Gavin looked back and forth between them, and the look on his face said, “Are you crazy?”
Ford looked over at Sawyer, brow raised. What were they missing?
“Spring break?” Gavin rolled his eyes. “Duh. Some of the kids are going away on vacation.” He shrugged, “We’ve never had a vacation.” Gavin’s face scrunched up. “Dad took us to Coney Island once.” He looked between them again, biting his lips before continuing, “So I thought maybe we could do something.”
Ford looked over to Sawyer, eyes wide. Fuck, how had they forgotten about spring break? Sawyer looked as surprised as he did, they both looked back to Gavin. Okay, this was a major parenting fail. Maybe they did need one of those large calendar bulletin things. Ford definitely hadn’t known that spring break was coming up. This was probably one of those learning curves having kids made you add into your lives.
“It’s all going to be a surprise.” Sawyer pasted a smile on his face, and Ford followed suit.
Gavin’s mouth rounded in an O and his eyes brightened with excitement. Before they had an over excited kid on their hands, Ford nodded at Gavin. “But first things first. Sleep, then surprise in the morning.”
He hoped that statement wouldn’t bite him in the ass.
“Goodnight.” Ford leaned forward, placing a kiss on Gavin’s forehead.
He was glad Gav was back to letting them do this. He’d shut them out for a while there, and both him and Sawyer felt it.
“Goodnight!” Gavin said. He closed his eyes and turned onto his side. Sawyer kissed him on his forehead, too, and they both got to their feet. Ford turned on the nightlight by Gavin’s bed before heading over to Sawyer, who turned off his light. They left the room and Sawyer shut the door behind them.
Ford turned to him. “Spring break?”
Sawyer chuckled, “Apparently.”
He shook his head. “How did we miss that?”
They walked down the hall and knocked before peeking their heads into Savanna’s room. She was reading a book, an actual paperback, even though they’d gotten her a Kindle. Savie looked up and smiled.
“Goodnight,” Ford said.
“I’m just going to finish up this chapter,” She lifted the book so they could see.
Ford nodded, but Sawyer added, “Thirty minutes.”
Savie nodded and went back to reading as they left her room.
Ford went into their room, closing the door behind them. “Sooooo… what are we going to do?” Ford walked over and lowered himself to the bed bench.
Sawyer’s lips curved, and Ford saw a calculating gleam in his eye. “I have a few ideas,” Sawyer lowered himself next to Ford. “We could go to my resort in Mexico.”
“Without passports for the kids?” Ford raised a brow at Sawyer.
“Oh… right.” Sawyer snorted, “Good point. We really need to get them passports.”
“And me too,” Ford pointed out.
“How did I not know you don’t have a passport?” Sawyer pulled Ford into his side, and he burrowed into his body.
“Well, I never needed one, at least not yet,” Ford replied.
“We have to rectify that.” Sawyer kissed the top of his head. “I want to show you the world.”
Happiness flowed through Ford, and he squeezed Sawyer’s thigh. “Guess now it’ll be me and you, plus three.”
“Or more.” Sawyer was quick to add. And it wasn’t the first time he’d said it, and each time it had Ford feeling like he’d drunk ten cups of coffee, at least how he imagined it would feel.
“Or more.” Ford repeated. Did Sawyer mean more kids?
Ford looked up, and their eyes met and held, then Sawyer lowered his head and brushed their lips together. When he pulled back, Sawyer said, “Leave it to me. It would be nice getting away though, leaving the drama all behind.”
Ford had to nod at that.
“Yeah, I think taking off for a week is what the doctor ordered. It’s not like anything is going to happen while we’re away.”
“Bite your tongue.” Ford nudged Sawyer and he snickered. “Don’t jinx us, please.”
“It’s only a week,” Sawyer said. “Let me figure out our destination, and we’ll get away and forget everything that has happened while we’re gone. Plus, it’s the first spring break we’re spending with the children. We can’t let them down, can we?”
Ford shook his head and wrapped his arms around Sawyer’s neck. He trusted his boyfriend, and he was looking forward to their first family vacay.
