by C. W. Gray
From the corner of his eye, Sawyer watched Olive and Harry dance with some of her friends beneath the shiny disco ball. Harry looked like a maypole as the little girls danced around the older boy. He heard Sadie’s laughter. She sat with a gaggle of teenage girls. They talked and talked and talked. Sawyer had a feeling there would be sleepovers soon. Ryder and another young Wilson, Hannah, sat at an empty table, making a list of goals for the upcoming year. Sawyer couldn’t help but grin as he watched the two. They were both more organized than most adults.
David stopped dancing and gave him a sweet smile. He pulled Sawyer into the hall as the countdown to mid-night began. David’s smile turned to pure seduction as he wrapped his arms around Sawyer. Sawyer pulled him close and kissed him. He vaguely heard everyone yell mid-night, but his attention was elsewhere. He had a feeling that this would be the best year of his life.
Chapter Five
David slept late, Chunky curled in the bed with him. The house was still quiet when he got up, but the kids weren’t used to being out so late, so he wasn’t surprised they were still sleeping at eight in the morning. He put on the coffee and put out food for Mo and the cats. Sipping from his cup, he checked on Cadbury, taking the time to clean the cage and refresh the bunny’s water and food. He left the rabbit to his own breakfast and grabbed his phone.
Locking himself in his bathroom, he dialed a number that he hadn’t called in a little over five years. It was probably way too late to call her, but he couldn’t wait any longer.
“Hello? Who is this?” Gina’s voice didn’t sound sleepy and he heard voices in the background, so some of his guilt eased.
“Gina,” he said.
“David?” Her voice was pure shock. “It’s been over five years, asshole. Where have you been?”
“In Maine,” he said. “You know why I had to leave.”
She sighed. “Hold on. Let me find somewhere private to talk.” He heard the background noise fade. “Okay. God, David, I can’t believe it’s you. Wait, did you say Maine? The kids said something about Maine when I talked to them last night.”
“They’re here. He’s here.”
“Fuck. Finally,” she said, groaning. “I can’t believe you left like that.”
“Gina,” he said, frustrated. “Do you know how much it hurt to see him every day and know that he belonged to you?”
“Yeah. That had to suck,” she said. “We just really missed you when you left. He’s there now, though. You giving him a chance?”
“Of course,” he said. “Like I could say no. They’re moving in with me.”
“But? You wouldn’t have called me if there wasn’t something wrong.”
“Is it really over between you two? He says you two were never happy, but it sure as hell looked like you were the perfect couple.”
“We are beyond over,” she said. “You know how my parents were. They wanted me married, with two point five kids. I did what they wanted for so long that it was actually a relief when I got pregnant with Sadie. Otherwise, I knew Sawyer and I wouldn’t have married. He’s a great guy, David, but the two of us just aren’t good together.”
David closed his eyes. He was ashamed, but he was so happy to hear they’d been having problems, even though it pissed him off. “Damn it, Gina. What about your kids? He has full custody. How can you be so casual about losing them?”
“Listen,” she said, voice full of emotion. “I haven’t told a single person this, not even Sawyer, but you’re going to be their new parent, so I want you to understand. I love them. I carried each of them in my body for nine months and have never regretted having them. They made Sawyer so fucking happy, and I wanted him to have that.”
“He adores them,” David said, nodding.
“Here’s the thing, though. I never wanted them. Never. I may be a selfish person, but I simply never wanted children. I can’t even blame it on work. Career or no career, it didn’t matter. I swear, it’s not just an excuse to do what I want. I’m not mother material. I had them for Sawyer and my parents.”
His heart hurt for the three kids sleeping in his house. He hurt for her too. “Gina, you did have them, though. You have a responsibility.”
“I know,” she said quietly. “I call them every week. I send them birthday and Christmas presents, and Sawyer and I both contribute to their college funds. I know I could do more, but honestly, I think it hurts them more when I do. I tried with Sadie, when she was little. I think that’s why she hates me so much. She thinks I stopped loving her. The boys know I care, but they see me more like a distant aunt.”
