Page 38 of Daddy Marc's Gem

“Ooh.” He liked the sound of that. “Okay, that sounds cool.”

Dolly seemed to have decided that he was in good hands because she was curled up in her bed, snoozing.

“Good.” Marc rubbed the top of Foster’s back. “We can discuss the details of the move and everything else later, but for now, I need to check in with you on something else.”

“What?” Foster was lost in competing visions of collaring celebrations, packing, moving vans, change of address notices, and a bunch of other random things.

“How are you doing with the plug?”

“Oh, right. That.” Someday, a burst of embarrassment wouldn’t hit him every time they discussed the toy. “It’s still in.”

“Good job. That’s a new record.” Marc let his fingers trail down to Foster’s chest, teasing a nipple through his shirt. “Ready to try the next size up?”

Foster licked his lips, his cock twitching in his jeans. He had a feeling he’d be trying lots of new things now that he was Daddy’s permanent boy.

Chapter Twelve

Marc was so giddy with happiness that he wanted to shout to the world how much he loved Foster. He chuckled to himself, refusing to make eye contact with Zane who was helping him carry the other end of a cedar chest. If his buddy knew what he was thinking, he’d assume Marc had taken a trip to Looney Town.

“Here?” Zane asked.

Marc nodded. “Yeah, right at the end of the bed.”

They both straightened, letting out hearty puffs of breath. Zane glanced his way.

“What are you chuckling about?” His lips quirked in a smile. “I can’t remember seeing you this lighthearted before. It’s a good look on you.”

Marc ran a hand through his hair, trying to appear casual despite the warmth spreading through him. “Just happy, that’s all.”

“Just happy.” Zane favored him with a knowing smirk. “Right. And I’m just mildly interested in power exchange.”

“Shut up.”

Marc laughed, glancing toward the hallway to make sure Foster wasn’t within earshot. His amazing boy was in the kitchen with Ryan and Ty, organizing dishes and cookware. Ryan was giving him gardening tips and Ty had promised to teach him some gourmet recipes that Foster was anxious to try.

“Seriously though,” Zane said, lowering his voice. “I haven't seen you like this in all the years I’ve known you. The boy’s good for you.”

“I never thought...” He cleared the emotion from his throat. “That I'd find someone like him. Someone who fits.”

Zane clapped him on the shoulder. “Sometimes the universe gets it right. And sometimes it takes a bit of courage to recognize when it does.”

Marc nodded, his gaze drifting toward the doorway again as if he could somehow see through the walls to where Foster was arranging kitchenware, adding his personal touches. The house felt different already – warmer, more alive.

“I was beginning to think...” Marc paused, searching for the right words. “That maybe what I wanted didn’t exist outside of fantasy. That no one could possibly want the same things I did, in the same way.”

Zane leaned against the door’s threshold, crossing his arms. “And now?”

“Now I'm terrified I'll wake up, and it'll all have been a dream.” Marc dragged his palm across the top of his head. “He’s so perfect, Zane. And so damaged by that asshole ex of his. I want to protect him from everything.”

“That's the Daddy in you talking.” Zane regarded him with a knowing smile. “Remember, he chose you, too. Give him space to heal at his own pace.”

A burst of laughter could be heard from the kitchen, followed by Ryan’s boisterous guffaw. The sounds settled something in Marc’s chest, like puzzle pieces finding their home.

“Come on.” Zane gestured for him to follow. “Let's get the rest of this stuff inside before it rains.”

Marc trailed after him. “Good plan. Then I can order some pizza for us. I’m sure everyone’s starving by now.”

Zane glanced over his shoulder. “While I appreciate the offer, we’ll take a raincheck. I think you and Foster need some quality alone time to celebrate his first official night here.”

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