Epilogue
Zeph
I stood in the kitchen, looking out the window over the sink at the happy chaos in the backyard.
“How’s it going?” Will came in from the front of the house. “I let myself in.”
“That’s fine. I left the door unlocked just for that purpose. I think it’s going fine. Where’s Sammy?”
“He went around the side. Look.” Outside the window, his little was carrying a big, colorful package. He wore short shorts, sandals, and a T-shirt with a sailboat on the front. “We spent the whole morning shopping for that gift, and he wrapped it himself.”
“Brock will be thrilled, whatever it is. He’s been excited all week. What do you think of the decorations?”
“Umm, they are eclectic?”
“We went to a party store having a closeout sale. Our budget stretched further than expected.”
“Well, the littles are loving it. And you got the bounce house.”
“It was interesting explaining what I needed to the vendor, but I finally just said it needs to accommodate adult-size people.”
“It’s the biggest one I’ve ever seen.” Will set a handled grocery bag on the counter. “I brought potato salad. Homemade.”
“Thank you. We are grilling hot dogs and burgers and some chicken kebabs. Hopefully there will be something for everyone.”
“I’m sure there will. I’ll put this in the fridge until we’re ready if that’s okay.”
“You might need to rearrange. Everyone brought something. That slow cooker over there is barbecued beans, and the other one is some kind of hot dip.”
I helped him to put the dish away, and we went outside to join the others. Bridger was manning the grill, and as soon as we had most of the meat done, we’d haul out all the generous goodies brought by our friends.
It was unusual to get this many littles together in an outdoor venue, but our yard was private, and everyone could let their hair down and be themselves.
“This party is really grooving.” Ms. Lily approached us from near the cake table. “Is that swing set with the big red bow on it your gift to Brock?”
“Custom built. It was delivered and set up early this morning while I took him out for pancakes.”
She offered me a warm smile. “You are going to win daddy of the year, at this rate. There’s a line for the slide.”
“Don’t tell, but I plan to try it all out myself.” Three littles ran past us in a game of tag, and I stepped back out of the way. “After everyone goes home, of course. They’re having a good time.”
“Yes.” Ms. Lily patted my shoulder. “I’m so glad you found each other. When you’re in the little room, people always comment on how you both smile.”
“Brock is the best. My past relationship experience did not prepare me for a good soul like my sweet boy.” He was currently playing some kind of a circle game, led by another one of the daddies.
“You’re both good souls.” She turned to speak with someone else as my little left his friends and came to throw his arms around me.
“Best party ever. Everyone wants to come over again.”
“Did you tell them we don’t normally have a bounce house?”
He giggled. “Come bounce, Daddy.”
“No, I shouldn’t. I have to get the food ready.”
“I’ve got this.” Will gave me a little push. “With some of the others. Go bounce with your boy.”
“All right.” I caved. “Just for a few minutes.”
The inflated house was not too crowded when we climbed in. I was still having doubts. Sure, I was willing to play on the swings later, but was it dignified for a daddy to bounce?
One look at my omega’s face and I didn’t care.
I took both his hands and we were bouncing.
Joy was in everything this man, this boy, brought to our life.
When I’d met him, I’d been lonely, burned by my ex, and not sure I’d ever find my way to what I yearned for.
Who knew it was all waiting in the form of an overworked guy who liked to eat dino nuggets on Tuesday nights.
Sometimes Thursdays too. Whether he was big or little, my heart swelled with love every time I thought of him.
In my pocket rested a small, square box. For later. When we were alone.
It was his real gift.
Thank you for reading Brock’s Lost Lunchbox.