Page 74 of Bossy Baby

But Mitch had been right. Once again.

He’d allowed his Daddy instincts to take over. Mac had cared for his boy the best way he knew how.

And he felt amazing.

Like he might be figuring things out.

Hayley hadn’t needed anything money could buy. He’d needed understanding, care, and to be held.

Mac didn’t think he’d ever get tired of holding Hayley. To ever take for granted the trust that Hayley placed in him.

Maybe it was time that Mac let go of his past.

There had been many things out of his control. Mac hadn’t been in charge of his own life. But that wasn’t true any longer.

It had been his desire to leave the life he’d led behind. And he had.

Hayley thought he was good enough. That was what mattered, their future, not his past. Mac could make up for what he’d done. He might have had blood on his hands, but he’d washed it away. The black stain on his soul could be lightened.

Leaning forward, he pressed his lips against Hayley’s forehead.

It was less than a month from Christmas and Mac hadn’t realized it until Mitch had texted him asking him if he was going to get a tree for Hayley.

Hayley could have whatever he wanted.

A tree, lights, decorations, anything.

And he was going to have to buy his boy presents. Lots and lots of presents.

Looking around the playroom, Mac knew he could pick out more things for his boy. Hayley’s love of plants was also something that Mac could feed.

He’d have to buy the other boys things, too.

He could let Hayley help him with that, though. Tomorrow they’d sit on the couch and online shop—Mac’s preferred method anyway.

While they were shopping, he could watch Hayley’s reaction to see if anything caught his boy’s attention.

After Christmas, they could celebrate New Year. A new start. Their first year together…as a couple.

It was the beginning of everything new.

First he’d have to make sure that Hayley had the best Christmas ever.

Although his boy might be planning on going home for Christmas.

Mac would miss him, but he wouldn’t stand between Hayley and his family. It would only be for a few days, surely. Hayley wouldn’t want to be away from his shop for long. Hell, hopefully Hayley wouldn’t want to be away from him for long, either.

Rocking back, Mac could only stare down at his boy.

He hated the thought of Hayley being away from him for even a few hours. How was he going to deal with days? He’d get through it. Then they’d have an intimate New Year celebration.

Mac liked making these plans.

Looking forward to something had him getting excited.

For too long, Mac had been dead on the inside.

The story he’d told his boy hadn’t been far off. Hayley’s sweet smile had touched something inside him, had made himfeelfor the first time in longer than Mac could remember.

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