Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Jett
I don't know how I ever doubted Daddy's role in my life.
The man is everywhere.
In the evenings, he's cuddled up at my side, making sure I get to decompress properly. During practice, he comes in with Finn and Raymond. If not for the entire time, then for a good portion of it.
And he's spoiled me continuously. Not just in material items either.
The open way he shares his feelings leaves me without room to question what he's thinking or what comes next. I only have to ask, and he'll answer.
Speaking of asking things, I turn to him as he drives my SUV through the city. "Where are we going, Daddy?"
It's New Year's Eve. He refuses to give me details about our plans outside of telling me to dress nice.
"We're almost there. You'll see soon."
Taking in the area, I notice we're in a residential section of Bellport. So I'm guessing that means no fancy restaurant. A wave of relief moves through me at the fact.
While I like being out with Daddy in public places, I have a feeling the crowds making their way through the streets tonight will be too much even for me. No thanks!
Daddy pulls into a familiar driveway. "We're at Bellamy's place."
It's no longer a question. I've been here enough times to recognize it.
"Yes, sweet boy. Our friends invited us to celebrate with them. Is that ok?"
I nod, a smile lighting up my face at the realization we both have friends. Friends who understand our lifestyle and won't bat an eye at it.
At the front door, I get pulled into a group hug with Finn and Raymond. Then they drag me away from Daddy, who gets caught talking with Bellamy, to greet the rest of the guests.
"You know Jake, right? He's Daddy's brother," Finn tells me as he points toward the man squished by two hulking figures on the couch.
Jake pouts. "I'm your brother now too, pipsqueak."
"No name calling!" One of the gruff men grips Jake's leg tightly. It's a possessive move, one I can see Jake enjoys a bit too much.
Raymond leans over to faux whisper. "Those are Jake's Daddies. His attitude needs two men to keep him occupied."
"Sure does," Jake admits. "This is Maddox and Leon. Also known as Daddy Maddy and Daddy Lee, though I'm the only one allowed to call them that."
I giggle at his scowl. "No worries. Nice to meet you, Maddox and Leon. I'm Jett. My Daddy is —"
"Right here, sweet boy."
The men and Daddy exchange some kind of look as they shake hands. It's almost comical given the difference in size; however, I can tell they respect him just as much as the others.
"Is this everyone?" I ask Finn since we're in his house.
He bites his lip, then defers to… my Daddy. Why is he looking at Micah like that?
"Actually, sweet boy, I have a surprise for you." He turns me toward the television, then nods to Bellamy.
Confusion fills me for a minute before it turns to utter joy. The giant tv on the living room wall comes on, revealing a sea of happy faces.
"Surprise!" they all shout.
My eyes water as a wave of immense happiness overtakes me. "Daddy?"
He wraps his arms around my waist. "I hope those are happy tears."
"They are! I promise. But how did you —"
"How did I convince all our new friends to get together? Well, it was easier than I thought when I found out Gracie is a tech wizard. Plus, Princess Aster couldn't resist the opportunity to see how we were post-train ride."
"Your Daddy is right," Princess Aster calls out from the screen. "I needed to know my matchmaking ways still worked."
A few of the boys with him snort at the words. He waves them off, his eyes bright with amusement.
"This is the best surprise," I tell them all.
"Better than the Secret Santa train setup?" Aries quips.
I tilt my head. "Almost as much. But one had to happen for the other, so it's not quantifiable."
Aries groans as he pulls Raymond to his side. "Baby, he's using the big words again."
"It's ok, Daddy. You just smile and nod, remember?" Raymond pats his hand.
The big guy grins and does just that. I giggle at the interaction, pleased by it all.
We get to do a few introductions for the men who weren't on the train last week. After that, Bellamy turns on music through a group listening party setting on his app. With both parties underway, it becomes less about staring at the screen and more about mingling with the people in the room.
There are a few times where we all converse together back and forth; however, most of the night is about the ambiance of it all. Simply knowing all my new friends are together is enough to make the night magical.
Hours later, as the clock countdown begins, the two separate groups come together to chant the final seconds to end the year. I'm wrapped around Daddy, who is perched on my lap. He'd been chatting to Leon about hockey. Apparently, my Daddy is looking to add to his newfound sports knowledge.
"5… 4… 3… 2…1…"
Daddy holds my face as he kisses me softly, the touch enough to connect us but not as deep as it could have been. I appreciate him knowing the level of PDA I'm comfortable with and adjusting to my needs.
"Happy New Year, sweet boy."
"Happy New Year, Daddy."
He presses his forehead against mine. "I can't wait to spend the next year loving you."
It amazes me how he knows exactly what I need to hear. Daddy's reassurances ease my worries. While I'd been wondering how the future would look, he'd been ready to tell me we're forever.
That's why I stand by the belief that he is the best Daddy ever.