Chapter Nine
From Rhodes’ lap, Cairo inspected the club that had once come to his rescue with new eyes.
He hadn’t been back to The PlayPen since the night he left with Rhodes.
Now he realized how many people there were like him.
About three-quarters of the Littles were just that.
However, there was a whole other quarter that were somewhere between Littles and adults.
Not quite grownups but also not in the pajama stage anymore.
Cairo wished he had noticed that sooner.
He glanced down at himself. While Kylo had done his makeup, making him look pretty, Cairo wore board shorts and a tank top.
But his favorite part of the outfit was his hot pink sneakers.
He loved bright colors. Somewhere along the way, Cairo realized he wasn’t a baby anymore, but neither did he care to be an adult.
He couldn’t handle the full responsibility of being a grown-up.
While his entire mind recoiled at the idea of Little sexual play now, he still desperately needed Rhodes to be his daddy.
Thankfully, he seemed to be exactly what Rhodes needed too.
They fit. Rhodes craved someone who belonged to him and him alone.
He was a caretaker, and Cairo’s mental health stability depended on someone else being in control.
Rhodes was in charge. He spoiled Cairo and did everything for him.
Meanwhile, Cairo got to be Rhodes’ soft spot, his peace, and his best friend.
They got to love each other with a fierceness neither of them had before each other. He thought they were beautiful.
Cairo snuggled deeper into Rhodes’ hold and went back to eyeing his surroundings.
Beau sat at a card table, holding Kylo while playing poker with his sons, and some other men.
Fletch sat on the floor with his back against the wall.
He had his legs stretched out in front of him with his feet crossed at the ankles.
For some reason, he had his arms crossed and looked angry.
Rhodes and he sat next to him. JJ sat across from them on the other side of Fletch’s legs.
They had their own little circle going on.
JJ seemed miserable. Looking at him, it dawned on Cairo how young JJ was.
It hurt his chest knowing he was the reason JJ’s life had been altered forever.
Nonetheless, JJ seemed determined to forgive him.
Cairo couldn’t believe JJ had accepted their invitation to go out with them tonight.
Unfortunately, Cairo had a bad feeling their choice of locations highlighted something unhappy about his life.
Cairo might have watched him all night, trying to puzzle him out, if Rhodes hadn’t kissed his ear.
“I have something for you.”
Cairo immediately perked up. “Really?”
Rhodes didn’t answer. He slid his hand down Cairo’s left arm until he reached his hand.
While Cairo watched, Rhodes slipped a ring onto Cairo’s ring finger.
It was beautiful. The piece looked like a panda’s head, except the design was made of diamonds.
He had never seen anything like it. Cairo fell in love immediately.
“Oh my gosh. It’s beautiful.” He brought the ring close to his face and inspected the piece. “Is this my engagement ring?”
Rhodes kissed his neck. “Yeah. Is it okay?”
Was it okay? Rhodes never stopped blowing him away. All it had taken was for Cairo to say he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Rhodes, and Rhodes immediately bought Cairo a ring. There had been no question that they would get married. They were a set.
“It’s perfect.” Cairo whispered the words, only for them to be drowned out by a Little throwing a full-blown temper tantrum nearby.
He literally kept moving to different spots near their circle and throwing himself on the floor.
The guy kicked and screamed while everyone ignored him.
Unfortunately, the guy was ruining Cairo’s moment.
He couldn’t have that, and Rhodes deserved better.
“Hold on, okay?”
Rhodes didn’t argue when Cairo stood, but he looked confused.
Cairo didn’t stop to explain before heading toward a stack of baby blankets.
They smelled freshly laundered, and Cairo fought the urge to bury his face in the pile.
Instead, he grabbed the one on top. He stormed his way to tantrum baby and kneeled at his side.
Cairo tossed the blanket over him, buying him a second of peace due to shocking the guy.
Cairo leaned in close and practically hissed at him. “Take a nap, baby. Either that or go eat something. You’re ruining my big night. If I have to come over here again, I’m bringing a water gun. You’re too big to be showing out.”
Cairo stood, intent on going straight back to Rhodes’ lap. Before he took a step, he noticed a pair of boys sitting close by who seemed out of place for some reason. They were too stoic—like they didn’t feel comfortable or welcome. He couldn’t explain it, but that was a sentiment he understood.
Cairo waved for them to come with him. “Come play with us.”
The pair stood, both clutching books to their chests. They didn’t speak, but they followed Cairo to their little group.
Cairo reclaimed his seat on Rhodes’ lap. “Look who I found.” He chirped the words happily as if he had always known the pair. One who looked especially shy sat between Cairo and Fletch. The other plopped down on JJ’s lap. While JJ looked shocked, he didn’t push the guy away.
Cairo made the rounds, pointing out everyone. “That’s Fletch, JJ.” He motioned over his shoulder. “Rhodes, and I’m Cairo.”
Shy guy glanced up quickly. “July.” He immediately withdrew again.
“Awww. That’s cute.”
A blush tinted July’s cheeks.
Cairo focused on the guy on JJ’s lap.
He bounced a little, obviously excited at the idea of having new friends. “I’m Bean.”
That one woke up JJ. “Bean?” He sounded almost incredulous.
Bean nodded. “That’s what everyone calls me here. You know, for Jelly Bean.” He twisted to look at JJ and spread his arms for a second. “I’m round, like a bean.”
Fletch was not having it. “What the fuck? You’re not round.”
Bean shrugged. “It’s okay. Round is my favorite shape. It could be worse.”
JJ’s brow was furrowed so deep, he looked ready to fight someone. “I’m not calling you that. What’s your real name?”
