Page 27 of Daddy Marc's Gem

He let out a contented sigh. While it might still be early days, something about the connection to Foster felt right. In the past, the men he’d hoped he could feel this way about came and went. Yet here was Foster, and already the thought of ever being without him seemed impossible.

Foster’s eyes fluttered open. The slight confusion on his brow was immediately replaced with an easy smile as he stretched. “Good morning, Daddy.” Foster’s voice was still thick with sleep. His hair was tousled, sticking up in places where it had pressed against the pillow. There was something vulnerable about him in this state—unguarded and soft around the edges.

“Morning, sweetheart.” He reached out to smooth his thumb along Foster's cheekbone. “Sleep well?”

Foster hummed, leaning into the touch like a cat seeking affection. “Better than I have in... I don't know how long.” He chuckled. “You wore me out.”

“Excellent. Mission accomplished.” He gave him a chaste kiss. “I’d like to take you out for breakfast before I leave. Is there a place nearby? Then we can also touch on the basics of our initial contract.”

Foster blinked several times as if trying to absorb Marc’s words. “Yeah, that would be awesome.”

Scratching sounded on the bedroom door. “Uh-oh.” Marc lifted his head, arching his eyebrows. “Someone's feeling neglected.”

Foster chuckled. “Dolly’s not used to being shut out of the bedroom. Even though she usually sleeps in her bed out in the living room, she likes having the run of the house.” He slipped from beneath the covers, his naked form briefly silhouetted against the morning light filtering through the curtains. Marc savored the view as Foster pulled on a pair of boxers and padded to the door. “It’s more in the morning so she can nudge me with her wet nose because she wants breakfast.”

The moment Foster opened the door, Dolly rushed over with her tail wagging at top speed, then placed her paws on the side of the bed as she tried to lick Marc’s face.

“Well, hello there,” Marc laughed, whipping his head back and forth to keep from getting a complete tongue bath.

“Dolly! Get down.” Foster rushed over then pointed to the floor. “You know better. Now be a good girl and get your bowl.” Dolly spun around two times before bounding from the room. “Sorry—I mean, I apologize for that. I think you’ve officially received the seal of approval.”

“I'm honored to receive her acceptance.” Marc sat up, letting the sheet pool around his waist. “And I notice you caught yourself. Good job.”

The praise made Foster’s eyes light up, his blush deepening as he shifted from foot to foot, combing his fingers through his hair as if seeking a purpose for them. “Thank you.” He fidgeted with the waistband of his boxers. “I should probably feed her before she returns for round two.”

“Go ahead. I'll get dressed and be right out.”

Once Foster left the room, he took a moment to collect himself. This domestic morning scene felt almost surreal—waking up beside Foster, being greeted by his dog, and planningbreakfast together. It was everything he’d privately yearned for but had convinced himself might never happen.

After splashing some water on his face and dressing, Marc found Foster in the kitchen, humming softly as he scooped out what looked like a concoction of rice and vegetables onto Dolly’s kibble. The dog watched with rapt attention, her tail a metronome of anticipation. There was something profoundly intimate about watching this simple morning ritual. Marc leaned against the doorframe, content to observe without interrupting.

Foster glanced up, catching Marc’s eyes. “Oh! I didn't hear you come in.” Dolly started whimpering, and Foster set her bowl down. “Here you go, impatient girl.” Dolly attacked her food like it was going to bite back. “Slow down!” Foster shook his head. “The way she acts, you’d think I never fed her.”

Marc chuckled. “My dog was like that, too. Always sniffing around between meals, searching for rogue crumbs.” He pointed to Dolly’s bowl. “What was that you put on top of her kibble?”

“I ran out of the fresh food I used to order for her.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “It got a bit pricey with me not having the shop up and running like I thought I would by now. Anyway, I cook up rice, veggies, and broth for her instead. Way cheaper.”

“Great solution. Should we wait until she’s—” Marc snorted. “Never mind. She’s done.”

Foster laughed. “Yeah, it’s usually three minutes tops. But we can leave whenever you want. Unless you want to have coffee here first?”

Marc glanced at the digital clock on the stove. “Actually, I only have an hour or two before I need to head home to get ready for work.

“Okay. There’s a diner about two blocks from here. Nothing fancy, but they make these ridiculously good blueberry pancakes.”

“Sounds perfect.”

Marc crossed the room, unable to resist placing his arms around Foster’s waist. He kissed his forehead, inhaling the lingering scent of their encounter and something uniquely him. Foster draped his arms around Marc’s neck, his lips stretched in a wide smile.

“I’m so happy you’re here. Feels like a dream.”

Marc gave him a quick kiss. “The best dream ever. I’m grateful it’s real.”

They stared into each other’s eyes for a few beats before Marc reluctantly released him. He patted Foster’s butt.

“Get dressed I’m excited to talk to you about the contract.”

“Me too.” Foster’s grin hadn’t lessened. “Do I have time for a quick rinse?”

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