Page 92 of Pretty Baby

“And that’s okay too. This house is so empty without you. Now come inside,” Grant said.

“I’m home,” he repeated before Grant helped him out of the vehicle. He bounced his way to the door as Grant followed behind carrying his bags and smiling. Grant passed him the keys and Caleb pushed open the door and waited.

His babies didn’t disappoint. Daisy was the first to fly through the door. Caleb stumbled as she ran into his legs. He dropped down and received doggy kisses before Gunny joined them. Even Lucy pushed her way through; her wet nose rubbing his cheek.

Caleb laughed-sobbed as he gave loves for his three dogs.

“Well look at that,” Grant murmured.

Caleb glanced up and saw that Lily was stepping out the door to crawl in his lap. He cuddled his littlest baby. She was so brave! She’d come out into the scary world just to see him.

“Come here guy,” Grant leaned into the doorway and grabbed Gus before he carried him over to Caleb.

There was no helping his tears. For the very first time in his life, Caleb felt loved and cherished. Instead of trying to rush him inside Grant placed Caleb’s suitcases inside the door before he stepped over to the porch and sat down next to him.

Caleb leaned against Grant as he continued to pass out loves.

Eventually, the dogs ran off to potty and Gus trotted back inside leaving him with just Lily and Grant. He didn’t think Lily would be leaving his arms when they were outside but he was proud of his girl.

“Are you ready to head inside?” Grant asked him.

“Yes.” Caleb stood up with Grant’s help as his Daddy whistled for the dog’s attention.

They all trooped inside. Caleb couldn’t believe the relief that filled him when the front door was closed and locked behind them.

It was just him, his Daddy, and the fur babies.

The rest of the world could just stay away. He had everything he wanted inside his home.

Caleb walked into the living room and froze. “Daddy?”

“What is it, baby?” Grant placed the palm of his hand on Caleb’s lower back.

“Where are my toys?” He’d been looking forward to playing, he hadn’t gotten to be himself in two weeks!

Grant wrapped his arms around him from behind. “It’s okay. I was able to get all my stuff moved in while you were gone.”

“You did?” Caleb looked back at him. At first, Grant had thought it might take a month or so to find someone to take over his lease.

“Yes.” He shrugged. “I still need to find someone to sublet my lease but I figured I can pay my rent there and still live where I want to be. So Jace and Byron helped me last weekend.”

“I’m glad,” Caleb said.

“I know you said you’d make space for me or I can claim any rooms that I wanted so I took you up on that,” Grant said. “I moved some things around. If there is anything you don’t like we can decide what to change together.”

“It’s fine.” Caleb really meant it. He’d give up everything, except his babies, for Grant to be there all the time.

“Now how about I get my pretty baby dressed then you can spend some time playing while Daddy watches.”

“Yes please.” Caleb set Lily on the arm of the couch before Grant took his hand and led him toward the bedroom.

The bed was made because of course, it was, and what looked like a brand new outfit was laid out.

“Is that my surprise?” Caleb asked bopping around.

“One of them,” Grant answered urging him to the bed. Grant sat on the end and motioned for Caleb to lift his arms. “Kick off your shoes too.”

Caleb kicked off his sandals then held up his arms. Grant undressed him from his jeans, shirt, and undies.

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