“And you’ve been stressed about sharing our secret with your family, so you haven’t been sleeping well.”
“Sorry, Daddy.” Aries nearly admitted that there was something else keeping him up but managed to hold back. He needed to keep his secret. At least until he asked Nix his opinion.
Vin kissed his forehead. “It’s okay, baby boy. You know I love nothing more than taking care of you. How about a nice hot bath before we have dinner?”
“Can I play in the tub? You brought my toys, right?”
“Like I would forget anything my boy needed,” Vin teased.
“K.” Aries rubbed his cheek against Vin’s heavy jacket. Cold!
“We’re heading inside to warm up,” Evan said as he led Nix over with both his wrists wrapped in Evan’s large hand.
Nix had the most peaceful look on his face. Aries would swear that he’d never seen his brother so calm and…just relaxed.
“I agree,” Vin said. “We need to warm up and then it should be time for dinner.”
Now that he wasn’t running around and play fighting with his brother, Aries had gotten cold. The thick snowflakes had started to fall harder.
“I’m glad you put a roast in the crockpot this morning,” Evan said to Nix. “That is going to be delicious after a hot shower and changing into some warm clothes.”
Nix blinked then perked right up. Even with his wrists still captured in Evan’s strong hand, Nix bounced behind his Daddy. “I made pumpkin pie, and apple pie, and pumpkin bites, and apple crisps for dessert tonight too.”
With his head on Vin’s shoulder, Aries had to smile. Nix was the best. He was the baker of the family, but he was never selfish.Nix might prefer his pumpkin treats, but he always made sure the rest of the family got their favorites as well.
“I see that smile, boy,” Vin said. “You will eat dinner before getting into any sweets.”
“Fine,” Aries agreed with a groan. “If you insist.” And Vin always insisted.
Nix glanced back at Aries with a bright smile. “I have plenty of apples for you.”
Now Aries felt bad for throwing a fit. He’d been having fun but Vin was right, Aries had gotten tired. Playing in the snow was fun but it sure was exhausting. And being cold kind of sucked. “Thank you,” he replied sweetly.
“No sneaking apples.” Vin patted his bottom.
“I don’t sneak apples,” Aries fibbed. Was it a fib if their teammates gave him the apple and he just didn’t show Vin?
“Yeah, right.” They entered the house with Vin still carrying him. Aries had always hated how small he was. Even growing up, they had been smaller than the humans around them. And Aries was an inch shorter than Nix and Gem, who never let him forget it. But it was awesome that his Daddy could carry him everywhere.
They headed up the stairs as Evan towed Nix farther into the back of the house where the master bedroom was located.
Whatever was in the crockpot filled the house with the best aroma. Aries whined. “Hungry, Daddy.”
“I know, baby. Quick bath and then we’ll eat.”
“Play though?” Aries asked. Hadn’t Vin promised? Daddy even brought his bath toys.
“You’ll have a few minutes to play while Daddy gets everything ready for after your bath.”
“K.” Aries rested his head on Vin’s shoulder as he brought his thumb up.
“No sucking your thumb, baby,” Vin said quietly. “We need to wash your hands.”
Aries huffed. He listened to his Daddy though and sucked on his bottom lip.
Their bedroom was the first off the stairs. Vin pushed the door open to lug Aries across the room to the bathroom. Vin sat him on the long vanity then picked up the pacifier that he’d washed earlier.
Vin popped the pacifier into his mouth and Aries immediately began to suck. Kicking his feet, he waited as Daddy moved around the bathroom, first getting the water for the tub started then pulling out a bag from under the sink with bubble bath and toys.
