18. Jason
I can’t tell you how good it feels to be living in this house with my baby boy.
Every day is a dream, and even though we’ve still got plenty of finishing touches to put on in the garden and down in the multi-room basement, I can say with some confidence that this residence will always be my favorite build.
I might build another hundred house, but none of them will be this very special home.
What delights me the most is seeing the look of love on my boy’s face as he lives his life. He designed every detail in here to fit in with his needs and preferences, and I was more than happy to accommodate each one – even if that did mean having to change plans at the last minute from time to time!
But even though it was the boy who designed the house, I know that it’s my home as much as it is Nick’s.
There has never been an issue over the fact that it was Nick’s money that paid for the materials and the land. I’d be with Nick if he was penniless, and he knows that.
I do have one gripe though…
This housewarming party is leaning way too much on the Little-focused theme.
I don’t think my Daddy friends are going to be too impressed to be sipping on their ice-cold beers next to bunches of pink balloons and rainbow patterned pinatas.
Fuck it – if I can handle it, my men can deal with it too!
‘Yo! Rock, what the hell is this?’ Taylor says, striding over to me and pointing at all the pink balloons?’
‘Suck it up and drink this,’ I laugh, handing Taylor a bottle of European lager. ‘A few of these down your throat and you won’t mind what color the balloons are.’
‘True!’ Taylor says, taking a long gulp on the drink. ‘Anyway… there’s something we need to discuss.’
Hmmm . This is interesting.
Taylor’s been a bit quiet in the last couple of weeks and I’ve been wondering whether there was something on his mind.
Usually we all talk about what’s going on in our lives and reach out if we need to – but I’ve definitely sensed that Taylor was holding something back.
I can see that this is a big deal for Taylor right now, so I’m not about to rush him.
Taylor’s a big guy with the kind of lean, muscular body that marks him out as one of life’s tough guys. His closely cropped sand-colored hair and piercing green eyes add to the look, that’s for sure.
In fact, he looks every inch the Daddy.
Except…
‘I need to tell you something, bro,’ Taylor says. ‘We’re close right?’
‘Sure are,’ I reply, bumping my beer glass onto his. ‘You can tell me anything. I’ve got your back, and that’s for life.’
‘Here’s the thing,’ Taylor says, a slight faltering note in his voice. ‘I don’t think I’m a Daddy. I think… I think I’m a boy.’
‘Damn, brother. Okay, that’s big news,’ I say, smiling and nodding my head. ‘But that’s totally freakin’ cool. Makes no difference to me, you’re still one hell of a worker and an even better friend.’
‘Hell yeah,’ Taylor replies, a look of relief and joy on his face. ‘I might be a big unit and tough as hell, but I couldn’t deny who I really was for any longer. You know?’
‘I love it,’ I reply. ‘We’ve all got to be real to who we are. Right?’
I’m so happy to see that Taylor looks so relieved and contented now that he’s got that off his chest.
I wouldn’t have figured it for a million years, but I guess looking back there were signs from time to time – I don’t know that many Daddies who pack a juice box in their lunch, for example!
But I sense that Taylor’s got more to say.
And after keeping his Little secret to himself, I want to make sure that he gets everything off his chest while he’s here…
‘Keep talking bro,’ I say, giving Taylor a knowing look. ‘I know there’s more to come. Tell me where I’m telling lies.’
‘Ha! No, you’re right,’ Taylor says, smiling. ‘When I was discovering who I was, I found a construction company down the coast. They’re called Blue Collar Boys. Guys like me. Big and tough but looking for a Daddy to meet the other side of their personality.’
‘ Aww shit,’ I say. ‘Tell me I’m not losing my number one guy?’
‘Yup, sorry,’ Taylor says. ‘But I’ll still come and visit.’
‘You’d fucking better!’ I roar, bringing Taylor in for such a big bear hug that we both end up spilling what’s left of our beers. ‘But you leave with my total approval, I want you to know that. And you’ll always be welcome back on my crew in the future.’
‘Thanks, it means a lot,’ Taylor replies, a tear in his eye. ‘Now how about we do some pinata before the boys get to them all first?’
‘That’s my guy!’ I roar. ‘Everyone! It’s pinata time!’
With the music blaring and the whole gang present, this is a day that I’ll always remember for the rest of my life.
I’m so happy for Taylor – seriously, I know it must have taken a lot for him to say that to me.
And I feel proud that Taylor felt like he could trust me with that double-whammy of news too.
Taylor will find his Daddy one day soon, he’s too great of an all-round guy not to.
But in the meantime, it’s all about living for the moment.
And if I don’t get moving, I might be the only one to miss out on taking a swipe at one of these pinatas at least!
‘Okay, I admit it,’ I say, reclining in the big outdoor swing-seat alongside Nick. ‘The pinatas were fun. Like seriously good fun.’
‘And the balloons?’ Nick giggles, sniggling up to me as we listen to the sound of the ocean in the distance. ‘Not too much pink?’
‘ Grrrrr , don’t push it,’ I reply, laughing. ‘But seriously, it was perfect. I think we’re going to love living here.’
‘I think so too, Daddy,’ Nick replies. ‘And I think Taylor is going to be super-happy working with the Blue Collar Boys. I looked at their Instagram and they seem awesome .’
‘Yeah, I think the future’s looking good,’ I reply. ‘I love you, boy.’
‘And I love you too, Daddy,’ Nick replies, his perfect lips demanding a kiss from me.
As the sun begins to set on a wonderful day, I have a feeling that there are going to be many, many more days like this for my baby boy and me.
Life is good.
We might have met via an app, but mine and Nick’s love is based very much in reality.
I wanted an older boy with life experience, kindness in his heart, and a big juicy butt.
Nick was chasing his dream Daddy – young, strong, and pure of intentions.
We both got exactly what we wanted, and I just know beyond doubt that we’re going to make the most of it too.