“I can’t fathom it,” he admitted. “I hear what you’re saying and I know every person is different, but I can’t fathom not wanting to see them every day.”
“That’s why you’re there with them, and I’m in France. I can’t be what they need. You can. I’ve never met anyone with a bigger heart than you, David.”
“You deserve happiness too, Gina,” he said, shaking his head. She had an emotional responsibility to them too, damn it. He did know her parents, though. They were pushy and controlling. It was so fucking complicated.
“I have my happiness,” she said simply. “I am very satisfied with my life, even though I do feel guilty about the kids. I truly do think my distance is better for them than if I tried to be someone I’m not. I’m not completely selfish. Mostly, yes, but not completely. It’s just that not everyone needs nor wants a family.”
“Okay,” he said with a sigh. “You and Sawyer are over. You don’t mind that your kids are mine now, and you know that we’re all living in Maine. I’ll send you our new address and you can reach me here. You’re welcome here anytime too. If you ever want to come.”
“I may take you up on that,” she said. “My parents haven’t spoken to me since the divorce.”
“Well, we’re here.” He hoped Sawyer wouldn’t mind him saying that.
“I missed you too, David,” she said. “I thought Sawyer would die when you left. He became a shell of himself. I knew why you had to go, before he ever did, but I still missed you.”
“I miss you too, Gina.” Their call ended and David felt a weight leave his shoulders. He hadn’t realized he needed that conversation, that certainty.
He worked on getting dressed, Chunky sitting on the bathroom counter, watching him in fascination. “Alright, Chunky,” he said. “It’s make up time. Should I go with a light and sweet look today or super seductive?”
“Meow.”
“You’re right. It is a Sunday morning.” He went with light and sweet and dressed in a teal, silk Calvin Klein jumpsuit he’d found on sale at Macy’s. The bright color contrasted well against his dark skin. He looked damn good.
“David?” Sadie’s voice came through the door.
“Come in, sweetie.”
She came in, yawning, dressed in her pajamas. She carried Cadbury in her hand and Mo followed her. The dog jumped on his bed and rolled around. Weirdo. “Last night was a lot of fun,” she said. “I’m glad we’re staying. When are you going to let Dad move in your room?”
“Soon,” he said. The teenager sprawled out next to Mo on his bed. She set Cadbury carefully on a pillow. David sat beside her. “I talked to your mom today.”
“Why would you want to do that?” She rolled to her side and propped her head on her hand.
“I was her friend too,” he reminded her. “I wanted to hear what happened from her. I needed to understand some things.”
“Like why she’s in France and we’re here?”
David eyed her suspiciously. “Can you read minds?”
She snorted. “Yes. You and Dad had best keep your thoughts clean.”
“I’m sorry for the things you’ll see and hear, sweetie,” he said, shaking his head. She just laughed. “Anyway, I did talk with your mom. She cleared some things up. You know she loves you, right?”
“Not like Dad and you do,” Sadie said.
“I d
on’t know what to say, Sadie,” he said. “I have this crazy, selfish theory, but… never mind.”
“What’s your crazy, selfish theory?” Her green eyes were sad.
“What if fate, kismet, or whatever made your dad meet Gina so that I could have you kids? Maybe I just screwed it up by leaving. I could have had all of you for five years now.”
Sadie smiled, eyes softening. “That’s not crazy. Mom will never be a real mother, but you will be a great dad. Maybe you’re right.”
“Sadie? She said she tried with you. What does she mean? When I met you all, Gina was never home too often.”
“When I was really little, I remember her singing me to sleep. We spent time together playing, and she was home more often. Then it just stopped. She just stopped trying.”
“You know that’s not your fault, right? She told me she wasn’t meant to be a mother.”
“I get it in here,” she said, tapping her head. “I wouldn’t want her to force herself to be someone she’s not. I don’t want that for anyone. It’s just hard to understand it in my heart. That’s why I like your crazy, selfish theory. I was just meant to be your daughter.”
David pulled her up and into a hug. “That’s the truth. You’re too smart and beautiful to be anyone else’s.”
