His Accidental Daddy

by Luna, David

  “Why don’t you think about it over the rest of the weekend, and we can chat about it on Monday? Don’t make any rash decisions. I really want you to make the best decision for you. Your happiness and my happiness in our chosen roles will make a difference in how we run the business.”

  Madi smiled. “Okay. I’ll think it over. I’m so glad we’re doing this together. I think we’re going to kick some ass.”

  Laughing, Asher admitted, “I’m scared to death we’re gonna fuck everything up. But once I get past that paranoia, I get pretty excited about it.”

  “So is Thorn still pushing us to take his money?”

  He grumbled. “Yeah. But I think he finally understands we don’t want him throwing money at us. But now it seems he’s bound and determined to talk to Trent about coming up with a better financial offer for all of us. So I don’t know. He wants to help us so bad, and I hate saying no to him.”

  “So don’t.”

  “What do you mean don’t? I thought we agreed—”

  “We do agree. We can’t do it as he first suggested. It has to be profitable for all of us, not just you and me. But, if Trent, being the accountant type, will make sure Thorn isn’t using his Daddy brain but his business brain, maybe the offer will work this time. I’m happy to go with a bank loan, but I also know having a more personal touch, and having Thorn’s vested interest, will only help us in the long run. If he wants to help, and the terms are right, we should at least think about it.”

  Asher’s heart sped up at the thought of being in business with Daddy. If Thornton was truly willing to give them an offer that worked for everyone, maybe it could work for all of them. “Okay, we’ll think about it. Let’s see what they come up with and go from there.”

  “Sounds good. Let’s go check on the boys and track down my wayward daughter.”

  Asher laughed, knowing Gigi was having the time of her life with the puppies. They walked into the kitchen and found it empty. Heading outside, they both stood shocked, watching Gigi sitting astride Trent’s back like he was a horse, the puppies running around, barking and cavorting around the two of them.

  “Onward, my noble steed!” Gigi cried as she pointed ahead of them, then proceeded to clap two dog bones together to make clopping sounds.

  Thornton approached them from behind, more dog toys in his hands, head tilted to the side in consternation. “Madi?”

  Asher turned to Madi and saw her charmed grin. “Uh-huh?”

  Thornton looked her way. “Has Gigi watched Monty Python and the Holy Grail?”

  Madi grinned and was about to answer when Gigi hopped off her noble steed and fell over as if she was dead when Guinness jumped up and grabbed one of the bones from her. She hopped back up and, as she chased after Guinness, yelled, “It’s merely a flesh wound!”

  Trent, having watched it all from his hands and knees, fell over on his side laughing while Asher, Madi, and Thornton were dying from the sidelines. Gigi, completely oblivious she’d caused such a reaction, started rolling around on the ground with all three dogs.

  Asher chanced a glance at Madi and saw her making her way towards Trent, holding out a hand to help him up. “I’m sorry she used you as a horse.”

  He climbed to his feet, a huge grin on his face. “I’ll be her noble steed any day. She’s awesome.”

  Asher watched as Madi’s smile turned to a wide grin, pride shining in her eyes. “She is, isn’t she?”

  They stood and watched for several more minutes until Gigi ran out of steam and asked for a drink. Once inside, they chatted while Gigi drank one of Asher’s juice boxes. When she was done, Madi pulled on Gigi’s braids. “Come on, peach. Let’s get going.”

  They all made their way to the front door, and Madi turned to Trent. “Guinness is great. Thanks for letting her play with him. She loves dogs. Maybe soon we’ll be able to get a house with a backyard so she can have one of her own.”

  Trent, looking like he was trying to get up the courage to speak, finally rushed to say, “You can bring her over to my house anytime. Guinness loves to play.”

  Asher felt bad for Trent as he continued to blush, but when Madi placed her hand on his arm, Asher could see his friend relax under her attention. “She’d really love that. Thank you. Maybe I could bring dinner over sometime this week.”

  “Really?” The surprised happiness on Trent’s face made Asher’s heart swell.

  “Really. What are your favorite comfort foods?”

