Real World, page 11
“I got Shiner and Bud Light.”
“Shiner, please. Tell me where to put money for the beer fund?”
“There’s a green canister on the counter.”
“I’m on it.” Dan winked.
“Y’all do a ton for us. Don’t worry.”
“Shiner is worth the donation.” Dan nibbled a cracker.
Weldon popped the top off two, then handed one over.
“Thanks. Am I too obvious? I really want to kiss you.”
“Yeah. I keep trying to tell myself to stop hunting you.”
Dan’s eye lines crinkled up, and the man caught Caleb as he came scooting by, tripping and almost falling headfirst into the cabinet. Caleb crowed happily, grinning up at Dan like a monkey.
“Hey, kid.” Dan lifted Caleb and zoomed him like an airplane.
“Eee! Again! Oh, again!”
Dan glanced at Weldon, who nodded and grinned. He appreciated Dan checking in, but Caleb was unbreakable.
Caleb whooshed through the air again, squealing. “I Batman!”
Weldon chuckled and applauded. His goofy, dear baby boy.
“Batman is a stud,” Audie said. “He had nipples built into his armor.”
“What’s nipples?” Caleb asked.
“What mommies use to feed babies with their boobies.” Randi was so helpful.
“Oh. Like passies.”
Weldon bit back his laugh. Caleb had liked his pacifiers.
“Uh-huh, but you’re a big boy, and you don’t need them,” Kenzie said, and that’s when the male teenaged nation was heard from.
“Some big boys might.”
They all cracked up at Jakob, who managed to look really pleased with himself.
Audie hooted. “I forget there are straight guys.”
“Are you crooked, Mister Audie?”
“Emma!” Maddie looked like she was going to swallow her tongue.
“Bent.” Weldon chuckled. “Okay, you bunch. Help me.” He began assigning tasks. He couldn’t help but notice that Caleb was wrapped around Dan and holding on tight. He thought about offering to take Caleb back, but Dan seemed content, so he let it go.
“Jakob, can you please make sure everyone has drinks? I have a beer already.”
“Yessir.” Jakob rose and began pulling out bottles of cola and a carton of the milk for the littles. “Would anyone else like a beer? Mr. Audie?”
“I’ll take one, yes.” Periodically Audie looked at Jakob like he was stunned, totally surprised.
“Shiner or Bud Light? Dad puts them on opposite sides of the fridge.”
“Shiner, please sir.”
Caleb jabbered at Dan, who made all the right noises, and MacKenzie slid into a chair next to Dixon, asking him to color with her. She gave him blank paper for his crayons, just as she always did Jakob.
Em and Grainger and Randi were outside again, running around in the cold where Weldon could see them from the kitchen window. The clouds were rolling in, dark and heavy. Craziness.
“Is it supposed to snow, Audie?”
“Not that I know of.” Audie whipped out his phone to key up the weather app, though. “Huh. It could happen.”
“That’ll tickle the under-ten set.”
“Can we have a fire, Daddy?” Kenzie asked. “And marshmallows?”
“Maybe. Do you think we need marshmallows with all this food?”
“If it snows!” She looked so hopeful. Heck, all of the kids still inside paused to give him big eyes, even Jakob.
“If it snows, there will be a fire with marshmallows.”
“Woo!” Maddie fist pumped, then blinked when everyone stared at her. “What? I can be happy.”
“You totally can. Absolutely.” He walked over and kissed the top of her head. “Happy Stupid Football Game Day, Madison Renee.”
“Happy Stupid Football Game Day, Mister Daddy.”
God, he loved her silly self. He loved them all so damned much.
The pregame show came on, his folks showed up and so did Mel, the first wave of food came out, and they all sat. Weldon thought everyone was waiting to see if it snowed. The whole idea was novel enough in Central Texas that all of them seemed a little on edge.
Dan had Caleb on his lap, and Dixon was teasing Audie, making the cowboy describe the talking heads on the TV.
Maddie was curled up at the end of the couch, watching out the window more than the game, talking hard to her grandpa about God knew what, and Jakob had one discreet earphone tucked into his ear, no doubt listening to music politely.