They both froze, sniffing the air. “Is that bacon,” Sadie asked.
“Someone is making breakfast,” David said. His stomach growled and Sadie laughed. “That was Mo, not me.”
“Sure,” she said, rolling her eyes. They heard feet running down the hall. “We had better hurry. The boys will eat it all.”
“Wait. I need my shoes.” He ran into his closet and picked a pair of black heels, putting them on as he ran for the door, Sadie in front of him with Cadbury.
Sawyer scrambled eggs at the stove. He ran appreciative eyes over David, but toast and bacon were piled in the middle of the small breakfast table, distracting David from his hot boyfriend. The boys already sat in their seats, eying the bacon like starving wolves. Sawyer served up the eggs and everyone dug in.
David watched Sadie stick her tongue out at Ryder when he teased her about her hair while Harry snuck a piece of bacon to Mo under the table. Sawyer sat beside David, hand on his knee. In that moment, David knew that this was his family. This was his man. He hadn’t been able to hold back with the kids, but he had with Sawyer. He was scared, and he still was.
He thought back to his conversation with Shawn. He had told the young man that he had the chance to make some good memories. He didn’t know what was in the future, but he knew these four people would be there. That was enough to take a chance.
“Have you already unpacked, Sawyer?”
“Yeah. I had some time before the party last night.”
“That’s unfortunate,” he said, pouting.
Sawyer and the kids stared at him with hurt eyes and devastated expressions. “You don’t want us here?” Harry’s lip trembled.
“What? Of course I want you here,” David said, baffled.
“Then why is it bad that Dad unpacked?” Ryder sniffled.
“Oh, because he needs to move into my room. If he already unpacked, he’ll have to pack again.”
“We’ll move him,” Harry shouted happily. “It won’t be hard. You’ll see.”
Sawyer grinned at him. “I’m moving into the big room, huh?”
“I’ll make room for your things in my closet. Somehow. Are you sure you need all those clothes?”
“I can’t run around naked.”
“If he gets too, then we get too,” Harry said.
“No,” Sadie said. “God, please no.”
“Fine,” David said. “For Sadie’s sake, you can keep your clothes. As long as I get you, I can deal with less room in the closet. I guess.”
“I feel so loved,” Sawyer said.
“I really hope the twins are girls,” Sadie said. “I think I’ll need the reinforcements.”
Chapter Six
Six Months Later
Sawyer and David pulled up to the house. It was so good to finally be home. Connecticut wasn’t that far away, but he’d missed the kids. Harry and Mo ran out the front door and straight to the car. Harry plastered his face to the back window to stare at the twins, as Mo ran around the car barking. Sawyer got out and stood beside him, peeking at the two newest additions.
“You’re finally home,” Ryder said, running for David. “I missed you.”
David hugged him, watching Sawyer smugly. “You see who he missed the most, right?”
“Oh, I see how it is,” Sawyer said with a smile. His kids fucking loved David and weren’t shy about showing it.
“I missed you the most, Dad,” Harry said, then mouthed I love you more to David.
“Why are the babies still in the car?” Sadie pushed Sawyer and Harry out of the way. “Where’s Penelope? She’s my only hope.” Sadie took the infant from her seat and cradled her close. The little girl had her daddy’s dark skin and hair. She wore white leggings and a yellow tutu. A little white headband stood out against her dark curls. “You and I will take over the house, peanut,” she whispered to her little sister. “I love your tutu, and now I need a matching one.”
David and Ryder took care of Penelope’s omega twin, Phineas. “It’s okay, Finn. We’ll protect you from the girls,” Harry said, running around the car with Mo. Phineas looked just like Penelope, but his hair was more brown than black. The baby boy looked dashing in his green overhauls set and striped bow tie. David made cute babies, but Sawyer was surprised at the amount of hair the two had. His three had been little baldies.
“Come on. Let’s get them inside. I take it from all the cars out here that we have company?” Sawyer watched Harry run back and forth between the babies.