  Trent rubbed his stomach. “I love meatloaf and macaroni and cheese.”

  Gigi jumped up and down. “Mama’s loaf n’ cheese is the best!”

  Trent tipped his head in confusion. “Is that, like, some kind of meatloaf mac and cheese combo? Because that would be awesome.”

  Madi laughed. “No. Although… Hmm, I’ll think on that. She just mashes it all together, so that’s what it becomes on her plate.”

  Trent laughed and turned to Gigi. “I bet it’s good like that.”

  “It is! You should try it.”

  Trent turned to Madi, all heart eyes, and said, “I’d love to.”

  Madi nodded. “Then it’s settled. I’ll get your number from Asher and text you later.”

  After Trent agreed, Madi and Gigi left, and Asher turned towards Trent. “You two could seriously be adorable together.” Trent blushed and stammered, but Asher didn’t want to embarrass him anymore and turned to Thornton. “Daddy, can I go play with my track some more?”

  “Sure, baby. Trent and I still have some things to discuss. I’ll come get you when he’s ready to head out.”

  “Okay.” Asher skipped to his playroom, dogs following happily in his wake.

  As he continued building his mega track, he thought over the last several hours. But even after all the shop talk and everything else, the thing that hit him most was the fact he’d somehow found a family in the midst of everything crazy going on in his life.

  He’d never felt like he belonged anywhere, nor did he think he’d ever have what had essentially fallen into his lap. He was happier than he’d ever been and more comfortable in his skin than he ever thought he would be. And he couldn’t have been more grateful.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Thornton

  The following Monday when Thornton pulled up to The Glasshouse, Asher leaned forward, turned off Enya in Thornton’s car, and leaned close to kiss him goodbye. “Have a good day, Daddy, and say hi to Trent.”

  “I will. Tell Jenn and Madi hello.”

  They kissed again and grinned at each other, equally ridiculously besotted. “What do you want for dinner?”

  They played this game every time Thornton dropped him off for work. Anything to lengthen the time they had together, even if only for another minute. Asher’s eyes grew wide. “Can we get food from Mama’s Chimichangas?”

  Thornton chuckled. “You’re ruining my schedule. That’s on Tuesdays.”

  His boy’s big doe eyes and pouting lips had him smirking. Asher knew how to pull all his strings; he didn’t just have him wrapped around his little finger—he had Thornton wrapped around every finger and every toe. “Please, Daddy? We can call it Mulitas Mondays, and we can still have it again for Taco Tuesday.”

  Thornton snorted. “Mama Hernandez doesn’t even make mulitas in her food truck.”

  Asher grinned. “I bet she would for me. She loves me.”

  Thornton smirked and nodded. “She does,” and it was true. When Mama had learned they were together, she’d been excited. She didn’t know Asher well, but he’d apparently visited Mama’s enough to be memorable, and now she doted on him every time they visited there. “And so do I, so Mama’s for dinner it is. Now go, before I start talking about business.”

  Asher smirked. “We can talk about it tonight. I promise. Love you.”

  “Love you, too, baby. Be good.” Asher leaned in for another kiss, and then he was gone, leaving Thornton to go about his own workday.

  Once he got back at home, he and Trent w
ere ensconced in his kitchen for their breakfast meeting. At the end of their night on Saturday, he’d talked with Trent about everything he’d proposed to Asher and Madi regarding The Glasshouse. His brother had given him a ton of shit for the offer he’d given his boy, but after they’d talked, he’d felt pretty good about their final decision.

  The fact that Trent had immediately understood, and even agreed with, his need to help provide an offer for Asher and Madi that gave them a distinct advantage over other financial backers had calmed his defensive instincts. He hadn’t gotten any pushback regarding his desire to help, just the way he’d originally gone about it, which he admitted to himself had been foolhardy. Asher and Madi’s refusal to sign on to such a deal had also gone a long way in soothing Trent’s slightly ruffled feathers.

