Page 42 of Pretty Baby

Byron grabbed his arm and yanked him to the side. “Watch your language. We’re in a damn kids toy store.”

Damn, Byron was right. He rubbed his hands roughly over his face. “You’re right.”

“Now listen to me,” Byron said. He shoved his finger in Grant’s chest.

Grant couldn’t even back up because Jace came up behind him and grabbed his shoulders.

“That boy is the best thing that has ever happened to you,” Byron said. “He’d do anything for you.”

Grant knew that.

“You’ve been searching and searching for a boy of your own and if you leave Caleb because he’s got more money than you, you’d be a damn fool.”

“It’s more than a little money,” Grant pointed out.

“Does it really matter?” Jace asked quietly behind him. “Does Caleb having money make him happy? Because I have seen that boy for over a year struggling. A few weeks with you and it’s like a completely different person you talk about.”

Grant nodded. Everything his friends were saying was true.

“He doesn’t even buy himself toys or anything to be a boy from what you just said,” Byron added. “He needs a Daddy and you need him.”

“Shit,” he muttered. “I am an idiot.”

“Yep.” Jace patted his shoulder. “Luckily though your boy doesn’t know it yet.”

Grant snorted.

“Don’t lose this boy because of some bullshit like money,” Byron said seriously.

“I won’t,” Grant promised. He’d had a quick moment of panic and stupidity but luckily he had friends on his side.

“And to answer your question I buy a little at a time,” Jace said. “Avery doesn’t expect expensive gifts or tons of stuff. I’d bet Caleb doesn’t either.”

“No. He wouldn’t,” Grant agreed.

“Let’s pick out some stuff to surprise your boy with,” Jace said.

Grant walked straight to a doll with long red hair and accessories. Hairbrush, clothes, shoes, and a blanket. It even came with two bottles. Caleb could give one to Lizzie. He picked up the large box and added it to his cart. Then he chose three more outfits for Lizzie. Remembering Lizzie in the chest and lying on the couch for naptime he had an idea. There was a baby cradle that would be a good fit for both Lizzie and the new doll.

He pointed it out to Jace and his friend grinned before grabbing it.

“Perfect,” Grant said.

They loaded up the cart and Grant was pleased with his shopping trip. True, he couldn’t buy Caleb the whole store but what he could afford Grant was sure Caleb would cherish.

As they laughed and walked to the front registers Grant spotted the little kitchen set and stopped.

It was perfect. A little plastic fridge, oven, counter, sink combo. It would hit Caleb about waist high. As much as Caleb loved his cooking competition Grant could totally see his boy pretending to be one of the contestants. Caleb would probably spend hours playing with it.

“That!” Grant said. “I have to have that.”

Byron lifted a brow but picked up the large heavy box.

“Food!” Jace said suddenly. “If I’ve learned anything from Avery and all his animal sets is there has to be more than just the kitchenet. He’ll need food and stuff.”

“I’ll buy the food and you buy the dishes,” Byron said to Jace.

“Good idea!” Jace said with excitement. “And Avery will want to come over and play sometime soon so I better not disappoint my boy.”

---