laugh.

“Yeah, they’re my little adventurers,” Caleb told him. “Lucy is much more laid back.” He motioned to where Lucy was standing at the open door.

“Cuz she’s a good girl,” Grant said patting the top of Lucy’s head.

Caleb loved watching Grant with his fur babies but he wanted to get his man inside and cuddling. “Come on Lucy, time to go potty.”

Lucy huffed before slowly clambering down the steps. Daisy and Gunny were still wrestling around.

“Come on guys!” Caleb called. “Go potty!” He was growing frustrated. He just wanted to cuddle!

Grant gave a sharp whistle that had all three dogs perking up, even Lucy. “Now tell them.”

“Go potty,” Caleb ordered. He didn’t sound as stern as his Daddy but it worked as the three dogs each sniffed for a spot.

He waited until they’d done their business before calling them back inside. Pleased when they listened.

“The cats don’t go outside if the front door is open?” Grant asked as they followed the dogs inside.

“No Gus is too lazy and lily finds the outside world too scary. After her time in the alley, I think she doesn’t want to get lost again.”

“Smart kitten,” Grant commented.

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