For the first time, Bean looked nervous. He fiddled with his book while his deep green gaze shot in every direction. Between his dinosaur two-piece pajamas and big eyes, he looked innocent as hell.
JJ didn’t give up. “Whisper it to me. I won’t tell.”
Bean’s shoulders visibly relaxed. A sweet smile touched his lips. He leaned close and whispered against JJ’s ear.
JJ smiled. He looked even younger than Cairo had thought earlier. “I love that.” He tugged Bean into a more comfortable-looking position on his lap—like settling in. “If you turn the pages, I’ll read to you.”
Bean looked happy. He seemed completely oblivious or unconcerned about JJ’s missing hand. Cairo desperately wanted that happiness for JJ. He needed someone.
While JJ read, July stared at the carpet and didn’t even look at his book.
Fletch snagged July’s waist and towed him between his legs. He urged July to lean back against his chest while he opened the book. “Let’s see what this is all about.”
July nodded, but his expression gave nothing away.
His hazel eyes and smattering of freckles made him adorable as could be, but—like Cairo—he wasn’t dressed like a Little.
He was more like Kylo, wildly put together like he had stopped halfway through playing in the dress-up area and just plopped down with a book.
He wore a regular t-shirt with an elaborate princess skirt over his jeans.
July was missing a shoe and wore a single lace glove.
A tiara hung by a miracle and a prayer off the side of his head.
Fletch gently untangled the piece before setting it aside. “We’ll put this here so I can see the book.”
July nodded and calmly relaxed into Fletch’s hold.
Rhodes’ lips skimmed his ear. “I guess you’re feeling pretty proud of yourself right now. Look at you, matchmaking.”
That hadn’t been Cairo’s plan, but he was happy to have found new friends. He opened his mouth to respond, and tantrum guy screeched at the top of his lungs, like just coming back from a bathroom break and getting back to work.
Cairo sighed. “I’ll be back. I need to find a water gun.
” Even to his ears, he sounded done. Being a big boy could be exhausting.
He didn’t have the patience for babies, but something about this one really pissed him off.
It was like he targeted their group with his antics.
But he didn’t know Cairo, and he was about to find out.
Cairo wanted to savor the wonderful moment of knowing Rhodes would be his forever.
So this dude would shut the fuck up if Cairo had to tie him to a chair and gag him. That was a promise.
It had honestly been a fun night watching Cairo torment Fletch’s ex, Sammie.
But he equally hated the brat for ruining his night with Cairo.
Rhodes was more than a little grateful to be on the way home.
Darkness engulfed them along with the quiet.
It didn’t even matter they were crammed in a huge SUV with Beau, Kylo, Fletch, and JJ.
Rhodes was technically working. As long as Beau was near, Rhodes was on guard.
He would never let anything happen to the man who had given him the means to take care of Cairo the way he deserved.
Kylo noticed Cairo petting his ring. He sat forward and focused on Cairo. “Is that an engagement ring? Oh my God.”
Cairo chuckled and bounced a little, making Rhodes smile. “Yes! Look. It’s so cute.”
Kylo inspected the ring. “It’s adorable. When are you getting married?”
Cairo looked to Rhodes, the way he did for nearly every decision. Life felt too hard for Cairo. His trauma made even the small things too heavy to carry.
Rhodes answered on their behalf. “As soon as possible. Probably my next day off.”
Kylo looked at Beau.
Beau released a small sigh—like indulging Kylo wasn’t all he lived for. Despite the sound, a small smile hovered on his lips, and he pulled his phone from his shirt pocket. “I’ll make the calls.”
Kylo’s smile grew. He happy-clapped. “Yay! Your makeup is already pretty, and you can borrow anything you want from me. This’ll be so much fun.”
Cairo looked every bit as confused as Rhodes. “What?”
Kylo made a dismissive gesture. “Your wedding, silly. Beau will have the whole thing set up before we even get home. Then we’re heading to Hawaii next week for three months. You can treat the trip like a honeymoon.”
Rhodes bit back a huff. He hadn’t told Cairo about Hawaii yet for just that reason. The Bosi family had a second home there. Rhodes had hoped to marry Cairo the day after tomorrow and then go straight to Hawaii as a surprise.
Cairo looked his way.
Rhodes flashed him a smile, expecting any reaction.
Then Cairo’s eyes filled with tears, and Rhodes had definitely not been prepared for that. “We’re about to get married.” The awe in Cairo’s voice eased the grip his tears had taken on Rhodes’ heart.
“We are.”
Cairo sniffed and wiped his eyes before launching himself toward Rhodes. He kissed Rhodes all over his face while Rhodes laughed.
“Congrats, man.”
“Yeah, congrats.”
Fletch and JJ showed their support while Cairo let out his excitement. Rhodes knew Beau well enough to know there would be a full wedding before the end of the night.
Cairo settled down but had somehow ended up on Rhodes’ lap. He lowered his voice, keeping his words for Rhodes, even though there was no doubt everyone else heard. “I love you, Daddy.”
Rhodes kissed Cairo’s forehead. “I love you too, baby.” He pressed his lips against Cairo’s ear. “You’ll see. I’ll be the best husband.”
Cairo snuggled close. “I know.” He stroked Rhodes’ collarbone, petting him. “We’ll have the best life.”
Rhodes’ throat swelled as Cairo fell into a happy chatter, talking about everything under the sun while painting a beautiful picture of their future.
There had been a time when Rhodes had lived on the street and never imagined his life turning out this way.
Then he met this flawless man who gave him purpose, and now he couldn’t picture any type of life that didn’t include Cairo.
He was the luckiest daddy alive. Cairo would always know it.
Keep your eye out for the next The PlayPen, Healing Daddy.