Page 39 of Now and Forever

Malcolm sighed. He’d definitely been shirking his responsibilities. “No, not this time of year. And don’t worry about anything, let me take care ofyou.”

Seth worried his lip. “I know I’m not that great at taking charge of things, but I can try harder. I don’t want you to get stressed out.”

Malcolm framed Seth’s face with his palms. “You’re more than great, you’re amazing. You have no idea how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I don’t know how I would’ve handled this nightmare without you by my side.” He pressed their mouths together again. “You’re my angel. However, it’s time I get back to feeling like myself again.” He swallowed past a lump in his throat. “Time to move on.”

“Okay.” Seth pet the chest hairs that were peeking out of the top of Malcolm’s flannel shirt. “But know I’ll always help you however I can.”

“I know, sweetheart. Thank you.” He tapped the tip of Seth’s nose. “Now let’s get dressed, go out and have a nice meal.”

“If we dress warm and it doesn’t rain, can we take a walk around town afterwards?”

“Yes, baby. We can.”

“And maybe do some window shopping?”

“Yup.”

Malcolm smiled to himself.Ah yes. Daddy is back.

* * * *

Seth was so full he thought he might never eat again. They were going to need that walk for real. However, that didn’t stop him from side-eyeing the dessert tray the server had left nearby.

Growing up, he hadn’t craved sweets as much as he did now. Not that he hadn’t loved ice cream and candy—far from it. But he’d almost never been allowed to have any. Even when cookies or cupcakes were brought into class for a party at school, he was forced to tell the teacher no. His brothers would surely find out and tell on him, so he hadn’t dared to try and sneak some.

As with almost every other aspect of his life, though, everything was different now that he was with Daddy. They didn’t over-indulge, and they ate healthy overall, exercised—but Daddy had never made him feel guilty or bad for wanting dessert. He always told him that he loved giving his boy treats.

“Checking out the selections?”

Seth whipped his head around and met Daddy’s amused gaze. He chuckled self-consciously. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

“That’s all right.” Daddy winked. “I was, too.” He leaned over the table to get a better look. “Hmm. I’m guessing that’s a marionberry cobbler. We could grab some ice cream to go with it on the way back to the rental. Although, I’m betting that chocolate pie, or cake, or whatever it is, would be fantastic too. What do you think?”

“You know I love marionberries.” The tart, local fruit were one of the things Daddy had introduced him to on the very first night they’d met and gotten to know each other at a coffee shop.

“But you love chocolate, too.”

Seth grinned at Daddy. “Both?”

Daddy grinned back. “I like your thinking.”

Once they’d placed their orders and the bill had been taken care of, Daddy grabbed the to-go bag containing their desserts. As they headed for the front, gestured for Seth to go ahead. When they reached the entryway of the cozy restaurant, they donned their jackets, scarves and gloves. Daddy held open the door for him before they both stepped into the cold air blowing in from the sea and river.

“Are you sure you still want to take a walk?” Daddy regarded him with concern.

Seth hooked his arm through Daddy’s. “I do, if it’s okay. It’s not raining.”

“It’s fine, baby. But not too long. I don’t want you catching cold.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

As they strolled along the main street of Old Town, Seth mused how well he and Daddy fit together. Even though he’d given Daddy so much power over his life, the dynamic couldn’t be more perfect. Never once had he felt as though he was being bullied or taken advantage of the way he’d been in his old life. Instead, he’d been shown more love and consideration than he ever could’ve hoped for. Guidance and care. Everything he’d ached for his entire life but had despaired of ever having.

The past few weeks had been terrible for Daddy, and it had been awful to witness him being so sad. A few times, Seth had become anxious because he wasn’t getting Daddy’s full attention the way he was used to, but then he’d give himself a mental shake. Daddy neededhisattention now, needed Seth’s care. Maybe he didn’t know how to be in charge or give guidance, but he could offer Daddy emotional support and look after mundane tasks.

Yet, something in Daddy had shifted earlier. He sensed that Daddy was back and ready to take over again. The selfish side of Seth was greatly relieved.

“What do you want to do for your birthday, Daddy? It’s coming up soon.”

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