Page 73 of Just A Little Fling

“I’m glad you like it. Hopefully, the next one will be just as good.”

I gave Babbo an uncertain look but slid my fingers under the tape of the teddy bear wrapping paper. This box was huge, and when I took the paper off, I realized it was a box of building blocks.

“Babbo! Now I can make houses.”

The blocks were irresistible, and I started my construction right away. Digging through the box, I found a platform with wheels that I immediately started building on. Babbo sat quietly while I worked. The look I didn’t understand was back on his face. It wasn’t sad exactly, but I didn’t know another word for it.

“Sweet Boy, don’t forget these.” Babbo handed me the last bags.

I pulled the smaller one to me first, pushed the wonderfully, fantastically, awesomely crinkly paper aside, and pulled out a worm stuffie. He was soft and coiled with a sweet smile, and he wore a fancy hat with a flower on it. I immediately hugged him tight and gave him kisses on the face before holding him out so he could give Babbo his share too.

“I love him already.”

“I’m glad you do. He needs a name.” I looked at him this way and that and then held him up to my ear so he could whisper his name to me. “He has a name.”

“Yeah? Do you know his name?”

“Of course I do. Do you know his name, Babbo?”

“How would I know it? He told you.”

“Wanna know it?”

“Yes, please.”

“Wormie McSquirmie.”

“That might be the best name for a worm stuffie I’ve ever heard.” I beamed with pride. “One more bag, Sweet Boy.”

“Oh, one sec, Babbo.” I leaped off the couch and grabbed Saffy from the pile of stuff I’d brought with me. On the way back to the couch, I introduced them properly, and she promised to be Wormie’s best friend. I whispered that we could all be best friends, and they both agreed. It was gonna be great.

“Here ya go.” Babbo handed the bag covered in rainbows to me.

It took two hands to pick up because it was so heavy and full. I gave him a curious look, but he just nodded toward it. I pulled out the tissue paper and lifted the first set of clothes inside.

“Babbo, for me?” He’d bought me outfits. Lots and lots of them. There were T-shirts with little stuff on them, shorts to play in, rompers, and…oh my goodness. “Mine too?”

Along with the rest of the clothes, he’d gotten me new underwear. It had brightly colored edges and reminded me of the Under-Roos I loved so much when I was a real kid. Like those, these had dinosaurs, trucks, and a few gaming consoles. They were perfect. And I loved them.

“Babbo, tank you so much!” I launched myself at him, and he caught me with a laugh. With more effort than expected, I grasped Babbo’s face with both hands and said, “I wanna wear ’em now.”

“I’m glad they’re a hit. Why don't we get cleaned up and then change into them? I have some work that I need to finish tonight, but you can play with your new toys and keep me company.”

“Bathtime? Woo-hoo.” I picked up Saffy and Wormie on the way, but then I was already at the stairs before Babbo could answer or change his mind.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

LEVI

I’d been nervous I’d overstepped with the presents and whatnot, given how emphatic Nico was about keeping it casual. His response had been everything I’d wanted and nothing like I’d expected. Yeah, him being excited about the presents was cool, but there was more to it. He’d let himself sink into little space without worrying I’d judge him for it or not want to be around him when he wasn’t a middle. The whole reason for being a Daddy was to be that soft place to land. Admittedly, sneaking to look at his clothes while he was sleeping was the tiniest bit creepy, but I’d wanted to ensure I got his sizes right. Sue me.

All of their boys had embraced Nico in ways I hadn’t expected. They’d adopted him into the fold like he’d always been there. I didn’t know Jakob or Rory well, but I knew Owen. He wasn’t someone who accepted outsiders easily, and he’d fully accepted Nico. Owen was one hell of a judge of character, and if he said you were good people, then I didn’t need any other endorsement. Nico seemed lighter lately. Happier. More content.

I followed the sound of his voice down the hallway and found him in my bedroom. Nico sat cross-legged on my bed with Wormie in one arm and Saffy in the other. He was propped against the pillows while having a highly serious discussion with them. His face was so earnest and determined that I didn’t have the heart to interrupt them. Bathtime could wait a few minutes.

“Are your babies getting to know each other a little better?” I asked as I sat next to him on the bed and started unpacking the clothes from the bag I’d brought up with me.

“Yeah, they excited.”

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