Page 37 of Daddy Marc's Gem

Foster took the glass with trembling hands, grateful for something to focus on besides the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. Dolly padded over, sensing his distress, and rested her head on his knee. He absent-mindedly stroked her fur as he sipped the water.

“What am I going to do?” Foster set the glass down on a side table. He rubbed his forehead, frustrated and upset at how Edward had managed to throw his world into complete upheaval once again. “Thirty days isn’t enough time to find a new place, especially with deposits and moving fees. I’d planned on using the money I made at the Market for that.” He held in a sob. “And I need somewhere that will take Dolly...”

He peered up at Marc, who had remained silent. Marc’s brow was creased, his expression thoughtful. At last, he spoke. “I know exactly what you're going to do.”

Foster straightened. He knew his Daddy would have a solution. “What?”

“You're going to move in with me." Marc reached out, brushing a strand of honey-blond hair from Foster's forehead. “My house has plenty of space, a fenced backyard for Dolly, and I have that large, detached garage you can use as a workshop for your antiques.”

Foster blinked rapidly. “Move in with you? But... we've only known each other a month.” He shifted on the couch, the plug making its presence known again. “What if you decide I’m too much of a hassle, or you get tired of me, or…”

His chest tightened, and he fought back tears. This was exactly the poison Edward had filled him with yet again just moments ago.

Marc covered his hand with his own. “I would never view my sweet boy as a hassle. In the month I’ve known you, I've learned more about who you are than that asshole did in how long?”

Foster winced. “More years than I care to admit to.”

“I don’t want to pressure you into something you’re not ready for, but if you’re worried about me, please don’t.” Marc placed his palm on Foster’s cheek, stroking his skin with his thumb, the touch so calming. “I’ve fallen hard for you, sweetheart. All I want is to be your Daddy twenty-four-seven. It’s agonizing when I come home at night, and you’re not there. When I wake up in the morning, and you’re not in my arms. If you don’t feel the same or need more time, that’s all right, too. I’ll be your Daddy no matter what. But I’d hate to think you didn’t accept my offer out of fear that I don’t truly want you as mine. This is me doing to the best job I can to take care of my boy.”

Foster could barely breathe and wondered if he was hallucinating. This unbelievably amazing man wanted him.Him. Edward’s nastiness and his own insecurities hadn’t chased Marc away. Hadn’t made him second guess.

“I’m not afraid, Daddy. I love you.” Foster’s eyes went wide. He’d meant to say something less blurty. Marc hadn’t said anything about love. What was he thinking? “Uh, what I meant was…” He winced.

Marc snaked an arm around Foster’s waist and tugged him closer, his mouth pulling into a wide grin. “You meant to say you love me. Own it. Because you know what? I love you too.”

The tension that had built in Foster’s chest released in a flood of emotion. He buried his face against Marc’s shoulder, inhaling the comforting scent of his sandalwood cologne.

“Really?” Foster whispered, his voice muffled against Marc’s shirt. “You really love me?”

Marc wrapped his palm around the nape of Foster's neck. "With everything I am, sweet boy. I think I've known it since that first night at the club’s restaurant when you looked at me with those blue eyes full of trust.”

Foster pulled back to meet Marc’s gaze, searching his eyes for any hint of uncertainty and finding none. Just warmth, affection, and something fierce that made his heart race.

“I knew that night at the club when you came to my rescue. I couldn’t admit it to myself right away, but I knew. The longer we’ve been together, the more real it became.” Foster let out a satisfied sigh. “I wish I could say you’re who I’ve always dreamed of, but that would be a lie. I’ve imagined a man could be as kind and loving as you.” Foster lifted his chin, aching for a kiss. “You’re mine, too.”

Marc’s eyes glimmered. “We belong to each other.”

He lowered his lips to Foster's, the kiss deep and possessive, Marc wrapping him in a strong embrace. Foster melted against him, Marc’s solid warmth akin to a promise of safety in his arms.

When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Marc rested his forehead against Foster's.

“So,” Marc said, his voice husky, “Does that mean you’ll move in with me, sweetheart? Let your Daddy take care of you properly?”

“Yes, Daddy. I want that more than anything.” Foster swallowed hard as a thread of doubt coiled in his gut. He supposed he had to acknowledge that insecurities didn’t magically evaporate overnight - miracle Daddy notwithstanding. “But what about our contract? There’s only two months to go.”

Marc sat back but draped his arm around Foster’s shoulders. “Ah, yes. Well, before this abrupt event, I was planning on discussing that with you tonight.” His expression softened. “How do you feel about a permanent contract?”

Foster sucked in a sharp breath. “Permanent? Like…” He drew his eyebrows together. Being honest was part of the current contract, so he should probably just come out with it. “Wouldn’t that be like getting married?”

“As Daddy and boy, yes. We can discuss a legal marriage at some point, too. Right now, one step at a time. I don’t want you getting too overwhelmed. As it is, a move and committing to a long-term relationship is a lot to handle at once. Plus, you’ve already had one move this year, and that was a huge one.”

Foster considered Marc’s words. “I’m ready for us to be together, though. I think I’d be more stressed out not having somewhere to go and being uncertain about where we stand.”

Marc nodded. “Agreed. Which is why I’m not hesitating to ask you to move in with me.”

“But we can still do the permanent contract, right? And everyone will know we’re a real couple?”

“Baby…” Marc threaded his fingers through Foster’s hair. “We already are a real couple. But after you’ve settled in, we canplan a collaring ceremony, a celebration we invite our friends to witness.”

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