“You’ll have to wait to see,” Jace said.
“No, Daddy!” Avery said. “I figured out that you were up to something. That is me being super smart. I deserve a treat.”
“While I agree that you were super smart, this surprise is part of another.”
Avery huffed. There was more than one surprise? There was no way that Avery would be able to figure out two surprises.
“You’ll find out tonight,” Jace promised.
“What time tonight?” Avery questioned. Details were important, after all.
“During the party,” Jace replied.
“Huh.” That wasn’t fair. Avery’s party was a big deal and now he had to figure out two surprises? Wait! Was there only two surprised or did Jace have something else in store? His Daddy could be tricky.
“It’s time to get you dressed,” Jace said. “Half day so you’ll have to drive yourself this morning.”
“But you’ll be home when I am?” Avery asked.
“Yes, I‘m only going in for a few hours. And I’ll take Noel with me today,” Jace said.
“Okay, Daddy,” Avery said. He’d call Mitch during lunch and see if he knew what Avery’s surprises were. Mitch was really good at helping Avery figure things out.
“Come on, baby. We need to hurry so we aren’t late,” Jace said, picking Avery up to set him on his feet. He patted Avery’s bottom. “Go upstairs. I’m going to clean up the kitchen real quick then I’ll help you dress.”
“K, Daddy,” Avery said as he started for the nursery.
Since he had to wait on Jace anyway, Avery made sure every stuffie got a pat and a good morning. He picked up Jared, Buster Brown, and Susie the Shark. They wanted to spend some time in the living room, waiting for Avery to return.
Avery carried them downstairs and got them all set up on the couch.
Pulling the soft blanket around them, Avery made sure that they were all snuggled in. He returned to the nursery, barely beating Jace.
“Did you get everyone settled for the day?” Jace asked.
“Yes, everyone is happy,” Avery told him. It was important to make sure that when he exited the house that he left a happy home.
CHAPTER FOUR
Avery
“Thank you,” Avery said for what had to be the hundredth time of the night.
Everyone was so nice giving him hugs or pats on the back. His closest friends, friends from the club, his co-workers, boss. Everyone that Avery cared about was there.
“Hey,” Mitch whispered in is ear. “Come with me.”
Avery smiled at the friends from the club before allowing Mitch to draw him away from the small group. “Thanks.”
“You look like you need some air,” Mitch said.
“It’s just a lot of people,” Avery replied. “I know they’re my friends and I’m glad everyone came but?—”
“But you need a break,” Mitch finished. He held open the door before allowing Avery to slip out.
“I’m peopled out,” Avery admitted. He strolled over to the side of the building and leaned against the cool siding.
“Me too.” Mitch stood next to Avery, nudging his shoulder. “It was fun though.”