Weldon found himself looking at Dan, again and again. Over and over.
The man made his mouth dry. Those broad shoulders and strong arms made him want to explore, to touch and kiss and taste. The smile made Weldon grin in return, and the way Dan held Caleb melted Weldon’s heart some.
It’s not real, he told himself. The man can be good to kids and not want to raise any.
His folks decided to head out before any bad weather, and Mel followed right behind them, begging off the “barbarism” of football.
“You only say that because Caleb doesn’t play yet,” he teased, and she discreetly flipped him off on her way out the door.
His head felt like a Ping-Pong table, and when Audie poked him, he jumped.
“You’re a million miles away, friend.”
“Totally.” Honestly, he was right there.
“Where y’at?” The Louisiana expression always sounded hilarious in Audie’s East Texas drawl.
“Just wondering if it was really going to snow, I guess.” Wondering if he could possibly hook up with a man for a few nights.
“Deep thoughts.” Audie winked, his expression knowing.
“Shut up.” He knew his cheeks had to be red. God knew, they felt hot.
“Uh-huh. If it’s that special, try.”
“You think?” He didn’t question one bit that Audie knew what he was thinking about.
“Yeah. If it gets weird, you deal. I’m happy. I want everyone to be that way.”
“Yeah. Me too.” He’d been happy for a long time. Weldon felt like he and Dix had that in common more than him and Audie. They knew what it was like to lose a long-term partner.
If Dixon could find someone again, then he could too, right?
Weldon glanced at Dan again, who caught his eye and smiled. Right. Damn it.
“Daddy! I saw a snowflake.”
“Are you sure?” He searched the sky, but he didn’t see one.
“I know it.” Maddie was up and outside in a heartbeat, staring at the sky.
Caleb and Kenzie followed, eyes to the clouds. Okay, there. Weldon saw a snowflake land on Maddie’s hoodie.
“Huh. Snow.” Dan’s hand landed on his waist, solid and heavy.
“I know, right? I guess now I’ll have to make a fire.”
“Ah, now, that I’m an expert at,” Dan murmured.
“Good to know.” He leaned a little more. “I got some firewood in the shed. Gimme a minute here and I’ll go.” He knew no one was watching, but he still had a thrill of guilty pleasure about touching with the kids right there.
“As much as you need,” Dan said.
“Mmm.”
Dan pressed against him gently, the sound Dan made in return vibrating through him.
The kids were all outside, faces lifted to the sky, even Jakob. And it was Jakob who broke into a huge grin. “I felt it!”
Audie tugged Dixon up. “Outside. Come on. Outside.”
Dixon laughed, the sound totally happy, and next thing he knew Audie and Dix were dancing out in the snow.
They were alone, and as neat as the snow was, he wanted a kiss. No. He needed it. Just one. One more time.
Dan read his mind, turning him gently, tipping his chin up with one hand. “Is this okay?”
“More than. Come on, man.” He stepped right into Dan’s space and pressed their bodies together.
A low, husky chuckle sounded against Weldon’s lips when Dan kissed him, the contact sending tiny licks of flame all through his body. Oh, this man. Weldon could eat him alive. He fed Dan his moan, letting Dan hear how good it was.
Those big hands found his ass, lifting him, holding him there for a slow, thorough exploration.
Oh, God. Please. His eyes went wide, his cock hard and aching.
“Shh.” Dan pulled away gently, nodding toward the porch. “Later.”
“Yeah. Yeah?” Oh, thank God. “You want to go enjoy the snow.” Weldon looked out, and it was really coming down, actually sticking a bit.
“Point me toward the firewood, honey.” Dan patted his ass in a familiar way.
“It’s stacked under the eaves behind the woodshop.”
“Got it.” Dan headed over to grab the wood carrier. Weldon watched the play of muscles under Dan’s sweater, wondering if Dan would come split wood for him at some point.
He’d pay good money to watch that. Sweaty lumberjack Dan. Uhn.
“Dad. You’re staring.” Maddie nudged him, and he hadn’t realized she was back up with him. “You like him, huh?”
“I do. Is that weird?” He didn’t discuss his sexuality with his kids, but he didn’t lie to them either.
