12. Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Stanley

Thank fuck Crispin was due any moment with breakfast. Jobe and I were on our second espressos, courtesy of his fancy machine and Beck was running around dancing and singing to the carols he’d insisted we put on. Now mind you, he was still in his footed pajamas and sliding all over the tile. I may have a coronary before Crispin arrived to take over little Daddy duties.

You’d have thought it was Christmas morning and all the boxes were for Beck as he’d tore into each one, and I hadn’t the foggiest what he searched for. The tree arrived but Beck insisted we wait for Crispin before decorating it.

My dear boy wasn’t a morning person by any means and thus far had done nothing more than grumble. Likely things I didn’t want to hear so I was glad he’d kept those thoughts to himself, though I was certain they were directed at a certain little.

As soon as the knock came, Beck squealed, ran for the door and threw it open.

“Daddy Crispin, you’re here!”

“Of course I am, sweet boy. I promised I would be.” Crispin kissed Beck’s cheek after he sat the bags down.

Beck definitely had separation anxiety, and I wondered what his story was, though it really wasn’t any of my business. He was a sweet boy with a lot of love, and energy, and Crispin was just the man to spoil him as he deserved.

“Yay! Hot chocolate and nummy French toast sticks with icy dippy sauce!” Beck announced from the dining table.

“Sugar?” I asked Crispin.

“Sorry, it was slim picking this morning. Don’t worry, if we keep him busy with tasks he’ll run it off. Trust me.”

I did trust my friend but this little was already an endless bound of energy.

With breakfast over and Jobe somewhat more alive, I got to work stringing twinkle lights on the tree while Crispin hung them wherever Jobe and Beck pointed throughout the condo.

“We bought too many, why don’t we take some over to Beck’s to hang?” I suggested.

“Great idea, what do you think, Beck?” Crispin asked him.

Beck spun around in a circle. “Yes, please. Can I borrow your foldy ladder thingy, Jobe?”

“Of course.”

Beck and Crispin grabbed a box of lights and headed next door while my boy and I hung the ornaments on our tree.

Our tree.

Or trees in this case. How refreshing that felt to think.

“Make sure to save a couple for Beck to do,” Jobe suggested.

“Do you know anything of his past?” Curiosity got the best of me, and I was unable to hold back.

“Bits and pieces. He’s never shared much, and I get the feeling it’s because it’s not good. I feel awful that after all these years he’s taken care of me when it should’ve been the other way around.”

“It should’ve been both ways. It appears you two may have more in common than you knew. He’s a sweet boy and if he ever needs anything from me please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too, Jobe, and by extension your best friend.”

By midday Jobe’s apartment was an explosive version of Christmas gone wild. There wasn’t a surface that didn’t sparkle with either lights or glittery baubles. Beck had come down from his sugary high and was currently asleep spread out across Crispin’s lap. Crispin was the epitome of content, running his fingers through Beck’s hair and half out himself.

“What time does Beck work?” I whispered to Jobe.

“Usually, he heads out around eight for a nine pm shift. He’s got plenty of time to sleep. Let’s get cleaned up and take a nap.” He waggled his brows suggestively.

“I have a better idea. How about we actually nap now then tonight we take a nice hot bath, bottle of wine, and explore each other’s bodies.”

“No rushing, lots of playing, perhaps multiple orgasms. Hmm,” Jobe tapped a finger to his chin. “That could work.”

How far my boy had come since I finally pulled my head out of my ass and asked him out. Long gone were the days of pain to work through tough memories. He’d learned a lot about himself since we got together and the therapist he’d began seeing was able to help put some of his challenges into perspective for him. Pain was used to forget rather than deal with the issues, not a path she recommended. She’d given him homework, exercises really that had helped him tremendously.

Did he still enjoy being led around on a leash when we frequented the club? Absolutely, but that part I didn’t mind so much. Ownership, Jobe had called it, and while I’d never admit he ran the show, I’d let him verse it as he chose. No longer did he eye the dungeon equipment as though he missed it but instead proudly walked beside me as we passed the rooms by. Often I wondered if we were only there as a way for Jobe to work through his anxiety. We never partook in anything more than conversations with other couples. But if this was what Jobe required, I’d be there to support him one hundred percent.

At times he’d get a bit wound up and would ask me be rougher than I’d like, I’d accommodate as much as I could and then we’d talk about what had triggered him. We were on a great path to a solid future with an open line of communication which was key. Not only for us as a couple but for Jobe’s personal growth as well. Learning that love shouldn’t hurt was a hurdle for him and one I’d make sure he worked past.

Though I couldn’t deny the overwhelming urge to choke his parents. Hopefully we never crossed paths.

I wasn’t sure how long we slept for but woke when the bedroom door flew open, and a sleepy Beck wandered in. A firm signal nap time was over.

“Jobe, I gotta go. I have to work tonight. Thanks for a fun day,” he gave Jobe a kiss then came around to my side and kissed my cheek. “Thanks, Daddy Stanley.”

“You’re welcome, sweet boy. Where is Daddy Crispin?”

“I’m right here,” my friend said from the doorway. “I’m going to Beck’s work tonight after I get a real sugar-free meal into him. I want to make sure the powers that be know he has a Daddy, and ensure he gets home safely. No more touching what’s mine or this riding the bus in the middle of the night nonsense.”

Beck giggled. “You’re so silly, Daddy.”

I was beyond happy for our friends and had a feeling they’d move fast, especially after witnessing their instant connection.

Jobe rolled over and cuddled up to me. “I’m so glad Crispin makes Beck happy. I know it’s new but he’s so full of life again.”

“I ordered some fun prezzies for him for Christmas. I probably should’ve asked you first, but I couldn’t help myself.” At least there would be a little in our life to spoil. That was always the fun part. Having Jobe fulfilled all my wishes but Beck would be akin to having a nephew to spoil.

Jobe hopped on top of me and peppered my face with kisses. “You are so freaking amazing. I got him some presents, too, but I bet yours are more up little alley than mine. I wanted to ask, if he isn’t spending Christmas with Crispin can he spend it with us? I know it’s our first and all, but I can’t bear the thought of him being alone.”

“You, my boy, have a big heart. I have no problem at all with that, you know Beck is welcome anytime. They are so new to each other that Beck may feel more comfortable if they both spent Christmas with us. Why don’t we ask if they want to come over on Christmas Eve and stay the night? We can have dinner together, maybe each open a gift then when Beck goes to bed we can fill the stockings. Did I forget to mention I had stockings made for him, too?” I’d order one for Crispin today with rush delivery.

“I fall more and more in love with you with each passing moment.” Jobe pressed his lips to mine in the sweetest of kisses.

“Right back at cha, baby.”