  Sunday, with Trent’s advice still in his thoughts, he’d worked up a new proposal. They ate breakfast as he detailed out his full offer for Asher and Madi. “Do you see any issues needing to be addressed before Asher and Madi get a look?”

  “No. I think it’s good for everyone involved. I’ll need to move some money around for this as well, so let me know when they’ve signed. It’s a huge investment, Thorn, but a smart one.”

  “I think so too. Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight? Asher talked me into Mama’s, so I’ll get your favorites. Madi will be there as well, which reminds me…”

  He took out his phone to text Asher to be sure he remembered to ask Madi what she wanted, only to find Madi had texted him herself with an order for her and Gigi. He grinned, knowing that would please his brother.

  “Looks like we’ll see Gigi as well.” He watched closely and saw the telltale signs of pleasure, nerves, and anticipation his little brother had just thinking about seeing Madi and her daughter again. The blush got deeper, but there was hope in his eyes.

  “Do you think she’ll still want to come over to my place with Gigi later this week if she’s seeing me tonight?”

  God, he hoped it worked out with Madi. They could be so good together, but if it ended badly, things could get a bit uncomfortable for everyone. “From what I’ve learned from Asher, and my own observations, she follows through on her promises, and I think that’s what she’d consider your conversation Saturday.”

  Trent nodded and stood. “Okay. I’m gonna get back to work. I’ll head over around six-ish?”

  “Sounds good.”

  After breakfast, Thornton had gotten busy with the rest of his workday and had to haul ass to get back to The Glasshouse at the end of Asher’s day to pick his boy up. Once Asher was in the car, they’d been on their way. With Asher’s calming music on, his boy was finally able to chat about his day. His excitement was palpable as he explained Madi had decided she wanted to be the business manager and how excited they both were to talk about the proposal later at dinner.

  Ten minutes later, they stopped not only to get food but to chat with Mama, so six-ish came sooner than they’d expected. They passed Trent’s car on the driveway and pulled into the garage five minutes before the hour, two huge bags of Mama’s best foods making the car smell like heaven.

  Trent and all three dogs met them in the mudroom, his brother relieving Asher of his bag of food and leading the way back towards the kitchen. They began to unpack dinner and divvy it up when the doorbell rang. Thornton glanced up and saw Asher grinning at Trent, saying, “Why don’t you go let them in, and Daddy and I will finish up?”

  Trent blushed, unable to hide his excitement and nerves. “Okay.”

  Asher met Thorn’s gaze, and they both grinned at each other. “I hope things work out for both of them. They’d be really good together, and I think they need just what the other can give them.”

  Thornton tugged Asher’s belt loop, drawing his boy near. “Me too, baby.”

  He kissed Asher, and they brought the food to the kitchen table just as Gigi ran in. “Hi, Asher, hi, Thorn. Mommy said I get flautas tonight! They’re my favorite.”

  Thornton raised the plate he had in his hand. “They’re right here, sweetheart. Do you want some juice, milk, or water with it?”

  She hopped up and down before she took her seat. “Juice please. Thank you.”

  Asher went to grab the juice, and Thornton watched as Madi and Trent walked towards the kitchen. Madi, a tiny little thing, was looking up at Trent, a smile on her face as she reached up to touch his shoulder. He replied to whatever she said, and she tipped her head back and laughed.

  The grin his brother had on his face, not to mention the pride at having made her laugh, warmed Thornton’s heart. His brother could use someone that put a smile like that on his face. Trent smiled often, but never were his smiles that full of unbridled happiness. He mentally crossed his fingers they’d fit together perfectly.

  They all sat down and dug into their meals with gusto, holding work discussions until later. When Gigi was done eating, she asked to go with the dogs to color and watch TV. Trent stood when Gigi did, placing a hand on Madi’s shoulder. “I’ll get her set up. Be right back.”

  Madi smiled and patted his hand. “Thanks.”

  When Trent and Gigi left the room, Asher turned to Madi and just stared at her and grinned. Madi pointed at him, narrowing her eyes. “Knock it off. I told you I’d give it a chance, and I will, but quit giving me those looks.”

