“Sleepy, Daddy. Go get the cake so we can snack before bed.”
I bark out a laugh at how demanding he is despite being a limp noodle of a worn-out boy. Still, I can’t deny he’s got the right idea. I’ll slip on something long enough to get the luggage inside, cut some cake off and store the rest, then come back to my boy. If he’s not passed out by then, we’ll relax together until we’re too exhausted to stay awake.
And if he’s asleep… well, I’ll watch and wait like I’ve done before. He’s well worth the wait.
Epilogue II
Eddie
Five years later
The minute I step out the back door, a cheer goes up. My smile can’t be contained.
“Happy Little Day Eddie!” the group chants.
Waving my hands around, I fight back the tears that want to come. I shouldn’t be emotional. Not about this.
I mean, we do this every freaking year. It’s not like I’m actually being surprised.
Although, this year is much different than the previous ones. We’re switching it up by celebrating much closer to home. As in, we stayed in Bellport instead of going to the beach house again.
I’ll admit that when Daddy suggested the idea, I was worried people wouldn’t like it. Turns out, a lot of them thought it was great to do something new. They also liked the idea of getting to attend some games where queer players are given the respect they deserve.
A pair of familiar arms loop over my shoulders as a voice whispers, “Happy Little Eddie day, baby.”
I lean back into Daddy’s hold, a sigh leaving my lips. His touch never gets old. It’s the comfort I didn’t realize I could have when we were simply friends.
Hugs that used to be quick and practical are now full of meaning and emotion. This level of affection we have is built on years of holding back, which frankly feels like the slowest slow burn ever.
Foster pops up in front of me before I get the chance to turn around and plant a big smacking kiss on Daddy like I want to. He waves excitedly as he bounces on his toes.
“I’m so excited we got invited. Daddy said you would, but I wasn’t sure,” he tells me.
With a frown, I shake my head. “You’re one of my best friends. Why wouldn’t I invite you?”
“Because my boy still struggles with thinking people genuinely want to befriend him,” Duval adds as he joins us. He gives us a nod as he looks down at his boy. “But we’ve talked about how that’s not true.”
“It’s hard to believe,” Foster replies with a sigh.
Laughing at his dramatics, I pull away from Daddy long enough to grab my friend’s shoulders and shake him gently. “You are amazing. People like you. Do not be afraid to embrace your epicness.”
With each word, I give him a little jolt until he’s giggling. I smile, happy the plan works.
Duval winks at me as he tugs Foster away. “We’ll leave you to mingle. There’s a big group waiting to share the love.”
A look around the room proves his point. While there are stations set up for all the Little desires anyone could have, it seems like most of the guests are chomping at the bit to greet me instead.
Can’t say that I hate the idea. I’ve always enjoyed being the center of attention.
“You’re right,” Daddy says as he laces his fingers with mine. “We’ll find you two later. Maybe the boys can relax on the floaties while we get your brother in on a card game. I want to win some of my money back from the last game night.”
“Good luck with that. He’s always been a card shark. The man should have been a professional poker player in my opinion.” Duval shakes his head. “Either way, I’m in. Don’t get your hopes up though. We don’t need a Daddy meltdown.”
“Ha-ha! You’re hilarious.” From the way he says it, I know Daddy is being very sarcastic.
Foster and I roll our eyes as Duval chuckles heartily. They leave us after that, taking off to the snack bar covered in finger foods. I see the second Foster spots the marshmallows. He rushes to them, pointing and shouting for his Daddy to notice all the pretty colors.
We make our way around the room after that, greeting and visiting with friends. I slip in and out of my Little side as the excitement of the day continues on. One minute I’m relaxing on a flamingo shaped floatie and the next I’m finger painting. It’s a literal dream day full of all the things I love.
