Page 62 of In the Name of the Father

Seth let out a sigh. “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

Daddy tugged him closer, turning to face him then draping a leg over both of Seth’s. He held him against his chest and Seth tucked his head beneath Daddy’s chin.

“I know, baby. However, it’s inevitable.”

Would Daddy think it was weird that I wish I could’ve stayed filled with him all night? That I could fall asleep with him still inside me? His mind wandered to the plugs they still hadn’t used.Hmm…

Daddy interrupted his thoughts. “Are you hungry? We never had dinner.”

“Oh no!” Seth tried to struggle free from Daddy’s hold, but Daddy wouldn’t let him go. “Daddy, the oven, I forgot! It’ll start a fire.”

“Shh, baby. It’s okay. I shut everything off before I came in here.”

Seth relaxed again. “Thank goodness.” He chewed his lip. “I guess it’s ruined now, huh?”

“Doesn’t matter. All that matters is you’re in my arms.” Daddy gave him a jostle. “I’ll never shut you out like that again, baby.I’mthe one who almost ruined things—not you.”

“I won’t shut you out either.” Seth worried that his Daddy might be hungry, though. “I could go make something else really quick. It’s not even seven yet. It’s too long for you to wait until morning to eat.”

Daddy angled his head back so he could meet Seth’s gaze. He smiled. “Now who’s taking care of who?”

Seth reached up to cup Daddy’s cheek. “I know it’s not the same as what you do for me, but I’ll always want to do all I can to make you happy.”

Daddy’s face crumpled and Seth’s eyes widened.

What did I say?

Seth held Daddy, rubbing his back while he softly cried against Seth’s shoulder. After several minutes, Daddy hiccupped a small sob, sniffed then rested his head back on the pillow.

“I’m sorry if I upset you, Daddy.” Seth petted Daddy’s wet cheek.

“Not upset. Not really.” He smiled as he gazed at Seth, his eyes crinkling. “Finally letting go. Releasing my past and beginning anew.” Daddy used his finger to trace Seth’s face. He began with his eyebrows then trailed down his nose, along his jaw then back and forth across his lips. “My sweet baby. My new beginning.”

Seth’s eyes filled with tears and it was Daddy’s turn to do the soothing. As Daddy held him close, whispering words of love and forever, Seth sent a prayer of thanks to God.

He truly was blessed.

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