Page 34 of Now and Forever

“Where would we live? Are we going to do it right away, or wait until after the wedding? What kind of house should we get?”

Daddy chuckled. “I take it you’re on board with moving, then?”

Seth gave a one-shouldered shrug but couldn’t hold back a grin. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

“Well, it’s a lot to consider with a wedding to plan and all that. I don’t see it being something we need to jump on right away. We can toss some ideas around then maybe set a goal of seriously looking after we’re married?”

Seth’s shoulders slumped. “Oh. That long?”

Daddy snort-laughed. “Baby, we’re talking all of six months or so. I don’t want to create too much stress for either of us. Moving, getting married—” He rolled his eyes—“Escrows. All of that at one time could put us on overload.”

He knew Daddy was probably right. But he was already wishing they could get married sooner as it was, so having to wait for both things was going to be a true test of his patience.

“I understand. But could we maybe, you know, look at pictures online or talk about where we might want to move? Not a lot. Just a little?”

Daddy wrapped his arms around Seth, hugging and holding him close. “Why don’t we leave everything open. My main concern is not creating any additional deadlines. I think that’s where the pressure would come from. As long as the only date that’s set to meet certain expectations is the wedding, then I’m fine with whatever else happens.”

“Awesome.” Seth’s heart thumped as all the possibilities ran through his mind. “Where doyouthink we should move?”

“Oh dear. What Pandora’s Box have I opened?”

“I’m just curious.”

Daddy lightly stroked Seth’s arm with his fingertips. “Well, I haven’t given location a lot of consideration yet, but Florence crossed my mind.”

Seth wiggled in Daddy’s hold until he’d twisted his body around. “That’s perfect! Let’s move to Florence.”

“Slow down there, Turbo. Take a breath.” Daddy smiled as he tucked some of Seth’s hair behind his ear. “No hurry, remember?”

“I know, but…”

Seth pressed his lips together. Maybe if they found a house in Florence right away, they could have everything wrapped up before the wedding and it wouldn’t be a problem. He wasn’t sure how the process of buying a house worked, but it couldn’t betoocomplicated.

Daddy nuzzled his neck then nibbled his way along Seth’s jawline. “Mmm… What can I do to distract my baby from this subject?”

Daddy wasn’t playing fair. “What you’re doing right now is good.”

Daddy pulled back and pouted at him. “Good? That’s it?” He shook his head. “I’ve clearly lost my touch.”

Seth chuckled. He loved all the different aspects of Daddy’s personality—when he was sweet and gentle, protective, compassionate, concerned—but Seth had grown to adore Daddy’s playful side.

“That could never happen, Daddy.”

Daddy dragged his tongue up the column of Seth’s throat, then latched onto his Adam’s Apple and sucked. If Daddy left too big of a mark, he wouldn’t be able to leave the house for a few days. Daddy didn’t mind, but Seth would always get too self-conscious.

Daddy came up for air. “Tasty.” He grinned. “But I think it would be wise to make sure my seductive powers are still strong enough to enthrall my boy.”

Seth snorted. “Enthrall? That’s a high bar you’ve set.”

Daddy waggled his eyebrows. “I’m up to the challenge. You in?”

He supposed they could talk about houses another time.

Seth laughed and threw his arms above his head. “Enthrall away.”

Chapter Nine

The incessant twittering of a loud bird seeped into Malcolm’s consciousness. He grumbled to himself in his groggy state and yanked the blanket over his head.

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