Sawyer was right. It was what the doctor ordered.
A car was waiting for them at the airport when they landed in California. Ford and Sawyer held hands as they were driven to their destination. Sawyer had kept everything hush-hush, including where they were going. He’d planned everything out, and they were all excited. Even though traveling with kids turned out to be no picnic.
He’d only found out where they were going when Sawyer led them towards their gate at the airport. It became even clearer when they landed and the stewardess got on the speaker welcoming them to Orange County, California, which was home to Disneyland.
Ford looked over at Sawyer, and he winked at him. Across from them, Gavin and Savie’s excitement was evident. She turned to Sawyer wide-eyed and asked, “Is that where we’re going?”
Sawyer nodded. “Busted.”
He couldn’t wait either. He’d never been to Disney, and Ford knew they were in for some family fun.
And, of course, Sawyer went all out. When they stepped out of the chauffeured car, Ford’s jaw dropped. He was all thumbs as he tried to unbuckle Callum from the car seat. Sawyer finally took over, and all Ford could do was stare up at the hotel in front of them. A bellhop was rolling a luggage cart out to meet them.
He turned to Sawyer, and his boyfriend wore a wide grin. “You own this too?” Ford asked.
Sawyer chuckled and shook his head. “Don’t I wish. No, I managed to get us rooms at the Disney Resort Hotel. Did you know some people book a year in advance?”
“Oh my gosh… Savanna, look over here.” Gavin’s voice had them turning in the kids’ directions in time to see him pull Savie with him, and they headed over to a large fountain. They peered down into it, and Sawyer wrapped his arm around Ford’s waist as the three of them walked over to look into the water, as well. There were thousands of coins in the bottom of it, all reflecting the light from the bright sun.
Sawyer fished in his pocket until he had three coins. He handed one to each of the older kids. “Make a wish,” he said. They did and then tossed the coins into the fountain. He then handed one to Callum and the two of them helped him to get the penny tossed in, And Callum giggled which got the rest of them laughing.
“Let’s go get checked in,” Sawyer said.
Ford looked over at the car to find that it was gone. “The bellhop took our luggage in.” As a family they went into the resort, and all eyes were gazing around the lobby in awe.
“Wow, this is amazing.” Ford couldn’t believe how high the ceilings were.
They approached the check-in desk, and Sawyer gave the woman behind it the information for their booking. The staff were all friendly, and apparently, Sawyer had booked them one of the suites.
“The signature is all ready for you,” the smiling brunette checking them in said.
“Thank you.” Sawyer smiled. “Will you have our luggage brought up?”
She responded “Yes” as she gave them each their MagicBand.
“Ready?” Sawyer asked, and Savie and Gavin nodded so hard he was worried about them getting whiplash.
Sawyer turned to him with a wide smile on his lips. “Just wait until you see the room.”
Ford smiled, but nothing could have prepared him for the room that they were going to stay in. When they reached it, Sawyer opened the door for them, and it was more like a small house. It had everything you could possibly need in a living space. Savanna and Gavin eagerly ran in to explore the rooms, and Ford put Call
um down so he could toddle around.
“Wow, this is gorgeous. I can’t believe we are here for a whole week!” Ford walked further in, turning around till he felt like he was going to fall on his ass. “You were right. We did need some time away.”
Sawyer laughed and nodded, pulling him into his arms. “For a week.” Ford looked back, and Sawyer lowered his head for a kiss. “This place is all ours. Just me, you, and the kids.” Sawyer whispered. “How about I get Savie to watch Cal and I show you our room.” Sawyer nipped Ford’s neck and heat curled down his spine.
Ford turned around and Sawyer’s hand went down to his ass, and Ford wrapped his arms around Sawyer’s waist.
“You have such good ideas, Mr. Lancaster.” Ford’s tongue teased Sawyer’s lips. He grinned and glanced at Sawyer as he tried to follow his flighty kisses.
