Page 42 of Problems

"Please?"

Jack groaned. "No Daddy," he whined. "What um what did you call me?"

I tilted my head back and tapped my chin. "Hmm I don't think I remember, wasn't it your name Jack?"

"Daddy Ronan." Jack pushed me lightly and I tipped over dramatically falling on the couch.

"How could you hurt your daddy? I thought you were a sweet boy."

Jack crossed his arms and his cheeks puffed up. He looked like a chipmunk. The urge to pinch his cheeks was hard to suppress. This side of Jack was a rarity. I only got glimpses when we were in private and each time Jack would run away. It was the only time he'd run from me.

"I am good." Jack's lower lip stuck out in an adorable pout.

I sat up nodding. "Yes, you're good."

Jack fidgeted on the couch still pouting as he looked anywhere but at me.

"Baby boy."

The moment the words left my mouth Jack's head jerked toward me. The smile that lit up his face was priceless. I'd kill to keep it there forever.

I hope Declan never chooses a side and we're stuck here with Jack forever.

The moment the thought came across my mind I shoved it away. How was that fair to seclude Jack away from the world? Even if this was the happiest moment of my life, I knew Jack didn’t like being locked away. Sooner or later we were going to have to leave.

And who was to say after a month or two Jack wouldn't be bored with us and call the whole daddy thing off? Just imagining it hurt my heart. I rubbed at my chest.

"What's wrong Daddy Ronan?"

I dropped my hand and cupped Jack's face. "Nothing. Go get your sketchbook and pencils."

Jack sighed as he got off the couch. I knew once he settled into and worked past the creative block, he'd be happier. I smacked his butt on the way past me.

"Daddy!"

"Hurry up."

Jack ran out of the living room and went right to his bedroom. I relaxed back and took in what was happening. I kind of went along with it not questioning it too much but how could I when I was finally able to hold Jack how I wanted? Finnian walked into the kitchen and our eyes met. He glanced around me and without needing to hear it I knew exactly what he wanted.

"He went to get his sketchbook."

Finnian nodded. "Does he need anything?"

I'd always thought Finnian was a stern man and he was, but it seemed there was more to him especially concerning Jack.

"No but I did add a rule."

Finnian lifted a single brow my way.

"No cursing."

"Figured as much. I'd already noted it. Anything else?"

I shook my head.

"In order for us to be on the same page I'm also going to make a group message for the three of us." He didn't sound too enthusiastic about it.

The garage door slammed as Cian waltzed into the house. He wiped the sweat from his face as he glared Finnian's way. His blue eyes ran over every inch of the living room.

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