  Asher sucked his lips between his teeth and nodded, all mock serious. “You got it.”

  Trent came back in, and they finished their meals. Thornton couldn’t wait any longer. “So, after talking with Trent, I have a new proposal.”

  He watched as Asher glanced at Madi and received a nod. Asher looked back at him and grinned. “Can you hold that thought?” Thornton sat back in his chair in surprise; he’d been so ready to give them the proposal he assumed they couldn’t refuse that the wind went out of his sails, but the excitement on their faces had him nodding and gesturing for them to go on. “So we have a new proposal for you.”

  That surprised him, and he couldn’t help but grin. “Well, aren’t you two tricky. It’s a good thing Trent is here to help me make a decision then. Let’s hear it.”

  Madi reached down into her bag and handed over a file. His brows rose, and he looked between all three people at the table. Trent shrugged, obviously as in the dark as he was, while Madi and Asher looked equal parts enthusiastic and nervous. He opened the file, and his eyes popped wide at what he saw.

  He pushed his plate back and set the file down, flipping through page after page of a very thorough, very professional business plan, much like the one he had sitting on the counter across the room, but with a few surprises thrown in. When he reached the last page, he glanced between them again as he passed the file to Trent. Trent pushed back his chair and brought an ankle to his knee, resting the file in his lap as he opened it. After seeing the first couple pages, he looked up at Thornton, grinning.

  “You both want me to be part owner? A twenty percent share is huge. Are you sure you’re comfortable with that?” Thornton asked.

  Both of them nodded, Asher speaking up. “We are. We’ve been talking about it, and while we want to go with you for the loan, we also want you to have a stake in the business. It’s a good business move. Jenn was enthusiastic about it when we talked to her, and we spent all day drawing up the proposal.”

  Everyone sat at the table in silence as he took it all in. Trent leafed through the pages, brows high, smile wide. That was all he needed. “Why don’t we adjust the interest to the numbers Trent and I were going to propose, which is just a bit lower than the ones you’re proposing here, and we’ll add a clause that you can buy me out when you’re ready?”

  They both shook their heads, and Madi spoke up. “Both Jenn and I have done a lot of research on you and your company since Asher first mentioned you were interested in backing us.” She looked down at her lap and blushed, the first he’d ever seen on her since they’d met, and he grinned when she looked up again, meeting his gaze. “Sorry, but—”

&nbs
p; “Don’t apologize,” he interrupted. He couldn’t help himself; he wasn’t going to have her doubting her good sense for a second longer. “It’s smart, and it makes me feel relieved you aren’t going into this blind. I know Jenn would have done a thorough check as well for both your sakes and hers.”

  Madi let out a breath, and her shoulders relaxed. “Good. Thank you. Like I was saying, we did our research, and the companies you invest in that you also have a stake in flourish with your involvement in the day-to-day operations. This is all new for us, and we won’t be able to fall back on Jenn because she wants to be done with it. We’re smart enough to know we’re going to need help, and yeah, we know you’d help us if we needed it, but we want you to be a part of our success as well.”

  When she was done, she kept eye contact, and when he grinned, she grinned too. He glanced at Trent and got the official nod before he interjected, “I’ll take a closer look at this and fiddle with the numbers, make sure they work for everyone. Once you all sign off on it, I’ll send it to our lawyers to write up an official contract, and then we’ll be good to go.”

  He glanced at Asher, and the beatific smile on his boy’s face sent a thrill racing through his body. He pushed back from the table, making room for his excited boy, who bounced up and hopped in his lap, kissing him for all he was worth. He heard Trent and Madi laughing, prompting Asher to pull away and blush. Thornton leaned down and whispered for only his boy to hear, “We’ll continue that later, baby.”

  As Asher, pink cheeked with arousal coupled with embarrassment, was moving back to his own chair, Madi leaned over again and pulled out a bottle, sending a jolt through Thornton’s system. He was shaking his head, hoping to avoid a panic attack from Asher, when she held up a finger to hold him off. “So I brought a little bubbly with me, of the non-alcoholic variety, of course. How about we have a toast?”