“Nope. He’s a total hottie. I think he likes you too.” She winked at him, so adult for a moment that his heart ached.
“I think he might. Should we go play in the snow?”
“Yes!” She bounded back outside, and he realized she’d come in for coats. Good girl.
He headed out for Caleb, to swing him up in the air.
Caleb squealed, patting his cheeks when Weldon rubbed his nose against Caleb’s cold one.
“Daddy! Snows!”
“I know, buddy! Can you catch one on your tongue?”
“Ahhhh.” Caleb stuck out his tongue and crossed his eyes.
Soon there were seven kids, tongues out, just about as happy as they could be. They all had their arms thrown wide, and Audie was sticking mittens on each cold paw as if they were mannequins he was dressing.
“He’s good at that,” Dan muttered, and Weldon had to agree.
“He only needs ten or twenty more kids.”
Dan hooted. “I’ll get him hamsters.”
“No rodents,” Audie said. “Dix hates them.”
“No sh—kidding?” Dan laughed.
Dix scowled. “All they do is scuttle and chew all night.”
“Silly brother,” Dan said. “I had hamsters when we were kids.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“Oh.” Dan seemed to ponder that. “You mean I tortured you all those years? Go me!”
Weldon started chuckling, especially once Randi started in with “Daudie? Can I have a hamster?”
“If Daddy doesn’t like them, then no. You have horses and dogs and barn cats.”
“Daddy….”
“Nope. When you go live with your Uncle Dan, you can have whatever you want.”
“Oh, yeah.” Dan held out a hand to high-five Randi. “When I get my own place, I’ll get one, and you can come visit.”
“I love you, Uncle Dan!” Randi launched herself into Dan’s arms.
“I know!” Dan swung her around. “Okay, I’m going to make fire.” He smacked a kiss on Randi’s head.
Weldon had to close his eyes, because he knew he was in love. Boom. No doubt about it, and no mind to the logic of it. Or lack thereof.
When he opened them, Audie was looking at him, seeing altogether too much. The man was a good friend. Weldon knew he would never judge. Hell, Audie had his back.
Dan headed inside, which helped Weldon breathe some.
“Dad? This is too cool. Is it good?” Jakob’s face was lifted to the sky.
“It’s not sticking yet, but it’s going to. It’s white and thick in the air.”
“This is awesome.” Jakob’s smile could light up the world.
“It is, man. If it builds up, we’ll go touch it.”
“Thanks, Dad. Are the littles tearing around?”
“They are. You want Pepper?”
Jakob shook his head. “I just want to go sit on the porch.”
“Well, grab my arm.” He waited for Jakob to find his footing before leading him to the porch. Jakob settled in a chair, and Maddie brought him a blanket.
It only took a few seconds before Kenzie was in Jakob’s lap, snuggling in and jabbering at him. Caleb wore out next, climbing up with them, and it was just the middle three kids who were doggedly playing in the falling snow.
“Hot cocoa?” he asked, and he got ten eager affirmatives, so he went to pull out the dutch oven and the good cocoa.
Dan had a crackling fire going, the heat lovely.
“Good job, man. You’d think you’d done this before.”
“I told you. I’m an expert.” Dan winked.
“Yes, sir. You want marshmallows or whipped cream?”
“Marshmallows!” Dan came over, peeking outside before giving him a kiss that toasted his personal marshmallows to hell.
“Damn, honey. You make me stupid.”
“Do I? I was going for making you horny, but I’ll take it.”
“Stupid. Horny. Hard. Aching. Crazy. Pick a couple.”
“Kiss me again?” Dan was irresistible when he smiled that way.
“Anytime.” He put the sugar canister down and pushed into Dan’s arms, kissing the man like he meant it.
“Mmm.” Dan swayed with him, hands on his hips.
“I want you.” Which, okay, Dan had to be aware of, given that his dick was trying to drill its way into Dan’s belly, but it bore saying.
“I know. I feel like a weirdo, making out with your kids right out there, but I can’t stop touching you.”
“Yeah. Maddie asked me if I was into you.”
“What did you tell her?” Dan kissed his neck, right below his ear.