They took a moment to check on Callum, and apparently, Savie had already put him in front of the TV. When they were sure the kids would be fine on their own for a little bit, Sawyer took his hand and led him towards a room at the back of the suite. There was a large king-size bed right in the middle of it. Sawyer sat down on the bed and pulled Ford into his lap. He kissed him, wrapping his arm around Ford’s waist, and they stayed in that position, his tongue circling Ford’s. His hand inched up the back of Ford’s shirt. This was exactly what they needed.
“You guys have to see this view,” Savanna called out. “Come on.”
Sawyer groaned, which turned into a laugh as he slowly pulled back from Ford. “Just remember I love you.”
“Love you too” Ford whispered. “And don’t worry. This is definitely to be continued.” Ford got to his feet, and the two of them went out to the balcony in the living room so they could look at what had excited Savie. And what a view it was! A view that even their city didn’t have; the one from the living room was of the theme park.
“Told you we’d figure something out,” Sawyer whispered in his ear from behind him. Ford hadn’t doubted him for a second.
24
Sawyer
Sawyer took the last bite of his bacon and then downed what was left of his OJ. It’d been four days since they’d arrived in California, and each day had been awesome—and not just for the kids.
They’d gone to the beach, and that was a nice change from home. The kids loved the sunshine, although they’d had to go shopping for some weather-appropriate clothes.
“Where are we going today, Sawyer?” Gavin spoke round his mouthful of waffle.
“Finish chewing please,” Ford was quick to remind Gavin.
For some reason, that made him smile. Ford was just… he was everything. Sawyer didn’t know how he had gotten lucky enough to end up with someone like him. He wasn’t sure how he would have made it through the last few months without him.
Even though this was a family vacation, they’d had some good times between them after the kids fell asleep.
“Well… what do you want to do today?” Sawyer asked. His eyes danced, and he had a teasing grin because he knew the answer. Gavin and Savanna were dying to go to Disneyland. They had gone to Disney California Adventure on their first full day there, but it was Savie, he, and Ford that had really enjoyed it. Unfortunately for Gavin, some of the rides in the adventure park had more height restrictions.
Then they’d done Universal Studios—the kids loved the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—then driven up to Hollywood. They’d visited the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theater, and the Hollywood sign. The kids had taken so many pictures at each attraction and insisted on immediately sending them to Doug and Barb.
“Disneyland!” Savanna and Gavin piped up in unison.
“Disneyland!” Callum repeated, matching his siblings' enthusiasm. It came out sounding like Yizzeyyand, which made it even cuter.
All eyes went to Callum, and everyone burst out laughing. That had come out pretty well. They’d considered getting him a speech therapist once they found out Callum was a little behind in speech development, but the pediatrician told them not to worry because he was on track and would begin to catch up more quickly now.
He exchanged a look with Ford, and they shared a smile because they’d seen that coming. The kids had said Disney every day at least once.
“Well, great minds it seems, because I think that’s a great idea too,” Sawyer winked at the kids. They still had three days left in California, and since the hotel said they could get them fast passes whenever they needed them, another day at Disney would be a blast.
“Awesome.” Gavin said, and went back to shoveling food in his mouth.
Savie simply smiled and he shared another look with Ford. He loved seeing all the kids blossom. He leaned in and whispered in Ford’s ear, “I have a surprise for you too.”
A smile danced on Sawyer’s lips as Ford studied him. His boyfriend leaned in and whispered, “Mmm. I think I’m going to like this surprise.”
“Oh, you most certainly will.” Sawyer moved closer still and caught Ford’s lips in a quick kiss.
Then it was back to the kids. “Okay guys, who’s ready to get going?” Sawyer asked.
He got a chorus of “Me!” Ford took a moment to wipe Callum down since the kid had syrup on both hands and all over his face.
They stood up from their table in the resort’s restaurant. Ford picked Callum up and took a moment to strap him into his stroller before they headed out of the resort where a car was already waiting for them.
“Why don’t we walk today?” Ford nodded in the direction of the park. “It’s like five minutes away.”
