The two of us watched Tae and Trey play with the kittens inside the tent. Giggling and shaking toys in front of them that they tried to attack and mostly missed. Those little legs just couldn’t get high enough.
“If he’s not a little, he may be a hybrid little/middle like Tae is.”
“He leans more to the little side.” Ah, so Oscar was aware of this. “We’ve uh, we’ve been to the club a few times so he can play in the littles room.”
“Oscar.”
“I know. I’ll make it right, I promise.”
“Don’t promise me, promise Trey.”
“Fucker,” he grinned.
“Daddy!” Tae waved. “The kitties are having so much fun with me and Trey.”
Trey’s eyes were wide, like he’d just been busted doing something wrong. Oscar better make this right now. Trey shouldn’t be ashamed of who he was or about enjoying himself.
“That’s great. Trey’s been wanting to meet them. Are you having fun, Trey?” Oscar asked him. Trey’s head bobbed up and down, but he didn’t say a thing. “Can I talk to you for a sec, Trey?” Trey handed Oreo to Tae and carefully slid out of the tent, zipping it closed behind him.
“Trey, I’m sorry I’ve kept us a secret,” Oscar cupped the side of Trey’s face and Trey leaned into it. “I love you and I don’t want to pretend that we don’t exist. I’m your Daddy, and I promise to do a better job.”
“Thank you, Daddy,” Trey whispered. “I love you too.” They shared a sweet kiss. My boy had hearts in his eyes watching them.
“Why don’t you play with Tae while the Daddies get things finished up, then we’ll go into town for burgers. Okay?”
Trey hugged Oscar then slid back into the tent beside Tae. I had a whole new appreciation for my brother-in-law and for his boy, Trey.
Family.
Yeah, not associates or business partners. At least, not in this sense. They were our family and I was damn proud of the progress they had just made.
EPILOGUE
TAE
Christmas at the Cabins
“Look at all the prezzies, Daddy.” The back of the truck was full of boxes filled with presents. With my giant kitty carrier in the backseat there was barely enough room for Momma back there.
“Someone’s getting spoiled,” I giggled but Momma was right, Daddy spoiled me. “Got the old lady crammed in the backseat like a sardine with these furballs.”
“I’ll switch seats with you, Momma.” I’d already tried to take it, but she said no and now I know why. She may complain about the lack of space, but she kept sticking her fingers inside the carrier, playing with our babies.
“Tae, leave the prezzies under the tree alone. I know how you are and picking them open then taping them back up lands you on the naughty list.”
“I’ll be a good boy, Daddy.” At least he didn’t see my eye roll or notice that my fingers were crossed.
He was right.
I had no self-control when it came to prezzies.
“Did all the stuff we ordered for Trey come?”
“It did and you and Momma can wrap it for him tonight. I’ll make you hot chocolate to drink while you do.”
“Yay!” I cheered while Momma asked for peppermint schnapps for hers.
“Yes, Momma, I brought that too,” but I saw naughty Daddy roll his eyes at his Momma.
