Page 82 of Bossy Baby

“I can’t wait to decorate for Christmas,” he said absently.

“We need to get decorations ordered,” Mac said. He ran his hand down Hayley’s back. Hayley liked that Mac touched him so often now. Hayley had initially been the one who initiated contact, but now Mac did it on his own. “And hire someone to put lights on the house.”

“Icicles!” Hayley declared. He set his crayon down to grab Mac’s hand. “The house would be so beautiful with icicles around it!”

“If that’s what you want,” Mac told him.

“I can give you the number of the guy who’s doing our house,” Grant offered.

“Please, Daddy! Even if it’s early, we can put them up, right?”

“Of course,” Mac easily agreed.

“Yes!” Hayley pumped his arm in victory.

“Daddy,” Avery called.

“I already got the number from Grant. I figured you’d want colorful lights.”

“Yes, Daddy!” Avery cheered.

Hayley was getting excited. Christmas was the best holiday. Their family always had a huge celebration. But…oh, with the shop and his broken arm, it would be hard to get away. Hayley peered up at Mac.

“What’s the matter, boy?” Mac lowered his head.

“I don’t think I’ll be going home for Christmas this year.”

“If you want to go home, I’ll make certain you get there.”

“What if I wanted to stay with you? To celebrate with you?”

Mac’s smile was radiant. “I’d love that. We can start our own traditions. I plan to have you with me for many more Christmases to come.”

“But we should still have a big dinner. We can invite all our friends!” Hayley turned toward the rest of the group. “Doesn’t that sound great! Maybe on Christmas Eve?”

“Yes!” Avery shouted. “A family Christmas.”

“I’ve always been alone on Christmas,” Caleb added. “I’d like that. I could help cook dinner.”

“Yes! Christmas Eve dinner at our house!”

He grunted as Jayme elbowed him. Hard. “Ow,” Hayley pushed his brother away.

“Boys, behave,” Mac scolded.

“He hit me,” Hayley tattled.

“Maybe you should ask Mac if he minds you volunteering his house for your dinner,” Jayme told him.

“Oh.” Hayley looked at Mac in horror. Would his Daddy be mad? Hayley didn’t live in the house. He was just a guest. How dumb could he be? “I’m sorry.”

“Baby.” Mac pulled him close. “My house is your house. If you want to host a party or a dinner, that’s what we’ll do.”

Hayley rubbed his hand down Mac’s chest. “I didn’t mean to overstep.”

Mac sighed. “Guys, we’re going to talk for a minute. We’ll be back.”

“Take your time,” Byron said.

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