Page 25 of Cedarwood Manny

“I do.” He strode through the doorway and into the shop. A few people milled about. He didn’t know anyone there other than Farin, but that didn’t matter. He wasn’t scared. “Thanks.”

“Go home and enjoy your family. You have a gift if you have a family.” Farin walked with him to the front of the store. “Embrace it.”

“I will.” He hugged Farin. “I’ll see you. Thanks for the advice.”

“Anytime,” Farin said. “Later.”

Adrien made his way back to the office. His heart was lighter, despite the need to observe his surroundings closer. The Coalition could give him hell. He was ready and they couldn’t do a damn thing.

* * * *

Adrien pulled into the garage at half past five. The last appointment had been quick and he’d finished his paperwork in record time. Now he could relax with the guys—as Farin put it. He grinned.My guys.For the first time since Kyle had been born, he felt like he belonged to a family. Gerry had been ready to go right after Kyle’s birth and had never wanted Adrien to help with raising him—until that raising became too difficult.

A family.Not him paying the bills and providing a home, but he was part of the unit.

He left the car and grabbed his bag from the back seat.

“Daddy.” Kyle rushed into the garage and hugged Adrien’s legs. “You’re home.”

“I should be. I live here.” He slung his bag over his shoulder, then picked up Kyle. He carried his son into the house. “How was school?”

“Good. Maize said she wanted me to be her boyfriend. I told her we’re friends.” Kyle nodded. “Nothing more.”

“You’re in preschool. Aren’t you a little young to have a girlfriend?” Did kids have boyfriends or girlfriends at this age? He wasn’t sure.

“And Nate got me from school. We had ice cream and played at the park. He rode on the slide with me an’ everything.” Kyle tugged at the hairs on the back of Adrien’s head. “Can I have long hair too?”

“If you want.” Adrien met Nathan’s gaze. “Did you have fun at the park?”

“Uh-huh.” Kyle squirmed. “Let’s make mac-n-cheese.”

Adrien set Kyle on his feet. “I don’t know how to, but if you show me, I’ll help you and Nathan.”

“Nate, Dad.” Kyle groaned and huffed away.

“Right.” Adrien chuckled. He deposited his bag on the kitchen table. “Sorry.”

Nathan grinned. He eased over to Adrien. “You’re picking up this dad thing rather fast. I’m impressed.”

“I’m trying.” He elbowed Nathan and lowered his voice. “How are you?” He added water to the stock pot.

“Better.” Nathan sighed. His brow furrowed as he switched off the faucet. “Just…they freaked me out. Thanks for calming me down.”

“You’re welcome. Happy to help,” Adrien said. He added a dash of salt and oil to the water, then placed the pot on the burner. “I talked to my friend Farin. If anyone knows how to deal with the Coalition, it’s him. He suggested we live our life and exist.” As he turned on the burner, he bumped into Nathan, needing to feel the heat from Nathan’s body. “He also suggested we take that kiss to the next level.”

“I thought we were.” Nathan crooked his brow. He opened the box of pasta. “Aren’t we?”

At least he hadn’t pushed too much. “I’m not trying to put you in a position, but I want to be with you.” He left Nathan long enough to retrieve milk and butter from the refrigerator. He placed both items on the counter.

“Good.” Nathan brushed his hand over Adrien’s. “I’m not used to this kind of attention.” He leaned into Adrien. “I feel better doing this, though.” His eyes glittered. “I’ve wanted to kiss you all day.” When Kyle walked back into the room, Nathan put space between him and Adrien, then said, “Mac-n-cheese will be done soon. Why don’t you help Kyle wash up and we’ll eat?”

“Deal.” Adrien directed his son to the first-floor bathroom. He marveled at Nathan’s patience with his son. No matter what Kyle said, Nathan didn’t blink. Kyle stood at the counter and washed his hands. He splashed and sloshed water onto the counter. Adrien cleaned up the mess, then followed Kyle to the dining room. Nathan had the plates set out, a glass of milk for Kyle and water for him and Adrien.

Nathan sat next to Kyle, who talked through the entire meal. Adrien tamped down his frustration. Kids were too chatty. How did Nathan not lose his cool? Kyle ate most of his dinner, but spilled some of the cheese down his front. Despite the new mess, Nathan kept up with the conversation and helped Kyle clean the yellow cheese from his shirt.

“I’m done,” Kyle announced. He slid out of his chair and carried his plate from the room.

“Okay, then choose a game. Your dad and I will be in the playroom in a little bit,” Nathan said. “Something we can all play.”

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