“Works for me,” Sawyer said, and looked over at Savie and Gavin. “What do you guys think about walking?”
“Sure.” Savie shrugged.
Gavin, who was already in the car, hopped out. “Awesome.”
“I guess walking it is then.” Sawyer apologized to the driver and gave him a tip before turning to the kids and Ford. “Let’s go.”
The walk to the theme park went quickly, and the kids knew they needed to wait with them instead of just running off. Once they entered the park after tapping their MagicBands on the reader, they stopped at the entrance.
“Where to first?” Sawyer looked between the kids.
“Fantasy Land. I think that’s where all the slow rides are.” Savanna lifted her phone to show them. “Callum didn’t get to have as much fun as we did last time.”
Warmth filled Sawyer’s chest at her words. He loved how much the kids looked out for each other. Although Sawyer had a feeling that it was from being a unit—them against the world. They’d learned to take care of each other.
So, that was where they headed. With the fast passes, Savanna and Gavin moved to the head of the line and took Callum on the Mad Tea Party while Ford and Sawyer watched.
“So… what’s my surprise?” Ford nudged him. Sawyer looked over, and his boyfriend was sneaking glances his way.
Sawyer wiggled his brows. “Patience, babe. You’ll find out in just a matter of time. But believe me, I know you’ll be screaming for joy.” He winked at Ford, and his boyfriend blushed.
“No fair.” Ford stuck his lips out, looking adorable. “I don’t wanna be patient.”
“Isn’t there a saying about anticipation?” Sawyer traced his bottom lip and pulled it between his teeth. Ford shuddered, and he grinned as he kissed him softly.
Ford groaned. “Fine, but it better be good.”
“Mmm, it will be.” Sawyer nibbled on Ford’s lips once more before facing the kids. This was a family vacation, but Sawyer did intend to have some sexy times after the kids fell asleep.
Sawyer pulled Ford into his side, then turned to the Mad Tea Party ride and watched the kids going around. He snuck a look at Ford. He had a grin on his lips, and Sawyer couldn’t wait for tonight. Spending time with the kids was great, but they needed some alone time, and they needed it now.
They switched out who stayed with Callum in his stroller and who went on the bigger rides with Gavin and Savanna
. Sometimes just Gavin and Savie went on, or just Savie when Gav was too short.
It was a fun day, filled with lots of rides and plenty of laughs, and of course, lots of pictures. Sawyer had bought all the pictures from the rides, and they’d taken numerous pictures on their phones with characters around the park. It was their first family vacation, and these would be memories to share for years to come.
Then there was the food, and Sawyer was worried the kids would be sick after a while. But even he had to admit there was no way he was passing on the bacon Mac n’ Cheese Cone and huge turkey legs. He’d drawn the line at adding ice cream to the mix. But the kids loved the adorable Raspberry Rose Mickey Macaron.
The picture of Callum after getting his hands on the Jack-Jack Cookie Num was adorable, the kid’s face was covered from the warm chocolate chip cookie.
Even though they were having a blast, Sawyer didn’t want to postpone the surprise he had planned for Ford, and when he spotted Mason, Gabby, their son Breckin, and daughter Violet, he knew it was almost time.
“Hey, guys… fancy seeing you here,” Ford smiled at the couple.
It wasn’t quite a coincidence. The Rhodes were their neighbors in the opposite signature suite at the hotel. They’d run into them leaving their suites, and again around the pool with their kids earlier in the week. The kids had spent time together, and they’d gotten along. Their daughter was the same age as Savie, and their son a year younger than Gav.
They’d also had breakfast twice, and it had given Sawyer an idea, and after running it by Gabby and Mason, they were set. Of course he’d done a quick internet search and gotten his security people in New York to do a quick background check first.
“Actually, it’s not really all that surprising.” Sawyer moved so he was standing beside Ford. “Mason and Gabby offered to have the kids over for a sleepover so we can have some alone time.”
“Awesome.” Savanna walked over and nudged Violet.
Forever With His Boss Page 20