“You’ll see, Dad. Don’t ruin the surprise,” Ryder said, gently carrying Finn. Sawyer had a feeling his older omega son was going to spoil his younger omega son. He’d have to make sure Harry didn’t get left out. His sweet beta boy was used to being the youngest.
They walked in the house and were met with half the town. The Wilson family was there, of course, but so were all their friends. Ray and Carter waved from the kitchen door. They had plates of food in hand. A very pregnant Elijah rushed forward, making grabby hands. “Hand her over, Sadie.” Sadie gently transferred Penelope to Elijah.
“Why, hello, Elijah darling,” David said, giving the man a peeved look. “It’s good to see you too.”
“Oh hush, you,” Elijah said. “I’m busy with this beautiful little girl. Look at her Olive,” he said. He looked around for his daughter. “You have to see her, Olive,” he bellowed, pushing into the crowd to find his daughter.
“Welcome home,” Gramps said, his arm around his wife. “I’m sorry for the intrusion, but we couldn’t wait to see the babies.”
David hugged the couple. “You two are never an intrusion. The others here?” David shrugged. “It just depends.” The whole Wilson clan had easily transitioned from friends to family. These two loving people had spent more time with Sawyer’s kids in six months then their biological grandparents had their whole lives.
“You love us,” Grey said, pressing a kiss to David’s cheek. He carried Rue and a plate of tamales. “Remember, I’m the one who told Ray your sad backstory and asked him to find Sawyer.”
“I’ll forever be in your debt, Greyson darling,” David said, shooting Sawyer a flirty look. “I love my boo.”
“We’re going to have so many play dates,” Elijah said, returning empty handed to grab Rue from Grey.
“Where did Penelope go?”
“She’s being passed around the room. Last I saw, Carter was cooing over her. I love it when my man turns to mush,” Elijah said.
“Here’s Finn, Gramps,” Ryder said, handing his little brother over. “I held him just like you taught me, but he feels a lot different than Daisy.” He turned to Harry, wrapping his arm around his younger brothe
r. “Let’s go make sure the nursery looks good. Then we can get some more tamales.”
The two ran through the crowd and Sawyer let a little of his worry go. He had some good boys and he shouldn’t underestimate Ryder. He wouldn’t let Harry feel left out. He watched Gramps and Grammy fuss over Phineas. David kissed his cheek and linked their fingers together. They wondered through the room, talking and laughing with their friends. It was damn good to be home.
***
Later that night, Sadie piled on the couch with the boys, Mo, and Daisy to watch a movie while Cadbury cuddled in the cat bed with Chunky. David came down the stairs, exhaustion in his eyes. “The babies are finally down. I don’t think they’ll stay asleep, but we can hope,” he said.
Sawyer pulled his man into his arms, burying his face in David’s neck, relishing his familiar scent. “I love you, David,” he said.
“I love you too, honey buns.”
“Can we go upstairs? I need to talk to you a minute,” Sawyer said.
“Talk, huh? Is that what we’re calling it now?”
Sawyer laughed. “We’ll do that too.” He peeked into the living room. “Kids, we’re going to bed. Don’t stay up too late, alright? You all promised to help Grammy pick tomatoes tomorrow afternoon, and Gramps is coming by to take you to Uncle Grey’s for the morning, remember?”
“Yes,” Harry shouted. “I like riding the ponies.”
“Uncle Harper said I could help him in his workshop,” Ryder said proudly. Harper had a woodworking business, and Ryder loved it. He had even made three little carved figures – a horse, a rabbit, and a dog.
“I’ll bring Cadbury, so he can visit the other rabbits,” Sadie said. “He needs to learn that Chunky is not his mama. He’s a rabbit, but he thinks he’s a cat.”
“He can be a cat if he wants to, Sadie,” Harry said. “Leave him alone.”
David shook with silent laughter as the kids argued about whether Cadbury could be a cat or not. Sawyer shook his head and pulled him upstairs to their room. The past six months had been the happiest of his life. He loved his kids but having David at his side made all the difference. He even enjoyed his job now. Not that he had hated it before, but he liked it now instead of merely tolerating it.