“Yes. I don’t lie to my kids.”
“Brave and wonderful man.” Dan’s praise made him warm inside.
“I just want to be a good dad.” Now, kiss me again.
“You are.” Dan kissed him hard, deep, tongue pushing into his mouth.
They pulled apart when the screen door was flung open, Audie and Dix stomping in dramatically, shaking like a pair of wet dogs.
“Hooee, it’s cold out there,” Audie said. “Hot chocolate?”
“I’m working on it. Gimme five.”
“You got it.” Audie went to stare at the fire. “Nice job.”
“Thanks, man. Like I told Weldon, I’m a pro.” Dan met Audie’s eyes, straight on.
“I trust you.” Audie nodded, and Weldon felt the unspoken words pass between them.
Okay. Okay, so they were all in sync here. That was good, right? Weldon sure hoped so. Ass kicking was not on the Super Bowl menu.
He’d be lying if he said it didn’t feel good, how Audie had his back. He was family to Audie as much as Dan was, and it made his heart glad.
Weldon went back to his cocoa, because the kids were standing and staring, the promised treat only coming a couple three times a year. Little heathens. He grinned, thinking how they always moved in for the kill when the marshmallows came out.
“Maddie, can you get out mugs, please? The little plastic mug for Caleb.”
“Yes, sir.” She bustled around, so much like her mom it hurt. He had to smile, though, because Krista would have been all over Dan. She loved a redhead.
She’d loved the idea of him with another guy too. It had turned her on. Such a lover, his girl.
He wasn’t sure what Dan would think about that, but he didn’t have any intention of ever telling Dan anything about it. It was a nonissue, after all, and Dan was already weird about him being bisexual.
He guessed if you’d identified as gay all your life, bisexuality seemed like what? Indecision? Weldon couldn’t help the way he was wired.
He fell in love with who he loved.
God, he needed to get away from that line of thinking. Seriously.
Because hello! No being in love with the hot ex-soldier who wanted a man who was footloose and fancy free and shit.
“You okay, Daddy?” His glittery girl came to lean on him, her arm around his leg.
“I am better than okay. I am making cocoa for my beasts and watching it snow!”
“Oh. Good. You keep looking kinda sad, then happy.”
“Do I? Huh. Well, I have my friends, my beasts, snow, football, and nummy stuff in the oven. Life’s looking pretty darned good to me.” He picked her up and kept stirring.
“I love you.” She leaned her cheek against his, and her hair got in his mouth.
He chuckled softly, scraping against her, teasing her.
“Daddy! You need to shave.”
“Are you calling me hairy?” He dropped the spoon into the pot and grabbed her. “Silly monkey girl!”
Dan slid in smoothly to stir, letting him blow raspberries against Kenzie’s belly.
“Daddy! Daddy, tickles my belly!”
“No peeing,” Maddie said, laying out cups and politely nudging Dan out of the way so she could ladle up the drinks.
“Maddie said pee!” Caleb squealed. “Daddy!”
Weldon rolled his eyes. “The next person to shout out a bodily function goes without.”
“Without what, Dad?”
He was going to beat Jakob’s butt. “Without hot chocolate.”
“Oh. Dammit.”
“Jakob Nathaniel Weldon!”
“Sorry, Dad.”
Dan chuckled, the sound low and happy, and Weldon had to bite back his grin. Kids. They did make him nuts. He wouldn’t give for them.
Finally he got cocoa served up—with whipped cream for some, marshmallows for more. The kids squealed and chattered, Jakob settling at the table with his cup carefully cradled in his hands. Dixon sat with Audie, and Dan stayed in the kitchen with him, hip bumping his every now and again.
They moved around so easily together, and he wanted to say, “See? We’re made to be here.” He didn’t.
No reason to be a fucker, right?
He’d bask in the feeling as long as he could, though. At least until someone spilled chocolate all over.
Right this second, his money was on either Dixon or Caleb.
Chapter Eleven
DAN WATCHED Weldon finish up loading the dishwasher before picking up the little boy who was wandering around with his hands up in the air. Dixon had nodded off during the game, and Audie was making noises about moving on and going home.
